Hey guys, I'm a die hard.........die hard St. Croix fan. All of my rods are St. Croix but I'm very interested in picking up a good crankbait specific rod. Got my eyes on the Quantum KVD Tour Edition rod, 7'4" Moderate Medium.  Anyone have one, and how does it fair?  I'm either going to go with that, or maybe the St Croix Mojo Bass crankbait rod. Believe me, if I had a few benjamins to spend I'd get the Legends from St. Croix but I got babies to feed. Aint happening.

Have you looked into specs on "crankbait" rods? Wish I would have before I bought. Most rods being touted as crankbait specific are constructed of fiberglass or a 'glass composite blank. The sad truth is they are getting a couple hundred bucks for a $50 rod! While I too would love to have the KVD offering, the smart money would be on a quality fiberglass rod like the Ugly Stik. Did you see the Browning Silaflex has been reintroduced? Their great 'glass rod from the sixties is back!

                                                 http://www.basspro.com/Browning-Fishing-SilaFlex-Trigger-Rods/product/58485/123679

             

Thanks, Mo I appreciate your insight. While I agree with you in the discussion of glass blanks and being a mere 50 bucks....there is more to it. For starters, Browning Silaflex doesn't make anything over 7' in length or in Moderate action. If they do, I'm not seeing it. They're all Fast or XFast tips. I'm looking for a 7'4 to 7'10" and Moderate action, Medium or Medium Heavy power. Ugly sticks from what I see, don't have any kind of action description on their rods from what I can tell. Am I wrong on that? if so where do you see that info Mo65?

Most people would say "what's the difference between a few inches on the rod and a little bit of taper in the action"...well it means quite a bit. If you don't believe so...try throwing your cranks on a 6'6" rod with Medium action and a fast tip, then try it on a 7'4" Moderate action rod. Your hook ups will be better on the longer rod, as well as your casting abilities. So I guess I can justify the extra 50-100 bucks if it out performs a $50 rod.

Good catch, Mo! The Ugly really isn't a true fiberglass rod in the traditional sense but a hybrid rod that combines graphite and 'glass. Strange how these manufacturers can hang an endorsement and a 'technique specific' label on a rod and then run the price to astronomical levels!

Posted By Pegsguy on 12 Jul 2012 08:56 AM
Good catch, Mo! The Ugly really isn't a true fiberglass rod in the traditional sense but a hybrid rod that combines graphite and 'glass. Strange how these manufacturers can hang an endorsement and a 'technique specific' label on a rod and then run the price to astronomical levels!

What kind of Rod's do you use Pegsguy, just curious? Do you pretty much use 1 rod for all applications of fishing?

Mark,
 If you check the Browning rods again...you'll see that they are described as having "the same classic actions"...what they mean by this is "what was once considered fast is NOW moderate." You're right, 7ft. is the longest offered, so if you were dead set on 7'4" then you're outta luck here. I would reconsider though...that moderate action blank is what sends those cranks into the next county...not the additional 4 inches. I have a moderate action six footer that will toss with the best of 'em! Good luck in your search...let us know what you decide on.
                                                           

P.S. Tom...I know Ugly Stiks are composite, but I typed fiberglass, you don't miss a beat, do ya?

Hey guys...one more note on crankbait rods. My personal favorite crankin' rod is a Fenwick HMXT 70MH-CB-F. Funny thing is, it is graphite, and that "F" stands for fast. Oddly enough, the tip is anything but fast, and the rod performs better than any 'glass rod I've tried. I guess the moral of the story is don't rule out graphite for a good crankin' stick! Happy hunting!
                                                                                                                                                   

Posted By mo65 on 12 Jul 2012 10:29 AM
Mark,
 If you check the Browning rods again...you'll see that they are described as having "the same classic actions"...what they mean by this is "what was once considered fast is NOW moderate."

Hey Mo, Thanks for clarifying that! I did not know as I don't know Browning products at all really. I appreciate the info. My bday is in August so I'll probably hold out until that time to make my decision. Thanks again.