TackleTour

1. Shimano Chronarch E5
2. ABU Garcia Gen 3 Winch
3. Daiwa Crazy Cranker
4. Other - if so which

Are one of these reels clearly the best for all cranking applications from shallow 1/4oz cranks to deep 1+ oz cranks?
I am looking at purcahsing 3 or 4 new cranking reels and prefer to stick with the same brand for all but I really don't care which brand it is at this point just which ever will make cranking comfortable.

Thanks for all thoughts.

The chronarch e5 is just a curado e5 with a new paint job, and that reel won the cranking shootout: http://tackletour.com/review2010lowspeedfinal.html
I'm a big fan of mine.

CQ101 '14

Calcutta DC100 is my favorite.

Looks like you want an LP?

Here are a few from 1/4 - 1oz.

Antares AR/CL 100A

TDZ 103P/103M/100M

CH D5

Crankin' Steez

+1 for the Antares AR / Calais 100 for cranking. Awesome reel if you can find one.

The Zillion Crazy Cranker is a great cranking reel for deep divers and swimbaits. I have been playing around with the lews bb1 and the bps pro qualifier which I beginning to love more and more everyday what a reel for the price!

I like the crazy cranker for deep cranks. For everything else, any 6.3:1 or similiar speed reel will do. I also rate the Curado E series as very good for cranking.

mhood wrote:Calcutta DC100 is my favorite.

I'll second that although I have the 200 sized reel. Still hoping for a 250 size. I have my 200DC paired with a Cumara Deep Crank 7'0".

Also, the Calcutta TE200GT is by far the strongest "bass" reel I've ever used. The Chronarch 100BPV was pretty close but when tossing a 1 oz. spinnerbait, that thing is effortless. Had it paired with a LTB 7'0" HF and AVID 7'0" MHF.

My 3 favorite cranking reels are:

Calais 100A (shallow to medium divers)
Calcutta 100DC (all cranks)
Chronarch D5 (deep divers and slow speed retrieves)

I would choose the Chronarch E5 out of those.

For 12' and less I love my Calcutta TE100DC (Upgrade the handle to the TE250DC Handle Assembly) for the deep stuff I went with the 200 for extra line cap.

Awesome, easy to cast and powerful.

MTBB

From what friends that are well versed with high end reels.
They claim the new conquests are excellent both at casting and retrieving .

I am going to respond to your "other" portion of the post.
I love using crankbaits and have messed around with different reels for a while now.
I found Zillions to be a very solid reel but they were finicky reels to dial in for casting lures. I have def used better reels for the application so they moved on.
Revos are great casting reels but they get crunchy quickly and require quite a bit of servicing to remain smooth. The service work is a total P.I.A. so I quit my Revo habit.
I used a Luna 103 for a while and think it is a very comfy reel to palm and among the least temperamental casting reels to dial in and just let it rip. The drag on my 103 was constantly sticky, even with greased carbontex washers so I sold the reel and since regret it. It has an in between IPT speed and is suitable for large cranks or searching baits where a little faster speed is required.
I now own a 100B, 200E and 200TE for cranks. The 200TE has IPT of 23" which is great for slow moving stuff but too slow for search baits so it is a niche reel. I almost spent money on a DC model and am glad I didn't b/c of the limitations. For faster retrieves I choose the 100B over the 200E b/c the ergo is better for me and the casting distance is equivalent. The 200E is wider to accommodate the larger spool and just isn't as comfy for me to palm. The 100B is a little heavier but feels better to me.
I think a Luna can do everything the other reels are capable of so it seems more universal. It also casts further for me. The 200TE and 200E might take a walk in favor of a new Luna for my collection.
The 100B will stick around though. That is an awesome reel.

Of the reels you have listed, i would go with the Chronarch E5

Chronarch 100 or 101 BPV, these reels are built to last.