I was looking at a 7' M David Fritts rod at Academy the other day.  It has a lower end rating of 3/8oz.  My question is how does it handle smaller 1/4oz crankbaits as I really like throwing  1/4oz shallow divers

The rod will not handle lures lighter than its rating. The blank

will not load up. You will find casting to be a pain and distance

to be a problem.

8-)

What RW said.  

When i throw cranks that light, i usually go with a spinning combo

if you go with the rating that is on the rod you will like the rod i have three of them and they are nice rods.

i have a bps cranking stick that is rated for 1/4 to 5/8 oz.  it throws a the small shallowers easy as can be.  They also have one that is rated 1/16 to 1/2.  They are only $60.  If your just looking for a cranking rod these are good for the price.

The rod will not handle lures lighter than its rating. The blank

will not load up. You will find casting to be a pain and distance

to be a problem.

8-)

You have the rod?

I thought that it Might throw them alright with how whippy that it felt in the store.  Maybe I will just get a Powell or crucial

Bowtech,

Have you heard of "finesse crankbait" fishing?

You use light line on light spinning gear with small and light crankbaits.

Although you have a regular crankbait rig, give "finesse crankbait" fishing a try.  

The rod will not handle lures lighter than its rating. The blank

will not load up. You will find casting to be a pain and distance

to be a problem.

8-)

You have the rod?

No, my response was to explain rating broadly as they apply to all

rods. The rating provides guidance for the designed capabilities of

the equipment. That would "generally" apply to any rod regardless

of the manufacturer.

8-)

Bowtech,

Have you heard of "finesse crankbait" fishing?

You use light line on light spinning gear with small and light crankbaits.

Although you have a regular crankbait rig, give "finesse crankbait" fishing a try.

A spinning setup is out of the question.  I will throw topwaters, shallow and medium cranks and 1/2oz lipless cranks with this setup.  I am replacing my BPS 6'6" MF extreme with a 7' M crankbait rod