$200 Deep Cranking Rod

[GaBass21]

I’m looking for a deep cranker in the $200 range. Not sold on glass or composite either way. It would be a very situational rod for me, 6XD range but I’d like the option to be able to toss a 10XD the one or two tournaments a year I might need to. What I’m considering:

Shimano Zodias 7’6 MH Glass (negative being split grip and warranty)
Dobyns 765 CB
Dobyns 805 CB (might be more rod than I need)
Dobyns 765 CB Glass
ALX Zolo (not sure about guide train for my application)
Alpha Angler Mag-Rebound (lowest on the list due to micro-guides and hideous reel seat)

Open to suggestions I didn’t list also.

I’m really iffy on micro-guides as I’d like the option of going braid-leader. Would prefer a full grip to help out with bruised ribs, but as I said this rod would be situational so I could live with a split grip. I don’t know enough to be definitive on glass vs composite, but I’d like to keep the weight down. Any suggestions appreciated!

[TheKodiakWay]

I'm thinking about going with the Kistler KLX Feel N Reel, for my new Crankin rod. With their current sale, it's $213.

[Bass Pro Shopper]

Falcon Lowrider 7'9" Heavy. It has a full grip too, and better yet, $130.

[Stratos21XL]

Of the rods you have listed, I would go with the 765 CB. Its a very versatile rod. I throw 5 and 6 XD’s, mid runners, squarebills, smaller swimbaits with or without underspins, and I have even thrown chatterbaits on it. I have not used any of the ALX rods but I see a lot of great reviews from members on here that use them.

[cidgrad]

I’m looking for a deep cranker in the $200 range. Not sold on glass or composite either way. It would be a very situational rod for me, 6XD range but I’d like the option to be able to toss a 10XD the one or two tournaments a year I might need to. What I’m considering:

Shimano Zodias 7’6 MH Glass (negative being split grip and warranty)
Dobyns 765 CB
Dobyns 805 CB (might be more rod than I need)
Dobyns 765 CB Glass
ALX Zolo (not sure about guide train for my application)
Alpha Angler Mag-Rebound (lowest on the list due to micro-guides and hideous reel seat)

Open to suggestions I didn’t list also.

I’m really iffy on micro-guides as I’d like the option of going braid-leader. Would prefer a full grip to help out with bruised ribs, but as I said this rod would be situational so I could live with a split grip. I don’t know enough to be definitive on glass vs composite, but I’d like to keep the weight down. Any suggestions appreciated!

Can you explain about the guide train concern with ALX? We don't use micros. Our guide trains pass braid-fluoro/mono leaders with no issues. I only have two rods out of 18 in my boat that are not braid/leader set ups.

We can also build any rod with a full grip if needed.

[GaBass21]

Can you explain about the guide train concern with ALX? We don't use micros. Our guide trains pass braid-fluoro/mono leaders with no issues. I only have two rods out of 18 in my boat that are not braid/leader set ups.

We can also build any rod with a full grip if needed.

My mistake in reading then. I was under the impression they had micro-guides. That was my main concern. I have heard nothing but great things about ALX rods.

[GaBass21]

Of the rods you have listed, I would go with the 765 CB. Its a very versatile rod. I throw 5 and 6 XD’s, mid runners, squarebills, smaller swimbaits with or without underspins, and I have even thrown chatterbaits on it. I have not used any of the ALX rods but I see a lot of great reviews from members on here that use them.

Do you think the 765 could handle stepping up to a 10XD 1 or 2 days a year, or is that too much bait for that rod?

[PikeRoadBassn]

Do you think the 765 could handle stepping up to a 10XD 1 or 2 days a year, or is that too much bait for that rod?

No. The 765CB is extremely to soft. The rating on that rod is 1/4 to 1 ounce. A 10XD is 1.9 ounces. Step up to the 806. It’s rated 1/2 to 2 ounces which will cover 5XD, 6XD, 8XD, and 10XD usage.

[Stratos21XL]

No. The 765CB is extremely to soft. The rating on that rod is 1/4 to 1 ounce. A 10XD is 1.9 ounces. Step up to the 806. It’s rated 1/2 to 2 ounces which will cover 5XD, 6XD, 8XD, and 10XD usage.

I totally agree...when you step up from a 6 XD to a 8 or 10 XD, the weight of the lure increase as does the amount of pull the lure causes on the rod. That rod would probably look like a recurve bow if you tried throwing/using a 10 XD. If you throw 6 XD or smaller alot then I would focus on the 765 then save up some money and buy a different rod for the 10XD since you dont throw it as often.

[GaBass21]

I totally agree...when you step up from a 6 XD to a 8 or 10 XD, the weight of the lure increase as does the amount of pull the lure causes on the rod. That rod would probably look like a recurve bow if you tried throwing/using a 10 XD. If you throw 6 XD or smaller alot then I would focus on the 765 then save up some money and buy a different rod for the 10XD since you dont throw it as often.

I have a good rod to work everything up to a 5XD, so I guess I'll give a closer look to the 805/806. Jut not sure they'll fit in my rod locker haha.

[Casslaw]

From what I’ve read and heard, since I don’t throw anything that deep, I’d call Alex at ALX, he will put you in the right model for you and if you have preferences he will build what you want.

[dragon1]

Put the Major Craft Nanoace crankbait lineup of rods on your list...damn good rods for well under $200.

[OG Cranksta]

Falcon Lowrider 7'9" Heavy. It has a full grip too, and better yet, $130.

I agree. These are 99.00 at Sportsmansmansoutfitters.com

[GaBass21]

I agree. These are 99.00 at Sportsmansmansoutfitters.com

Welp you sold me. And saved me a few $$. Thanks!

[krindgen]

Welp you sold me. And saved me a few $$. Thanks!

Plenty of really good options out there for well under $200.

[jamey1e]

IMHO, a 6xd rod and 10xd rod are two completely different rods.

[Mark Perry]

You can find a first generation Megabass Levante Launcher for about $100-150

[86 inches]

I only have two rods out of 18 in my boat that are not braid/leader set ups.

Which two?

[Black Haze]

Pretty much what in thinking

IMHO, a 6xd rod and 10xd rod are two completely different rods.

[98 Elite203]

You can find a first generation Megabass Levante Launcher for about $100-150

i’d sell him My levante launcher for $150 so I can get a 2nd gen launcher