:-/ I've been thinking of buying a new spinning reel to put on a G-Loomis 6'6" med. heavy rod for mostly worms and small cranks. I've looked at the Shimano stradic fi-2500( $160) and the shimano ci-4(200).

Any suggestions on these or any others?

This may not be the best rod for crankin, just not sure I want to buy a whole new outfit right now.

Either would be fine on that rod, though I don't crank on a spinning rig.  For small cranks, I use a medium power, moderate action rod.