Been down this road before but always looking for new opinions. I've got a P5 Windbuster and I love it for jerbaits, especially 110 jrs which is mostly what I'm using. I have some high end baitcasting rods too including expride 6'10 M and P5 110 Stick but they don't compare in terms of distance  sensitivity and (imo) fun factor to the Windbuster. I've become so accustomed to a sideways jerk anyways and my experience with the windbuster has definitely sold me on spinning. Now I'm looking to buy a second backup spinning rod to dedicate to jerkbaits, I could buy another Windbuster but would like to explore other options. I prefer a sensitive rod and a bit of length for long casts. Best suggestions?

 

I read somewhere the old Valkyrie 6'11 M spinning was a great JB rod but sadly they can't be found anymore. I also know the Orochi Ronin has a good reputation but might suffer on distance with the shorter length? I fish mostly for smallies on a deep lake with narrow weedbeds, they max out 3 or 4 lbs but occasionally I hook a bigger largemouth and have to coax them out of the weeds so I don't want to go with too light a rod (ALX makes a light + I was considering).

If you have/love the windbuster, why are you looking for something else? If you want something a bit stiffer, then go casting like the oneten special.

Love my Ronin. Have no problem throwing a 110jr plenty far with 10lb braid to a leader.

Good question Puggz:

 

- I occasionally bring one of my kids or a guest out with me and I'd like to have a quality jerkbait rod with a spinning reel for them to use. Better if I don't have to spend 400+ on the rod, so I'm curious if there are any mid price point options.

- the Windbuster is such a popular rod I would expect it to remain in the MB lineup, but you just never know. It's always good to have other options. I'll continue to fish mine but if I break a guide or snap the rod and I can't get hold of another then I want to know what else is out there.

- Curiosity. I wonder if there are any sleeper rods out there. Truth be told, I love the Windbuster so much I'll probably end up buying a second one so if this one ever breaks, I can keep fishing it without missing a beat. But I'd like to hear what others are using.

 

And isn't the Ronin discontinued?

 

Maybe I'm making this too complicated. Think I'll end this thread here and start a new one, plain and simple I'd just like to hear what spinning setups guys are using for a jerkbait, and I'll sort it out from there.