I am looking at buying a new crank rod for this year. I have narrowed it down to a couple of options.

1) St. Croix Legend Tournament LTBC70MHM...7' MH power, M action

2) Shimano Crucial CRCC70MH...7' MH power, M action

3) Kistler Magnesium TS MgCBCGGM70...7' M power, MF action

4) Shimano Cumara CUCX72M...7'2" M power, F action

I would like to stick to the split handle style of rod. I am hoping some fo you guys have had some experience with these rods and have an can help guide me into which one to buy. The price doesn't matter, but I would like to stick within these 4 different models. Any help would be much appreciated. I will be casting mainly 1/4-1/2 ounce cranks and spinnerbaits such as Strike King Series 3 or 4 cranks, Bandit 200 series, Strike King Red Eye Shad, Rapala DT06 cranks, Mann's Baby 1-Minus, and 3/8 spinnerbaits. I will be pairing it with either a Shimano Citica 200DSV or Daiwa TD-Pro...so a 6.3:1 Gear Ratio. Again any help would be appreciated

Personaly...........I wouldn't pick any of those rods. I like a fast action rod for shallow cranks, lipless baits, and spinner baits. Reason is most offten you'll be tossing these baits in/around/over/through cover, I want a rod fast enough to rip the bait free. IMHO and from expierance a moderate rod would load up to much trying to do this. I would suggest the St Croix Avid, or Legend Tourny. 7' Medium, Fast casting rods. Go with the moderate action rod on deeper running cranks.

If money is not an object, go with the most expensive!

I can say from experience that the Crucial Crankbait series is great value for the $$- I own two of them. I think the CB rods are the TX4 blank with more of a a parabolic action (not sure they make in split handle?).

If you like the split handle design, I would highly recommend the Powell CB series (blue wrap version). I own three of them, and they are awesome for the money ($169), and the warranty service is great.

Look at the 704 CB medium power casting rod for the 1/4 to 1/2 oz baits. Powell's design is very similar to Kistler. I just like them better (personal preference).

Only other thing I would recommend is to look at a 5:1 gear ratio reel if you're going to be cranking mostly. You won't over-work the bait. Most people fish CB's way too fast.

Good luck.

SC

Well, I've never used a split grip rod, so I never found a need for it. But, as a believer in one of the few companies in the world I actually consistantly recommend, I say go Reel Mech custom or anyone you choose, using a G Loomis blank. The price hike they just had, is starting to push their rods out of the "good value" catagory though. I'm glad I have all the rods I want now. A 843 or 783 Loomis crankbait blank would be a good base for what you want. 1/4 to 5/8 oz rating. Just another option. You don't have to go Loomis either, Pick up any crankbait blank and have the split grip installed.

Personally...I would choose the St. Croix. But, I've had my eye on the Dobyns rods. You might want to look at the Champion series models 704C or 705C for what you will be throwing. For $170 its cheaper than all of the rods you listed (except the crucial). The only difference is there rods are not split gripped.

This is coming from a huge Shimano Rod believer.  Do not get the Cumara if you are planning on using it for treble hooked lures.  This series is designed to be used for bottom bouncing baits.  They are awesome rods but I don't like the actions for crankbaits!  The Crucials would be the way to go for me.  I also like the Team Diawa TD-S spinnerbait/crankbait rod.  I've had one for 10 years that I can not do with out!  but it doesn't have the split grip and it would not be my top choice for a spinnerbait.

If money is really not an issue, have Reel Mech build you a custom rod on the St Croix blank.