I was wanting to get a baitcasting rod which would allow me to fish smaller sized crankbaits, topwater lures and such(around 1/4 oz).  It seems that all my other rods are just too stiff and don't get that snap you need to cast the lure further than 15 yards.  Any specific rods would help or if you could just give me some general information on what to look for in these types of rods.  Thanks.

All Star ASR 6'9" M

http://www.all-americanoutdoors.com/inc/sdetail/6130

It says Extra-Fast tip, but for me it seems more of a moderate-fast

I use mine for topwaters, crankbaits, and finesse plastics.

I have a shimano crucial 6'6 medium power extra fast action and the recomended lure weight is 1/4 to 1/2 oz.  For some reason i just cant cast lures effectively and i have to compensate a lot just to make an average cast.  Is that rod alright for casting 1/8 oz rapalas and such or is it just me.

It might not be the rod, but the reel

Anyone else that has that Crucial, feel free to jump in, because my experiance is pretty much limited to All Stars

Also, I just took the ASR outside and threw a no. 5 shad rap around, and it casts it fine.

When throwing a lure such as a # 5 shad rap what would be considered a good distance.  Also every time I throw overhead it always backlashes with a light lure, but when i throw sidearm it never backlashes.  When I was practicing today it was pretty windy so that might have been the reason but with little heavier lures i had no problem, it just seems that i dont get that snap from the rod tip to fling it out there.

i bought the Bass Pro Shops® Pro XPS Finesse Trigger Rod in 6'9" medium light just for my finesse applications. works great. my shimano crucial dropshot casting rod can really zing the lighter lures too.

Loomis glx 802 and Daiwa pixy,

I was throwing it sidearm and getting about 75-100 ft with 10lb test. And about the wind, unless you are throwing with it or have extremely good backlash control, you might as well forget using small balsa lures

I suggest you check out the Shimano Compre Crankbait rods since you plan to throw trouble hook lures.  I have a cpc-c66mb and it works great for light cranks.   There's a big difference in action between the crc-x66m your using now and a medium power crankbait rod.  If you want another Crucial check out the crc-c66m.  IMO the difference between the Crucial and Compre is not worth the extra $40.  Hope that helps.

Loomis Crankbait Series Rod.  I use one and it loads up and throws crankbaits a mile.

What reel would be best for these types of rods

There is a ST Crouix ACMF66 for sell in the MArket on this site for 85 bucks, can not go wrong with this rod.

I have a shimano crucial 6'6 medium power extra fast action and the recomended lure weight is 1/4 to 1/2 oz.  For some reason i just cant cast lures effectively and i have to compensate a lot just to make an average cast.  Is that rod alright for casting 1/8 oz rapalas and such or is it just me.

If the rod isn't rated for 1/8oz lures then don't try and cast them on it, just keeps getting more frustrating..

Might try some reading about system balance (and I don't mean the rod)... Basic Baitcast Reel Setup 101

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!!!

Casting #5 Shad Raps is tough on any setup.  They just don't cast well.