I am getting closer to figuring out a good crankbait setup. The reel I'm going to get is:

Bass Pro Shops® Pro Qualifier® Baitcast Reel - Left-Hand Retrive 5.2:1

The confusion is still with the rod. My price range is nothing over $130. I'm looking at these so far:

Bass Pro Shops® CarbonLite Trigger Rod: 7'M mod 1/4 - 5/8oz

Abu Garcia® Vendetta Trigger Rod : 7'M mod-fast 1/4 - 5/8 oz or 7'3 MH mod 1/4 - 1oz

St. Croix® Mojo Bass Trigger Rod: 7'MH mod 3/8 - 1oz

Can someone please help find a good rod?

Why not 7'6"?

With lipped cranks, especially deep-runners, you want to maximize your casting distance.

I wouldn't mind a 7'6, I just haven't been able to find one in Medium power and Moderate action in my price range. Any suggestions?

I have a 7 M/M Carbonlite and love it, but I also like the Skeet Reese crankbait rod and I am getting a Powell glass crank rodl.

Any chance you can give me a review of the Carbonlite?

Any one of those rods will work for your intended use. Get your hands on each of them and decide which has the best feel.

Why not 7'6"?

With lipped cranks, especially deep-runners, you want to maximize your casting distance.

id love to have a few 7'6" rods, problem is, the ppl who made the early 90's bass boats never though about putting a rod that long in a rod box.

Dude the kister magnesium hands down for lipless & medium divers

Thanks for all the advice fellas! I went with the Carbonlite 7'M mod paired with the pro qualifier 5.2:1.

Excited to try out the combo!

So this Bass fishing thing is harder than I thought!

I've been reading articles, and have noticed most fall crankbait setups involve a reel that is 6.1 - 6.3:1. Why is this? Is it because if you're cranking through shallower water you don't need as much area to work towards the desired depth?

I was planning on going with the BPS Pro Qualifier 5.2:1; would this be too slow for fall crankbaiting in shallower water? Should I just stick with using my 6.2:1 for this fall and get a better rod, rather than the BPS Carbonlite for fall crankbaiting?

Its all personal preference. The reason some like a 6.X:1 in fall cranking is because your not cranking very deep, so there is not a lot or strain on the wrist etc etc. Also you can make that shallow crank fly  8-) I say, stick with the 6.4 if you want and get a good cranking stick, But then again when the bass get deep next year, your gonna want that 5:X:1 reel. It all depends on what your bait monkey whispers in your ear 

That's another thing, I won't be able to fish at all next year, so the new reel would just collect dust.

Then my vote is for getting a new stick, Powell makes some sick nasty rods for a great price, check em out! --> http://www.***.com/Powell_Casting_Rods/catpage-RDCPOWELL.html

I would go with the 6.3 or 6.4 reel since you won't be fishing the cranks deep. I would also check out the KVD rods at BPS as well. Take a look at the TKVD685M,TKVD705M which are both M/M and the TKVD706M is a MH/MF and they are $149.99.

So you also think I should invest in the reel?

Am I right in the purpose of a slower reel and how its used?

The slower reel is used to keep away the fatigue from using heavy resistance baits. Really, if you can get a new rod AND reel, that would be best. A BPS PQ + a BPS Crankin stick is only about 170.

should i just go ahead and get the BPS reel 5.2:1 as well? I was really leaning towards the carbonlite rod, i feel its something i could use for years to come and be satisfied with the quality.

IMO I would get the 5.2:1 PQ, but I would spend 30 or so more dollars to get a Powell rod  if your budget allows it. Im not really a big fan of the reel seat on the Carbonlite.

Check this one out --> Model#: 704 CB - In Stock!

Length: 7'0" - Power: Medium - Power Rating: 4

Line Wt: 8lbs. - 17lbs. - Lure Wt: 1/4oz. - 3/4oz. - Action: Mod-Fast - Handle: 2

    $139.99

Ok, here are some other options...

*** has some good deals.

I found this reel:

Pflueger Trion Casting Reels - 5.2:1 (but right handed, which I can use, just perfer lefty for better rod control)

http://www.***.com/Pflueger_Trion_Casting_Reels/descpage-PTCR.html

No rods left for sale for cranking, but would consider purchasing a rod with this reel, unless pro qualifier is better quality.

I've never used the Pfleuger so I cant comment on it, but I have a PQ and I absolutely love it for what I payed for it. Its a steal at $99 IMO. Do you have a preference on ordering from just one site? Or do you not mind buying from two.

But that pfueger looks decent at its price.

So you also think I should invest in the reel?

Am I right in the purpose of a slower reel and how its used?

Revo S on the flea market for $75. pm the guy and talk turkey, you never know what will happen.

Ok, I know I've said it before, but with the suggestions from others I decided to invest more into the rod. So I'm limiting my reel to $80-100. I'm in between these reels:

Daiwa Exceler Crankbait Casting Reels LH 4.9:1 9.1oz  - $79.95

Pflueger Trion Casting Reels RH 5.2:1 8.9oz - $88.88

Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier LH 5.2:1 8.8oz - $99.99

Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier LH 4.7:1 8.8oz - $99.99

Browning Fishing Citori Baitcast Reels LH 5.4:1 8.7oz - $99.99

Ok, I know I've said it before, but with the suggestions from others I decided to invest more into the rod. So I'm limiting my reel to $80-100. I'm in between these reels:

Daiwa Exceler Crankbait Casting Reels LH 4.9:1 9.1oz - $79.95

Pflueger Trion Casting Reels RH 5.2:1 8.9oz - $88.88

Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier LH 5.2:1 8.8oz - $99.99

Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier LH 4.7:1 8.8oz - $99.99

Browning Fishing Citori Baitcast Reels LH 5.4:1 8.7oz - $99.99

Cant go wrong with those, basically the question is, which brakes do you prefer? Mag or centrifugal

I don't know the difference...?

I don't know the difference...?

Centifugal breaks work more on the beginning of the cast, and magnetic brakes work more on the end of a cast.

Daiwa has the mags(very  good too IMO),

BPS PQ has both