I had a Shimano Crucial drop shot casting rod that I used for shakey heads and drop shot.  I broke the tip of that rod and am exchanging it for a G-loomis. I am getting a loomis because I have several of them and like the expeditor warranty because I fish a lot of tournaments and if I break a rod I need another one quick.  I really liked the Shimano Crucial drop shot rod.  My quiestion is this, which G-loomis rod should I get?  The lighter 820 rated for 1/8 to 3/8 mag light or the 822 rated for 3/16 to 1/2 mag medium.  I usually use an 1/8 to 1/4 oz shakey head or drop shot.  Do any of you guys have these rods?  If so which one do you prefer and why?  Thanks in advance for replies.

I had the Shimano Crucial 7'2" medium drop shot rod and like you, I broke the tip off.  After a big hassle of trying to exchange it under the supposed "over-the-counter warranty," I decided G Loomis was the way to go.  I have the G Loomis DSR822S, which I love.  I would highly recommend that one or the GLX DSR820S (which is a little more rigid then the regular DSR820S).  If I were you, I would avoid the regular DSR820S (It is of my personal opinion that the tip is too soft for this rod, but again, this is only my personal opinion).

I have the DSR820S - GLX and it is fantastic! 'Dropshot' and 'Shakey Head' are finesse techniques. In your post you stated that you use 1/8 - 1/4 oz baits. Why go heavier than that? Unless you are going to use it for heavier lures and other techniqes, I think you will be better off with the 820. JMHO

Ronnie

I have the DSR820S - GLX and it is fantastic! 'Dropshot' and 'Shakey Head' are finesse techniques. In your post you stated that you use 1/8 - 1/4 oz baits. Why go heavier than that? Unless you are going to use it for heavier lures and other techniqes, I think you will be better off with the 820. JMHO

Ronnie

I tend to agree with Alpster with the DSR820S - GLX, because it has a slightly stiffer tip then the regular DSR820S, which I think is just too soft.  As for me, I fish Lake Erie alot and at times I'm drop shotting 3/4 to 1 oz wieghts to keep contact with the bottom in 35 feet of water (in heavy wind), so a little heavier rod is needed.  (Disclaimer: this is my personal opinion based off of my experience, which I'm not sure if it is worth much)