If the BPS reel as them at both ends of the cast, will that limit the distance any?

And if I do backlash, its at the beginning or (middle of the cast: doesn't get out far and will blacklash).

So do I need it at the beginning of my cast?

With the PQ, you dont have to use both, so it will not limit your casting distance if you just use what you need.

And it sounds like you would need some centrifugal breaks due to the timing of your backlashes. So, I would go with the PQ until your thumb becomes more educated and you can cast without the centrifugal and just magnetic. Also, the less whippy your casts are, you can turn your centrifugal brakes lower, and get longer cast, at least in my experience

I think this is what I have it down to for a cranking setup:

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

Rods:

Lamiglas Excel Cast Rod 7' Med Lt 3/16-5/8oz $109.99

Okuma Reflexion Cast Rod 7' Medium 1/4-5/8oz $59.99

Quantum Elite Swindle Cast Rod 7' Med Lt 1/4-5/8oz $149.99

Denali Jadewood Series Cast Rod 7' Medium Cranking 1/4-5/8oz $89.99

Pinnacle Perfecta Cast Rod 7' Medium Crankbait 1/4-5/8oz $154.99

Team Diawa L&T Casting Rods 7' Medium Cranking 3/16-1 1/2oz $114.95 (like broad range of lure weight)

Team Diawa L&T Casting Rods 7' Medium 1/8-1oz $137.95 (like broad range of lure weight)

Team Daiwa -S Rod 7' Medium Cranking 1/4-3/4oz $114.95 (can double as spinnerbait rod)

Bass Pro Shops CarbonLite Trigger Rods 1/4 - 5/8 OZ $99.99

Powell Glass Crank Rod 7' Med Hvy 703 1/4-1oz $139.99

Powell Crank Cast Rod 7' Med 704CB 1/4-3/4oz $139.99

St. Croix Mojo Cast Rod 7' MH Cranking 3/8-1oz $100.00

Any of those reels will do, if you can, go to BPS and store fish them first.

I've never used any of those rods, but I still think Powell is the best you can get in the price range the other rods are in.

I use a BPS Pro Qualifier 5.2:1 on a 7'6" M BPS Crankin Stick for 95% of my cranking duties.  12lb XPS fluoro.  Tosses small cranks as well as larger ones.  Couldn't be happier with them, especially at the price.

I was using the Daiwa Exceler 6.3 as my crankbait reel upto a couple of weeks ago. It's a great reel for medium to shallow diver crankbaits and since I fish from shore no need for the slower ratio for the deep cranks for me. It works great with 1/4 oz. cranks with 12# Ultrasoft. I switch my crankbait setup to the Cabelas Prodigy reel which is also a Daiwa product but the Exceler has a smaller profile.

I was using the Daiwa Exceler 6.3 as my crankbait reel upto a couple of weeks ago. It's a great reel for medium to shallow diver crankbaits and since I fish from shore no need for the slower ratio for the deep cranks for me. It works great with 1/4 oz. cranks with 12# Ultrasoft. I switch my crankbait setup to the Cabelas Prodigy reel which is also a Daiwa product but the Exceler has a smaller profile.

Completely understand what you're saying here. I'm lucky enough to be fishing this tournament from a boat.

I'm going to get the BPS Pro Qualifier, my question is how important is the rod for this setup. I really like the BPS Carbonlite, but I was thinking of spending less and getting the Quantum® Energy PT Trigger Rods 7' M mod 1/4 - 1 OZ that's on sale throug BPS for $50.

Or should I go ahead and invest money into a better rod now?

I was using the Daiwa Exceler 6.3 as my crankbait reel upto a couple of weeks ago. It's a great reel for medium to shallow diver crankbaits and since I fish from shore no need for the slower ratio for the deep cranks for me. It works great with 1/4 oz. cranks with 12# Ultrasoft. I switch my crankbait setup to the Cabelas Prodigy reel which is also a Daiwa product but the Exceler has a smaller profile.

Completely understand what you're saying here. I'm lucky enough to be fishing this tournament from a boat.

I'm going to get the BPS Pro Qualifier, my question is how important is the rod for this setup. I really like the BPS Carbonlite, but I was thinking of spending less and getting the Quantum® Energy PT Trigger Rods 7' M mod 1/4 - 1 OZ that's on sale throug BPS for $50.

Or should I go ahead and invest money into a better rod now?

For cranks , buy the 50.00 rod. JMHO.

I personally do not think you can go wrong with the PQ's.

