I have been having a good year fishing very small profile deep diving cranks like the Imakatsu  deep Impact ,deep wiggle warts and Super-Z Z3 crankbaits, I was looking to drop a set of 5:5:1 gears into a SLX MGL as a reel for these cranks but it started getting a little too complicated to pull off. I have been using the Engestsu pg and the Steez A crazy cranker and have been able to launch the small profile deep divers pretty well, and now I just picked up a Zillion 1000P so I think I'm covered in the reel category. I have been using a Dobyns Champ 764CB, which is a wonderful rod for these types of baits, but the monkey is always looking to get his hands on more toys to play with. Given that black Friday is right around the corner, I was looking to add another rod as a smaller profile deep diving set up. I'm looking at the rods listed below, any input, feedback or recommendations are appreciated.

 

Falcon Cara Casting Rod 7'3" Med Hvy Deep Runner

Dobyns Kaden Series Crankbait KD 734CB

ALX Zolo  Crank  7'4"

 

 

 

 

 

I'll have one of these soon and will use it for everything listed plus small cranks. They'll take it back within 3 days of delivery if it's not up to snuff.

https://www.alphaangler.com/products/clutch-power-finesse

 

https://www.alphaangler.com/pages/returns

2 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

I'll have one of these soon and will use it for everything listed plus small cranks. They'll take it back within 3 days of delivery if it's not up to snuff.

https://www.alphaangler.com/products/clutch-power-finesse

 

https://www.alphaangler.com/pages/returns

Never really considered Alpha Angler, specs look good for what I want it to do, if you decide to keep it , let me know your thoughts on the rod. 

My favorite small crank bait rod is Loomis PR845C GL or upgrade to PR844C GLX. Multi purpose rod for me perfect for lipless, crankbaits 1/4 to 5/8 oz, structure spoons 1/2 to 1 oz. launch’s lures with ease and keeps treble hook bass pinned near the boat, strong enough to control bigger bass.

Tom

I have the expert version (the Hudson special) of the falcon you are looking at. It is a great deep cranking rod, though I don’t do that much.  I fish it with dt 10-16 sized and have fished a dt20 on it.  It’s a good choice for all of those things. I use mine as a big topwater rod (buzzbaits and ploppers) and I also think it would be a good chatterbait rod but I haven’t done it yet. 

I use SLX crank bait glass rods.

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-SHIMNORODS.html?from=basres

Thanks for the recommendation, but I am done with glass for cranking,  I have ordered many different glass/composites for cranking and they just don't feel right to me. My personal preference has evolved into graphite or carbon for cranking.

On 11/13/2022 at 9:03 AM, casts_by_fly said:

I have the expert version (the Hudson special) of the falcon you are looking at. It is a great deep cranking rod, though I don’t do that much.  I fish it with dt 10-16 sized and have fished a dt20 on it.  It’s a good choice for all of those things. I use mine as a big topwater rod (buzzbaits and ploppers) and I also think it would be a good chatterbait rod but I haven’t done it yet. 

If I can find a good black friday deal I'm going to pick up a Falcon, I have never handled one before but have heard pretty good things so far.

On 11/13/2022 at 3:36 PM, SproDD79 said:

Thanks for the recommendation, but I am done with glass for cranking,  I have ordered many different glass/composites for cranking and they just don't feel right to me. My personal preference has evolved into graphite or carbon for cranking.

If I can find a good black friday deal I'm going to pick up a Falcon, I have never handled one before but have heard pretty good things so far.

i bought mine in used-excellent condition from the major online dealer specializing in used gear. I think I paid $149 for mine and free shipping. 
 

I have a bunch of falcons now and rate them highly. 

1 hour ago, casts_by_fly said:

i bought mine in used-excellent condition from the major online dealer specializing in used gear. I think I paid $149 for mine and free shipping. 
 

I have a bunch of falcons now and rate them highly. 

I'll be on the lookout for a black Friday deal. If I find the Cara Deep Runner 20% or more, I'm pulling the trigger, thanks. 

On 11/12/2022 at 10:33 AM, PhishLI said:

I'll have one of these soon and will use it for everything listed plus small cranks. They'll take it back within 3 days of delivery if it's not up to snuff.

https://www.alphaangler.com/products/clutch-power-finesse

 

https://www.alphaangler.com/pages/returns

It's been a minute, but I was curious what your experience was with the clutch. I'm interested mostly in the taper and how it fishes cranks at the lower end of its weight range, and if the guides will be a problem for a braid to leader.