okay Guys and gals i need some info. what type action rod should i use when throwing a crank bait i hear alot of stuff but i am looking an overall concensus. what do you think

Personally I use a 6'9 parabolic carrot stix and a 7' mm St Croix avid.  Set the hook firmly, but don't be rippin' the fishes lips off.  I'm sure others will explain it better that I, but you want a rod that is a bit forgiving during the hook sets with crankbaits.

Here's a link that describes power and action which I saved.  Hope it helps:

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1141187546

I own the Powell 704CB and beleive it's a great rod for small and medium divers.  It can throw the deep divers, but not ideally.  It's a 7' M with a Mod-fast action.  It great for jerkbaits and lipless cranks as well.

Another Avid AVC70MM user here.  Mine paired up with a Daiwa Sol.  Throws peanut cranks up to DT10 size just fine.  I plan to add another Avid, AVC70MHM for the bigger deep divers.

I use GLoomis CBR843 with Daiwa Sol and CBR845 with Daiwa Zillion Crazy cranker for deep cranks

Specific recommendation that I own:

"All Around" for treble hooks (crankbaits, jerkbaits, topwater),

buzzbaits and spinnerbaits: St. Croix Avid AVC66MF which has

a soft tip

Light and medium weight treble hooks: Avid AVC70MM

Heavy and deep diving treble hooks: Lamiglas SR705R

8-)

For shallow/medium cranks, a 6'6 or 7' work fine.  For deep (> 12'), you need a long (7'6-8') to keep the bait in the strike zone.

I use a 6'6'' M BPS Crankin' Stick and it works great for most except deep divers (>12 ft)