With respect to the rods, what you tend to get as the price increases are decreases in weight and increases in sensitivity.  For cranking, which is a reaction technique, the sensitivity is not of utmost importance.  However, sensitivity will play a role in your ability to discern the types of cover you are running your crankbait into - weeds, wood, soft muck bottom, etc.  Other differences to watch for is the rod material.  Glass rods tend to be heavier, but give the moderate action that is often sought after by crankbait fishermen.  Graphite blends are often used to decrease weight, while achieving moderate-fast actions. 

I fish a St. Croix Premier med mod-fast  crankbait rod, which has sufficient action for me, while remaining relatively light for a 7' rod.  Your best bet would be to go into a BPS, and pick up the rods, throw the reel onto them, and determine if you like the balance, overall weight and feel of the combo.  Then determine if the price difference is worth it to you.

I was using the Daiwa Exceler 6.3 as my crankbait reel upto a couple of weeks ago. It's a great reel for medium to shallow diver crankbaits and since I fish from shore no need for the slower ratio for the deep cranks for me. It works great with 1/4 oz. cranks with 12# Ultrasoft. I switch my crankbait setup to the Cabelas Prodigy reel which is also a Daiwa product but the Exceler has a smaller profile.

Completely understand what you're saying here. I'm lucky enough to be fishing this tournament from a boat.

I'm going to get the BPS Pro Qualifier, my question is how important is the rod for this setup. I really like the BPS Carbonlite, but I was thinking of spending less and getting the Quantum® Energy PT Trigger Rods 7' M mod 1/4 - 1 OZ that's on sale throug BPS for $50.

Or should I go ahead and invest money into a better rod now?

For cranks , buy the 50.00 rod. JMHO.

I would go with the $50 rod as well since that rod probably originally cost more but more important than the price is that it fits your needs.

Thanks everyone. I think I'm going to do what all you suggested and go with the cheaper rod.

Another reason for this decision is after Dec, I won't be able to fish again until March 2012, so it's going to collect a lot of dust.

I think the Quantum will do just as I hope it does, but I'm still going to go to my local BPS and test it out anyway.

I still need to buy a rod, as my last rod broke and I have a reel with no home. I think I should get a good shakey head/jig/worm rod.

I was thinking a 6'6 - 7' med. fast with sensitive tip is the way to go, any help here?

Thanks everyone. I think I'm going to do what all you suggested and go with the cheaper rod.

Another reason for this decision is after Dec, I won't be able to fish again until March 2012, so it's going to collect a lot of dust.

I think the Quantum will do just as I hope it does, but I'm still going to go to my local BPS and test it out anyway.

I still need to buy a rod, as my last rod broke and I have a reel with no home. I think I should get a good shakey head/jig/worm rod.

I was thinking a 6'6 - 7' med. fast with sensitive tip is the way to go, any help here?

I prefer a 7'-7'3" M/XF rod for my t-rigs. However if you throw mainly heavier t-rigs get a MH

Thanks everyone. I think I'm going to do what all you suggested and go with the cheaper rod.

Another reason for this decision is after Dec, I won't be able to fish again until March 2012, so it's going to collect a lot of dust.

I think the Quantum will do just as I hope it does, but I'm still going to go to my local BPS and test it out anyway.

I still need to buy a rod, as my last rod broke and I have a reel with no home. I think I should get a good shakey head/jig/worm rod.

I was thinking a 6'6 - 7' med. fast with sensitive tip is the way to go, any help here?

I prefer a 7'-7'3" M/XF rod for my t-rigs. However if you throw mainly heavier t-rigs get a MH

I was looking for a soft plastics/jig rod not too long ago. I narrowed it down to a Powell Max 7'3" M/XF and a Shimano Crucial 7'2" M/XF (both spinning). Finally bought the Powell. Couldn't have been more happy with my choice. In spite of what I read about the Powells being underpowered for their ratings, it throws even 6" senkos with ease. I must have caught a few hundred bass on it.

And yes, go with a longer rod.

I also use the 7'6" BPS crankin stick rod for my light crankbait rod. The 7'6" M action throws a trap a friggin mile. I'd go MH, though, if you plan on doing a lot of deep cranking.

You can spend more on a crankbait rod, but if you're on a limited budget (who isn't), buy the crankin stick and put the money you saved toward the worm rod you're looking for...

I also use the 7'6" BPS crankin stick rod for my light crankbait rod. The 7'6" M action throws a trap a friggin mile. I'd go MH, though, if you plan on doing a lot of deep cranking.

You can spend more on a crankbait rod, but if you're on a limited budget (who isn't), buy the crankin stick and put the money you saved toward the worm rod you're looking for...

I agree, they go on sale at least once a year making it an even easier choice.