I'm looking for a 7' cranking rod for under $100, and was just wondering what everyone has used in this price range. The rod would be paired with a Curado E5 and used for everything from Storm Subwarts and Manns 1 minus to Rapala DT10's. I prefer a full handle for cranking, but a split grip isn't a deal breaker either. I've handled several in stores, including the 7'M BPS crankin' stick, the 7'MM Carrot Stix Wild, and the Field and Stream Tec Spec 7'MM Cranking rod from Dick's. Of these, I liked and have heard good things about the Crankin Stick, The Carrot seemed nice but I've heard mixed reviews, and I haven't heard much about the Tec Spec, which I liked except it seemed like it might be a bit underpowered for what I want. Other rods I've looked at online but haven't had a chance to handle are the American Rodsmiths David Fritts Glass cranking rod and the Team All Star cranking rod. Any input on these or other cranking rods in the price range that I have overlooked is appreciated.

Crankin' Stick, hands down. I used them before I got my Avids.

I use the Kistler Mag TS 7' M/MF that I purchased off ebay and sure a deal can be found there on the same rod. I also have the Cabelas Prodigy PDC705-1 7' MH/MF http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fishing/Fishing-Rods/Casting-Rods%7C/pc/104793480/c/104764680/sc/104823180/Cabelas-Prodigy174-Casting-Rods/703905.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ffishing-fishing-rods-casting-rods%2F_%2FN-1102351%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104823180%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253BMMcat104793480%253Bcat104764680&WTz_l=SBC%3BMMcat104793480%3Bcat104764680%3Bcat104823180

RIght now the Prodigy is on sale for $70

Crankin' stick

-gk

Hey bro, check the Flea Market.....there's a Daiwa L&T Cranker for cheap!

BPS Crankin' Stick. I have 4 of them - a good rod at the regular price...and a GREAT rod at the $59 sale price.

Thanks for the heads up on the Light and Tough, J. I'll keep it in mind as an option if its still there, but I'm still at least a few weeks away from making a purchase as I need to make sure I can pay for my summer classes first. I was leaning toward the crankin' stick myself and most here seem to be confirming this. If do go that route, should I go M or MH for the baits I want to use it with?

This seems to be a well regarded rod...

All Star Team All Star Crankin' Casting Rod

http://www.***.com/All_Star_Team_All_Star_Crankin_Casting_Rods/descpage-ASTCKR.html

Thanks for the heads up on the Light and Tough, J. I'll keep it in mind as an option if its still there, but I'm still at least a few weeks away from making a purchase as I need to make sure I can pay for my summer classes first. I was leaning toward the crankin' stick myself and most here seem to be confirming this. If do go that route, should I go M or MH for the baits I want to use it with?

If it were me, I'd go Medium.