i have a shimano curado 5:1 reel i bought for deep divers, now looking to buy a rod. Curious as to what you guys prefer for your deep divers. Any input is appreciated.

dobyns 805 is favorite for DD's

+1 805 for the 6xd-8xd, you can make the 10xd work on this rod but would recommend a lob type cast.

I, also, have a Curado.....I use a BPS Crankin Stick...7'10" medium heavy...less than $100.....has never failed me....

Budget crankbait rod cant beat a BPS cranking stick. If you want the best of the best that 805 or 806 dobyns champion crankbait rod is crazy nice

Falcon XD Cranker

I like Dobyns Champion 805 and 806 for that range. You could probably get by with either, depending on which one you throw more. 6XD more, go with the 805. 10XC, AND 6XD, go with the 806. Both GREAT choices. Hope this helps. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

Agreed on the Dobyns 805, though I don't throw the 10XD near as much as the 6

Dobyns 806 CB

Not the 805 CB, not the 765 CB (those are great rods & I have both of them.)

For the 6xd-10xd hands down you want the Dobyns 806 CB. This is the best deep crankbait rod I have ever held in my hand.

KLXMRO711MH This Kistler Rod is my new got to for deep cranking, designed by Mark Rose and he did a great job on this one!

I also use the Kistler. KLX Mark Rose designed rods. There are separate designs for 6 XD and 10XD. The heavier rod is a great frog rod too.

You need to check out Power Tackle Rods
https://www1.powertackle.com/products/ro.../kcmbc710m-7-10

I bought 2 Diawa 5:5:1 reels for cranking everyone tells me I need faster. I'm guessing they are right I rarely catch a crank fish. I just can't get the hang of it

BPS cranking Stick almost 7'10 that is MH works great for these (what I used before my TFO). only problem like with most crankbait rods u get tired of cranking because u have to support the rod. if you will get a long handle like u see on the swimbait rods u can crank for days with minimal fatigue. I deep crank 2-3 days out of the week and have been since may. I can tell you from my experience the 795 src TFO has the handle and right action for these beefed up cranks. It's all I use for 8-10Xd!

Those reels will work just fine. What is the reasoning for them to say you need faster? Any reel ratio will work, it becomes a matter of preference. Keith Combs uses a 7:1 and KVD uses 5:1 and they are the two most prolific crankers there are IMO. Just shows you that there is not a best way to do it regardless of what you read. If fish are coming unbuttoned then you will have to figure out what is going on (you will lose more fish cranking than any other method IMO). If your not getting bit then you are probably not getting the bait to them which would be a cast distance issue. You can long line or try moving up to the next depth bait but the reel probably isn't your problem for not catching fish.