Haven't seen any talk about this yet. Shimano has a new top line rod out called "Crucial". IM-9 graphite construction, very light weight. Only place I've seen them so far is at Fun-n-Sun/Hurst. They have a fair number of them and paired one up for demo with the new Shimano Chronarch MG (MaGnesium frame) in the 50 size (5 bearings) aimed at finesse techniques. Man, you talk about a light weight rig! Reel weighs 5.9 oz. Don't know what the rod weighs, but the whole rig felt lighter than any of my reels do all by themselves. Took a few pitches to get used to the light weight. Felt like I was pitching with a LLOOONNG feather! Got the hang of it shortly, though, and it is a sweet rig. Now for the "Ouch" part. The reel is $250 MSRP. The rod is $139 MSRP. Not sure about the reel, but you might get 10-20 bucks off the rod. Anyway the rod is worth a look and, if you're in the market for a top drawer, light weight reel, you might check out the new Chronarch MG. Oh yeah, the 100 size MG (6 bearings) weighs 1 more ounce at 6.9 with full magnesium side plates for $300!

Hossman

I tried out that same rig right before one of their customers bought it. Awesome!!! Shimano has come a long way with their rods.

I haven't tried the Crucial line yet, but I did buy two Compre rods last year and have been very please with Shimano's product. I know Falcon is the rod of choice on the forum, but I'll buy more of the Shimano Compre rods in the future. Over the counter replacement warranty sure is attractive and their price of 79.00 to 89.00 is great as well.

Shimano is bring the cruical back. I bought 4 about 5-6 years ago and they are still my favorite rods. I will be buying some of those.

Bascat

My favorite shimano rod is the Canis...old old rod...a 5lber wouldn't bend the tip on this rod you can get some insane leverage.

Loomis was purchased by shimano sometime ago, the V-Rod is my favorite rod they made, balanced, good finish, ultra sensitive (reminded me of my glx) and was $189 or so...but of course they quit making them

I have one of the old Cruicals, have had 2 new rod tips on it, and it is about 6 inches shorter but it still works

Your right Hossman, gotta have some of those rods.
Rudy

I like the shimanoes because all guides are double footed like Castaway (except tip) which is important when you weigh 220 and have no balance like me.

I have 2 compre's (one medium light that I can through a 1/4 ounce spinner bait a mile with) and just retired 2 catana's that were like 10 years old - glad they got rid of the foam handles.

Hey Hossman
I just purshased the Shimano "Crucial" rod and
new Shimano Chronarch CH50MG.This is my new finesse setup.I cant wait to try it out.
Tony L.

Hossman, the 6ft 6in MH Crucial rod weighs 4.2oz. I have one teamed up with a Chronarch 50MG and that set up is pretty neat.

I was really impressed with the Crucial crank bait rod that I saw at the tackle show. I want a 7ft MH one when they make it to the retailers.