I'm waffling. Usually casting 3/8-1/2 oz. 10 feet is deep. Normally to 6 foot depth.

In no special order:

Ark Sniper Grinder 6'10" MF 1/8-5/8 oz. rating

Fenwick Aetos 7' MM 1/4-5/8 oz.

Daiwa OG Tatula 7' MR 1/4-3/4 oz.

iRod Genesis II Gabe's Rip Rap Special 7' MHF 1/4-3/4 oz.

Phenix X10 7' MH-Mod.Fast 1/4-1 oz.

I've had these rods for several years but not used them. I may have had the Tatula out once. Reels were packed up for my move after retiring. Previously I put combos together as I purchased them. Now I'm looking to select pairings based on gear ratio, line capacity and reel weight (to help balance). Reel currently spooled with 8# Big Game. May or may not pull some line off and top with 10# J-Fluoro.

Basically I'm sitting here with nothing to do so I thought I'd throw this out there for some opinions. Probably try the reel on more than one rod unless my first pick feels good. But it's always good to hear from those that may have experience with the above.

Weights:

Reel 6.64 oz. with current line

Ark 4.53 oz. Aetos 3.89 oz. Tatula 3.91 oz. iRod 4.31 oz. Phenix 4 oz.

Thanks.

I don't own any of those. I'd take each for a spin and see the taper in action. Not everyone likes the same thing in their cranking stick, but you have several capable options. Have fun 😎

I have that model Tatula. It’s one of the best shallow to mid crankbait rods I’ve ever used.

On 4/16/2026 at 9:30 PM, new2BC4bass said:

Fenwick Aetos 7' MM 1/4-5/8 oz

Don't know about other rods, but don't like this exact Aetos model much. I love the Aetos 7' MH fast; it remains one of my favorite rods after all these years. But the 7' M moderate is a noodle stick that vibrates violently after each cast. The rod is so soft that it just doesn't dampen the casting vibration effectively IMO.

On 4/17/2026 at 3:25 PM, LonnieP said:

I have that model Tatula. It’s one of the best shallow to mid crankbait rods I’ve ever used.

I also have the 7' MLR and 7'2" MHR but plan on faster ratios for them.

I was originally thinking of trying the Ark rod because of its lure rating and the 8# line on the reel. However, based on your opinion I now think I'll try the Tatula first. Thanks.

I have theTatula also and it's a fine rod but I would have a hard time leaving that X10 on the sidelines.

4 hours ago, rangerjockey said:

I have theTatula also and it's a fine rod but I would have a hard time leaving that X10 on the sidelines.

I've read good things about Phenix 'X' rods. Consensus is they fish a bit light. It definitely will be put to use. I don't normally use a leader. I have an Alphas 103L Type F that came with 30# braid. I'm considering this reel with a leader.

My only other Phenix is a Recon2 7'1" ML-EF. It needs further investigation. Don't remember which reel I tried on it, but do remember I tried a small finesse weightless worm on it and wasn't impressed with the results. Could have been the wrong reel or just me. I do have a couple Pixy reels now that might make it shine.

EDIT: I have too many 5.8:1 reels. I need to look into what's available for higher ratio gears for a few of them. Have 7.2:1 in one of my Purple Alphas reels.