For most applications I find it wise to allocate more of the given budget to a good rod over the reel. However, crankin’ is the exception. I simply don’t feel like a high-dollar crankin’ rod is necessary. I was recently in the same situation as you. My home lake is far from the typical largemouth bass lake. It is relatively devoid of cover and large swaths of the lake are 60 ft. deep at full pool. Bass are often more structure oriented and found in 15-20 foot of water. Consequently I’m pitching DT16s and 5 and 6XDs to reach them. For this purpose I picked up a 7’8” Fenwick Lunker Stick. It’s a graphite core with a glass wrap giving it that beautiful parabolic bend you want in a crankin’ application. It retails for around $80 and can be found for less on sale.
http://www.fenwickfishing.com/fenwic...8.html#start=1