Looking for a budget Cranking Rod for deep diving cranks

[freelancer27]

Hi all,

I finally want to invest in a dedicated crankbait rod that I can throw deep divers on (15+ feet). I have been throwing them on my MH 7 foot rod with a 7:1 metanium but I after throwing just for 30mins I am totally exhausted and my elbow hurts (also feel like the Metanium gets to its limits). 

Since I am not throwing Cranks that often, I want to invest in a good budget set up.

For the Reel I was planning to get the Abu Garcia Casting Reel Orra Winch-L

Even the guys at Tactical Bassin like this one.

So, now for the rod. I held a glass rod some months ago and I was a bit shocked how noodly, heavy and thick that rod was (cant remember the brand though). Is Glass still the way to go? I would prefer a rod with a longer handle. Price point under 200 USD.

Thanks all again.

​​​​​​​Cheers!

[smalljaw]

There are a ton of rods that fit your needs but I'll throw two out there that I've used and thought were really good for the price point. The first is the Fenwick Lunker Stick, this is a glass rod so it has some weight to it but the action is nice as is the balance. There is a 7'8" MH and an 8' MH, both will work great for baits like a DT-14, DT-20, Normans DD22 and baits like that since they load up with a 3/8oz crank. The other rod is glass as well, the Lews David Fritts Perfect cranking rod in a 7'6" MH and H or a 7'11" MH, the 7'6"MH will work fine for just about anything deep diving but the heavy model and the 7'11" are better suited for larger 3/4oz and up even though they are rated for, and can cast a 1/2oz bait they feel like you are overpowered. I do like the reel seat and handles on the Lunker sticks better but if you are looking to throw a lot of magnum sized cranks like a 10XD the Lews would be the best bet and you are looking at $80 to $90.

[Normware]

Look at the Gloomis Deepflex series.

CBR 803 DF 6' 8" E 1 8 - 14 1/4 - 5/8 Moderate Medium $265
CBR 864 DF 7' 2" E 1 10 - 20 3/8 - 1 Moderate Med-Heavy $285
CBR 896 DF 7' 5" E 1 12 - 25 1/2 - 1 Moderate Heavy $295

MSRP might be higher than you want but these rods work for deep diving cranks.

[cndbasshunter]

checkout the shimano zodias crank rods or dobyns champions around $200

[godshippy]

I would recommend you check out the original Tatula for a cranking reel. I got one recently from auction for $75 brand new and it has sold me on the T-wing and low gear ratio.

As for rods, I'll throw out the Dobyns Fury 705CB.

[Cal]

Phenix Glass - $149 : http://tackletour.com/reviewphenixxg740crank.html

Daiwa Tatula - $149 : http://tackletour.com/reviewdaiwatat721mhrbg.html

Quantum KVD - $159.99 : http://tackletour.com/reviewquantumtourkvd710crank.html

Phenix X13 - $199.99 : http://tackletour.com/reviewphenixx13.html