Looking for a quality crankbait rod for deep divers like the DD22, 6XD, etc. and considering at least these rods:

Dobyns DC 735 CB Glass
Shimano Curado 7'4" MH
ALX Zolo Deputy 7'1"
St Croix Mojo Bass Glass CB 7'4"
Kisterl Argon 7' HMH


Don't want to go any longer than 7'4" length. Budget is max $200 or so...preferrably less.


Thoughts?

Thanks!
"befuddled" again....

All good choices. Some may be more suited for squarebills. If possible, I'd want atleast 7'6 for deep divers with 7'11-8ft ideal

I like a 7’11” MH.

But, since you don’t want a dedicated rod (a 7’6”+ rod is kinda a dedicated rod), I have thrown 6-10xd baits on a heavy 7’4” academy ethos nano before and it works ok. The extra length and mh taper is better for distance and landing ratio.

Consider Dobyns 804 or 805 CB , you will enjoy the longer rods (equals longer casts) and setting the hook on those deep diving crankbaits.

I have a champion 805 cb I would let go for $150 if you change your mind about the length.

Dobyns Champion 805. Many cheaper, none better for the baits you mention. Also good for cranks, swimbaits & A-rigs a little heavier than the baits you listed.

Another vote for the Dobyns 805 CB RM. GREAT ROD for medium to deep crankbaits. A little out of you range, though. Of those, they all look good, but I am a big Dobyns fan, s my choice would be to go with it. Up to you on the longer rod. I am 5'8" tall and most of my rods are 8' long and I LOVE them. Give me ultimate casting distance and more time in the strike zone. Hope this helps. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

I use a Dobyns 805 CB RM for a 10 XD. For the DD22, 8XD and the 6XD and other crank baits in that size and depth range I like the FXtreme 7ft 8in. rod better than the 805. I also have a Daiwa Tatula crank bait rod that is 7ft 5in. in length that would work well also.

I rarely fish out of boats anymore, but pond fish on 10-12' pontoons. Rods longer than 7'4" hang over either the front or back - either way a big hazard to get broken....so that's why I need the shorter rod than most of you favor.

Falcon Cara Cranker II is absolutely perfect for the 6XD and DD22 depth baits.

The 805 is money

Out of your list I would choose the Dobyns first and the Shimano second

ezbassin is right on the money. Same way I would choose them. Of course, I have not handled an ALX rod, so can't comment on it. Hope this helps. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

What is the model # of the 7'8" rod mentioned

WCB78HMF It says heavy but it has a fantastic parabolic bend for throwing heavy crank baits the ones you are talking about throwing. I have tried the graphite crank bait rods and the blended rods work better for me. It can handle the lures you are wanting to throw without being too stiff.