Searching For A Crankbait Rod

[RazorCat]

I need some expert opinions on an appropriate crankbait rod for my application. It will be used for 3/8-5/8 ounce crankbaits. Typically, I throw Norman Little N (3/8oz. 4-6') and Norman Deep Little N (3/8oz. 9-12') cranks, and DT-6 and DT-10 cranks. Occasionally, I'll thow lipless Traps.
I have a squarebill rod I like, so looking for something with a little more length for the 6-12' range.
I'm down to 4 choices.
Gloomis IMX-PRO 903C CBR or an IMX-PRO 906C CBR
ALX ZOLO Crank or ALX ZOLO Grind
Opinions on these rods would be greatly appreciated.

[ThomasD]

I have the 906c CBR and its a bit to heavy for what you're wanting to use it for. Its great with XD-6's and bigger along with 3/4 oz and up traps. For what you listed the 903 cbr or the 845 cbr would be ideal.

[dragon1]

I have the 906c CBR and its a bit to heavy for what you're wanting to use it for. Its great with XD-6's and bigger along with 3/4 oz and up traps. For what you listed the 903 cbr or the 845 cbr would be ideal.

Agreed, you want a "5 power" CBR, however I'm not sure ShimLoomis makes this power in your preferred length? FWIW, that 903 is going to be overloaded and overpowered with any weight over 3/8 oz or any diver in the 10+ range, IMO.

Sorry, I haven't any experience with either Zolo models, however ALX cranking rods are highly regarded.

[Stratos18xl]

I agree on the imx pro 845. Awesome rod!

[RazorCat]

I looked at the 845. Thing is, I have a couple of 7’0” SC Avid crankbait rods (1 MHM, 1 HM) that perform perfectly. I’m looking for a little more length when I want more distance on my casts to cover more water quicker. I’ll mostly be fishing a Little N, and DT-6 and 10s with the rod I’m looking for. I guess I need to consider two separate rods for the baits mentioned.

[ThomasD]

I agree on the imx pro 845. Awesome rod!

FYI, the 845 makes for a heck of a chatterbait rod too. Keeps them pinned better than any other rod I've tried.

[cidgrad]

I need some expert opinions on an appropriate crankbait rod for my application. It will be used for 3/8-5/8 ounce crankbaits. Typically, I throw Norman Little N (3/8oz. 4-6') and Norman Deep Little N (3/8oz. 9-12') cranks, and DT-6 and DT-10 cranks. Occasionally, I'll thow lipless Traps.
I have a squarebill rod I like, so looking for something with a little more length for the 6-12' range.
I'm down to 4 choices.
Gloomis IMX-PRO 903C CBR or an IMX-PRO 906C CBR
ALX ZOLO Crank or ALX ZOLO Grind
Opinions on these rods would be greatly appreciated.

Id also look close at the ALX Rods IKOS Hustler (7') but we also have the Hustler 76 (7'6"). Glass rods, so you may be wanting carbon fiber.

[dragon1]

Daiwa Kage B has a 7'6" MH Regular taper that is intriguing for the ratings, but might be a bit light for anything more than a DT10 since it's only rated to 3/4. https://daiwa.us/products/24-kage-premium-bass-rods

A Daiwa BLX 7'3" ML Limber Graphite would be about perfect, but that line up is discontinued.

I have an older St. Croix Legend Elite 78MHM cut down to 7'4" and it will do everything from 1/4 shallow cranks to 1oz 16' divers with aplomb, however I'm pretty sure that blank is discontinued.

Seems like there aren't too many rods in that 7'4"+ range for this weight/depth range cranks, most longer cranking rods are rated up to 1.5 oz for 1/2 oz up to the bigger DD cranks.

[badboyjigs]

The 845 is one great crankin rod , never used the 903 but the 845 is one of Loomis special ones ! I got mine paired with Curado 150 and it’s a DT 6 or 8 slinging machine ! For what you listed it’s the cream Della lem !

[kingfisher42]

Alex had me buy the hustler and its been great. With what i told him i was fishing he recommended it over the more expensive zolo crank. I am fishing same depths you listed also.

[Mbeason]

IMX 903 for sale on here

[va floater]

Id also look close at the ALX Rods IKOS Hustler (7') but we also have the Hustler 76 (7'6"). Glass rods, so you may be wanting carbon fiber.

I have several ALX Hustler (7’) rods. They are an excellent crank bait rod. I use them for poppers too.

[RazorCat]

If the ALX Cranker becomes available again I’ll have to decide between it, and the 903 CBR. I think either one will work for Little Ns, and DT-6 and 10s. Probably look at a Zolo Grind or a 906C CBR for Deep Little Ns or DD22s.

[kwilliams325]

Take a look at the Dobyns Champion XP 764. I think it would be perfect.

[steve1206]

I will second or third the fact that a 3-power Loomis CBR is too light for what you're wanting to do. I've been a giant fan of the CBR 845 forever and it is perfect for the DT6/10 and Little N. The Deep Little N starts to creep over to the deep cranking rod convo....