I have been thinking of upgrading my crankbait setup for next season and was sort of debating between the two different rods: Dobyns Champion 765 CB and G Loomis IMX Pro 906 CB.  I dont really want a glass rod and was thinking 7’6” would be the preferred length.  I would be throwing 6XDs primarily, or cranks that dive in the 15’ to 20’ range.  I appreciate any feedback on the above rods for comparison purposes, or other potential recommendations.  I have a Daiwa Tatula Elite casting reel and get pretty good casting distance with that, but if there is something better for the application I would be curious to hear anyones input on that too.  I typically stick with daiwa or shimano.  Thanks guys!

Can't go wrong with a loomis, I  have no experience with Dobyns because nobody around me sells them but I hear a lot of good things about them. If I was cranking that deep I would prefer a fiberglass rod for comfort and a reel in the 5 or six gear ratio. I wouldn't change reels if you're getting good performance out of the current one.

The 6XD weighs an ounce so the 5 power in the Champion Crankbait powers is spot on.  The 805CB RM was designed for the Normans DD 22 which is 7/8 ounce. The 765CB is a shorter version and will perform well with baits from 1/2 ounce to 1.25 ounce.  The Elite will balance well but you will want to put a 100 mm handle on it to address the resistance of the bigger baits.

 

I went with the 805 CB glass but I prefer the slower reaction of a composite blank.  I’ve owned one Loomis CBR rod and it was nice but it broke.  Probably my fault.  

Deep cranks pull hard and if you spend a lot of time cranking, having a handle long enough to tuck into your armpit is a wrist saver.  Two handed casting for bombing cranks is also very helpful.  Most rods suck for me because the rods keep getting longer and the handles shorter.  Sometimes I crank for 6 hours so if it's just a few casts then it's not as critical.

21 hours ago, Angry John said:

Deep cranks pull hard and if you spend a lot of time cranking, having a handle long enough to tuck into your armpit is a wrist saver.  Two handed casting for bombing cranks is also very helpful.  Most rods suck for me because the rods keep getting longer and the handles shorter.  Sometimes I crank for 6 hours so if it's just a few casts then it's not as critical.

This is exactly why I like a full handle for moving baits.

 

Personally, I would go with the 805CB (or the glass version if you wanted glass) if I was looking to throwing anything over 1oz regularly. For 6XDs, the 765CB would do nicely, it's just a matter of length. If this is was my primary deep diver rod, I would go with the longer rod to keep it in the zone personally - this one is likely not to see much use from the shore or near shorelines where low hanging branches are a problem.

 

The Tatula Elite is one of the better US model Daiwa reels for throwing crankbaits. I wouldn't buy another reel specifically for the task but if you happen to need another reel and could repurpose the Tatula Elite appropriately, take a look the Shimano Curado MGL 70 or SLX MGL 70, depending on what your budget.