Why when I have been told over and over that for baits like cranks and jerkbaits, a Moderate action rod is optimum, do Manufacturer's label Tech. specific rods with actions like X-Fast for Jerkbaits, and Fast for crankbaits? It seems like for each Rod maker, the "best" action for any given lure is completely different? This stuff is killing me... >

I understand that an X-Fast rod will allow for the best action to be put into a jerkbait, but what about when you hook a fish? With a rod as stiff as a pool cue, you are going to rip those little trebles right out of a bass' mouth

Speed and power measure two different things.  An X-fast in a med is still a med power.  Worried about trebles?  I don't have any trouble with trebles and heavy, fast action rods.  Loosen your drag and don't try to horse the fish.

99% of the time it's the Indian, not the arrow.  

Thats a good saying, but I have had a few fish toss trebles when fishing with a fast tip in the span of a few minutes, but can not remember a time they tossed them when fishing with a glass or compostie rod...I have had fish come off at shore, but never just come off a few seconds after the bite. It could have just been coincidence...I'll keep trying trebles on fast action until I come to a concrete conclusion

Sorry about that... I didn't mean to imply you should or shouldn't use a fast.... just that it can work fine.  

You can get a mod or mod-fast in any power, just as you can a fast or x-fast in any power.  I was just trying to point out that often people confuse the power and action and end up with something they didn't intend to get or won't like.

I set hook way harder than most, even on crankbaits... I think (purely speculation on my part) that more treble hook fish are lost due to hooks not being set past the barb than for any other reason.  I rarely loose them once hooked and I use a fast action, med-hvy rod and set hook like I'm jig fishing.  Some people use a lighter power, mod action and have the same results... what works for me may not be best for you.  

Hope that helps more than it clouds up the options.

I set hook way harder than most, even on crankbaits... I think (purely speculation on my part) that more treble hook fish are lost due to hooks not being set past the barb than for any other reason. .

I do the same but many people recommend the contrary.