As has been mentioned, you really need two set-ups for the deeper diving crankbaits. I have one for the 6XD and smaller style of baits and one for the 8XD/10XD size baits. I have used Kistlers, Daiwas, Dobyns and several other rod brands, but for the money you cant beat the KVD Tour Crankbait rods. My only complaint is the length of the handles.

I like the Lews BB1 Pro Series baitcasters. I thought Tim Horton was full of it, always talking about them on his show and how far you can throw a crankbait with them. Then I tried one and they are the real deal. Very smooth! I will eventually switch to the Lews for all my cranking set-ups.

BPS 7'11" Crankin Stick....Curado B5...10-12 lb Big Game....I quit using FC because it it too brittle in the cooler waters, here in East TN....haven't seen any fewer bites....

My son has a 7'11" Kistler KLX Feel N Reel Hybrid with the Abu Wrench, nice setup. I really like the rod for deep cranking. I live very close to the Kistler shop so it's really nice to be able to go and check all of their rods out and they are very helpful in selection.

I use the Enigma Phenom series rod MH Cranking stick. Best $100 rod on the market no doubt. I've fished with falcon and duckett and I strongly believe Enigma is the bet Rod on the market for straight up $100. I throw all my deep cranks on my MH cranking stick which has a solid back bone but a great tip for treble hook baits. I throw it with 12 lb fluro and a 6.4.1 gear ratio reel

Caught a 4 pounder on an enigma rod and it snapped, my ducketts have never done that

Weird, I've caught multiple 5's and 4'a on an Enigma rod. you must just be a big stupid idiot.

Why do I feel like you're just a schizo talking to himself?

why do I feel like nobody read the OP

if you want to keep it ~$250 get a Falcon Bucoo SR HD Cranker (7'9" H) or Cranker II (7'6" MH) and a Curado I 5.5:1

I have a Phenix cranking rod I love runs $130 or so and add either a low gear ratio lews or an orra winch and you would be set for a little under $250.

Long and slow. Glass rods are a good choice. You want the rod to load more over the length of the rod, not just in the tip. You don't need to spend a ton of money on a crank bait rod. You don't need to feel a fish breathe on your bait. Slow reel with lots of line capacity. 7-10 BPS crankin stick is $100. And I'm sure you can find a reel in the $150 range with a 5:1 or slower gear ratio. Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Signature Series Titanium 8 Baitcast Reel is $140. It's 5.2:1

Why 7'11"? They make them up to 10' now...

Sent you a PM

That's a little harsh......

Yep.

Or St. Croix Mojo Bass Casting Rod 7'6" Med Hvy http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/St_Croix_Mojo_Bass_Casting_Rods/descpage-CMB.html for $140 and a http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Lews_Tournament_MB_Speed_Spool_Casting_Reel/descpage-MBS.html for $140.

Add 12 to 14 lb flouro of your choice and you've got a good 8XD setup that will let you grind the bottom of 16-18' of water for around $280 plus line.

Some guy like glass rods for less sensitivity allowing the fish to inhale the bait before you feel it, some guys like as sensitive as you can get it for crawling those 8XDs over bridges, roadbeds and deep cover, needing to feel every bit of the bait movement and what it's hitting. I need all the sensitivity I can get. It's a preference, everyone is different. I don't mind the higher speed reels, in fact I like them better for this type fishing because I feel I can get the bait down quicker, and can also pick up line quicker for a hookset when I'm letting the bait float after banging deep cover. Preference again.

I fish a Dobyns 805CB RM for the 8XDs and 10XDs, and a 764CB RM for the 6XDs and other smaller deep cranks. Both are paired with Lews Tournament MGs and 12 lb Sunline.