Any suggestions for a crankbait rod? Looking to keep it under $400. Deepest diving baits will be 15’. Something that’s versatile would be a bonus as far as throwing reaction baits. No fiberglass, never been a fan.

I like the Dobyns crankbait rods, Fury, Kaden, Champ XP whatever length/power works for the baits you want to throw.

705CB is probably the most "do everything" if I had to pick one, but they have a ton of options.

St. Croix Legend Tournament 7'2" MH Mod. This will throw most baits. It struggles with 3/8oz lures but it can definitely bring in the fish.

IMX Pro 903 or 906 ...

Kaden 735CB

Edge Delta MBR 714-1 CB

Too bad glass is out. The Alpha Angler

Rebound is one sweet rod. It’s not your Dad’s glass rod.

I recently bought a KVD elite crankbait rod and it’s pretty decent.

ALX makes 2 graphite crankbait rods in the Zolo line up. The "crank" and the "grind" both rods have a really nice parabolic bend but the grind at 7'10 would probably be better if you're looking to throw deep divers, the crank could definitely serve as a jerkbait rod. Okuma makes the guide select crankbait series, I have a 7"10 M and like it for crankbaits, it is a fairly fast action for a crankbait rod but it keeps the fish pinned. As others said the Dobyns graphite cranking rods are fantastic, I really like the champ xp CB 764 and the CB 805 , my buddy has a lews XD crankbait rod that has a nice blank, but I don’t care for the Wynn grip. Lots of great choices out there.

Dobyns Fury 705CB has probably the best action/feel of any crankbait rod I’ve ever owned.

The 13 composite cranking rods have a soft action, are very light and available at different price points. Most of the time, I think investing more in the rod is the way to go. Cranking rods are the exception, you just need a rod with the right action, good ergonomics and lightweight, which you can get for less than half of your max cost. Investing the saved money into a new reel or on a rod meant for a technique that really needs a high degree of sensitivity, like a shaky head, strolling or jig rod.