Academy has their lower end All-Star rods on sale and was wondering which one was better overall for cranking. They have the 6'6 rod which says cranking rod on it, then they have a 7' rod that says PRM on it, (Popping rod medium).

I would like the longer rod for longer casting, but wasn't sure if it was limber enough for cranking, since its mainly a topwater rod I believe.

I use my PRM for poppers, mainly, but I throw smaller crankbaits on it and it works great. My DD22's are too much, though. I bought that cranking stick, but haven't used it yet... we'll see.

I got the 7 ft one for cranking as well. Doesn't have quite the sensitivity I wish it did. Ended up using it as a top water rod.

Popping rods are inshore salt water rods used to fish popping corks. They generally have more of a moderate action and are better suited for treble hook baits than a normal fast action rod. A lot of popping rods make excellent crankbait rods.

I think most of the All Star Classic rods have fast actions.

I have the "cranking rod" I like it alot especially for the price it came at!