All,

I am a former member who cant remember my old account info lol. Love the site and appreciate those who make it happen.

I traditionally do really really well throwing jigs to isolated laydowns this time of year on the spots i frequent. And want to purchase a dedicated jig rod before the big girls move shallow.

This will have to purchased @ BPS. From the research i gather, the new crucial MH XF 7'2'' is the rod for me. I think the new reel seats are brilliant!

Does any one have any info on the new crucials? The weight rating is 1/4-1oz, does it handle 1/4 -5/16 baits well? What other uses do you like it for? I make my own A-rigs, which add up to about 1 1/8oz, so I may use it for throwing them as well. How would a shimano MH compare to a say St croix MH in terms of Power?

I'm open to other suggestions up to $175ish (keep in mind coming from BPS). I am a st croix fan, but the avid/rage line doesnt seem to have a fit for what I'm looking for.

Thanks

Josh

It will work for jigs but won't be able to throw a-rigs very well. St Croix's are underpowered so a M would be like a MH.

Josh,

Welcome back to the forum. I can't speak much for the Crucial but St Croix typically under rates their rod powers as compared to other brands. In general, exceeding a rod's listed lure weight range should be ok, but probably not the most effective choice. A rod rated for up to 1.5 oz will probably more pleasurable to fish if you'll be throwing a heavy rig often and all day.

Thanks guys. I'm pretty Familiar with St croix and was kinda looking.for a baseline as I'm in the dark on how shimano rates their rods.

My shimano M/XF felt like a ML/XF, so shimano's are over-rated in terms of power. I wouldn't go with a crucial, however I think a St. Croix MH will fit the bill nicely. My 7MHF Avid feels pretty good for jigs 1/2-3/4, and some of my bigger techniques.

My shimano M/XF felt like a ML/XF, so shimano's are over-rated in terms of power. I wouldn't go with a crucial, however I think a St. Croix MH will fit the bill nicely. My 7MHF Avid feels pretty good for jigs 1/2-3/4, and some of my bigger techniques.

The new shimano crucials are almost spot on in terms of power.

The new shimano crucials are almost spot on in terms of power.

Word. That's what I wanted to hear.

The Crucial will be perfect for your jigs. The A-rig will be a bit heavy but you should still be fine as long as you don't get too carried away trying to fling it out there.

Ive been eyeballing the new Crucials for quite some time now. The 7'2" MH/XF should make a sweet 3/8-1/2 oz jig rod.

My thoughts exactly! I'd considered the previous Gen. But the styling was kinda plain for my tastes. These new models sealed the deal. I Love how three of my fingers touch the blank with the new real seats

The new crucials are extremely underrated. That will be a fantastic jig rod.

If you can afford a little more I would go with the Cumara 7' 2" MH/XF rod. I have this rod and I use it for jig fishing exclusively. From 1/4oz up to 3/4oz with no problems. The rods are light weight and very sensitive. The Cumara has a better blank and a lot better guides, Fuji SIC guides. The Crucial will work just as well. Shimano rods are well made and the over the counter warranty is veryy nice as well.