Saw they had a few Lowrider “Cranker II” at Academy so I bought one. Every Lowrider I have performs great. Hooked it up to a winch and I can’t get it to throw 3XD’s or any 7/16 size baits more than about 30 yards. I know I sound like a tourist here but is that rod just designed for much heavier crank baits? It has a MH 3/8-3/4oz rating. It feels like it should sling it just holding it. It doesn’t feel like the reel, and the rod doesn’t load up like I’d want it to when I cast those size baits. Does anyone have this rod? If so, what size baits on you throwing on it? Like I said, it feels great just holding it, and on the retrieve.

I have that rod. It’s good on 6,8, and 10xd sized baits.

You now know the difference between between the Cranker and the Cranker II. It’s a great deep/heavy/big crankbait rod! Good with medium sized swimbaits too. Way too much backbone for little baits as you discovered.

Agreed with previous posts. It's better with bigger/heavier stuff. 1/2 oz is about the lightest lure I use with it.

Appreciate the replies!

Sounds like the rating on the rod is wrong. 3/8-3/4 should throw the baits he described. My cranking rods for bigger baits go to 1.5 or 2oz. and they work well for crank baits like the 8Xd and above.

I personally make sure to always supertune my cranking reels because I want all the distance I can get out of it. I have the same rod and it throws 1.5-6xd no problem with 10lb line.

If by supertune, you mean spot lock with the wind at your back.....me too!

LOL, that makes for some good distance.