Best all around crankbait rod in the $200 range?

[jerkbait22]

Looking to purchase a crankbait rod in the $200 range. Currently I'm using a Dobyns 704CB (my jerkbait rod) but it's a bit light for some of the mid to deeper divers so I'm considering a dedicated cranking rod.

Ideally it could handle square bills in the 3/8oz range (KVD 1.5 or Megabass S Crank 1.2) on up to deeper divers in the 3/4oz and 1oz range like the Strike King 6XD. It should also handle lipless baits.

Currently looking at the Phenix X10 and St. Croix Avid Cranking 7' MH. The Phenix is rated 1/4-1oz and the St. Croix is rated 3/8-1oz. Any other rods to consider or insight on the two I just mentioned?

[spookybaits]

If you want to stay at 7ft, I'd vote the dobyns 705cb.
Most crankbait guys fish shorter rods for shallow cranks(7ft +/-), and longer rods for mid-deep divers.
If you want something in the 7'6 range, I'd say the dobyns 765.
For 8ft, the 805.

I'm by no means a 'dobyns guy', but I think they build some of the best crankbait sticks on the market. The 704cb is the the rod I measure all other (1/4-1/2oz) square bill rods against.

[BigG]

If you want to stay at 7ft, I'd vote the dobyns 705cb.
Most crankbait guys fish shorter rods for shallow cranks(7ft +/-), and longer rods for mid-deep divers.
If you want something in the 7'6 range, I'd say the dobyns 765.
For 8ft, the 805.

I'm by no means a 'dobyns guy', but I think they build some of the best crankbait sticks on the market. The 704cb is the the rod I measure all other (1/4-1/2oz) square bill rods against.

Great choices, the 705CB is slick.

[pharmboy2010]

I also think that Dobyns makes some of the best cranking rods (and my personal favorites). Step up to a 5 power of your preferred length.

[jerkbait22]

I have the original Champion Series 704CB. I see now there is a Champion Series XP. Is there a difference between the two? I did some more browsing and was looking at the loomis E6X cranking rods which are in my price range too. Although it seems the Dobyns is the consensus so far.

[KlingerNOK]

The Kistler Feel N Reel rods are great cranking rods that can be found on discount for around $200.

[Phippy]

Tough to beat a Hammer Cranking stick well below $200. I have their 7'3 M and 7'6" MH just very light and comfortable to fish with. The MH is what you want in either 7', 7'3" or 7'6".

[fishballer06]

The 705CB will do almost anything. It's really a great rod.

If you're looking to throw more deep diving stuff (15 foot range), the 765CB might be a little better suited for you. I own that rod as well and use it for applications where I really want to reach out there.

[pharmboy2010]

I have the original Champion Series 704CB. I see now there is a Champion Series XP. Is there a difference between the two?

New graphics and switched over to Fuji alconite guides.

[jerkbait22]

The 705CB will do almost anything. It's really a great rod.

If you're looking to throw more deep diving stuff (15 foot range), the 765CB might be a little better suited for you. I own that rod as well and use it for applications where I really want to reach out there.

Are you suggesting the 765 for deeper diving cranks purely because of the additional length for longer casts, or is the action actually different than the 705CB?

[Finnz922]

Irod Fred's Crank Launcher Jr

[Cristo]

Dobyns, Powell, and Irods have all been great for me in the past!

[Quillback]

I really like my 805 for deep diving cranks, length is great for casting distance and it is stout enough that you can work those deep divers without fighting them. 705 I use for bigger square bills, bigger medium depth divers, 1/2-3/4 spinner baits, and top waters like the 130 Whopper Plopper. The 705 can be used for deep divers, but my preference for throwing them is the 805.

My biggest complaint about Dobyns crank bait rods is that the guide inserts will pop out on occasion. Dobyns is real good about handling issues, but I would rather not have them to begin with.

[jerkbait22]

Can anyone comment if the different length Dobyns have different actions - IE 705CB vs 765CB? Or is the only difference the length?

[DChiWildcats]

Shimano Zodias 7'6" MH Glass. Bigger squarebills, medium divers, deep divers, lipless, I use one for chatterbaits too.