Shimano Rods

[basser]

In the market for a couple new rods this year. I use all Shimano reels and was wondering about their rods. Quality,sensitivity comparable to Loomis or St Croix?

I saw they have a couple new rods this year ,the Crucial,I believe that is one of them. Any Shimano pros out there?

[Deitz Dittrich]

Basser-I am lucky enough to be on the Shimano Prostaff... I tell you it is a true honor.

The Crucial is the new rod by shimano.. its an IM9 Graphite, and willhave the Shimano over the counter lifetime warrenty! ANothewords if you buy a 7' MH Crucial rod, you will never have to buy another one like it again unless you want 2 of them...This rod as as sensitive and light as the avid by St Croix with a smaller price tag. And will compare with Loomis as well. Dont get me wrong, Croix makes an outstanding rod and so does Loomis(Shimano Owns Loomis)

I have all shimano rods now and have never been happier, and I cant wait to get the new Crucial.. I got to use a prototype for a bit of last year but had to give it back...GREAT ROD!!!

[basser]

Thanks Deitz, I am setting up a rod just for crankbaits and I was looking at a few diff. brands. I also did a search here and found a post you had a while back on this rod. Looks very good.

Another question for you, I use braid on every setup I have, and I was thinking about using Fluorcarbon on the crankbait set up. What do you think? Do I have to use a medium action rod with this setup?

Thanks for the input.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Basser-Shimano is comming out with a crucial rod that is not IM9, its called C3 or something like that.. It is spacifically designed for crankbaits.. its fiberglass sadwiched around graphite... I have not had a chance to use this new rod yet. I got to hold one and was impressed, not sure if anybody in the area has any of these yet.. but I will deffinatly be trying these out.

As for braid.. I personally do not use braid with anything that has a trebble hook.. I just end up ripping off too many fish. I do use a florocarbon line for cranks.. main reason.. florocarbon sinks!.. I can get my cranks to run a little deeper because of the florocarbon.. i usually go with 10 lb test...

ONLY difference, I will run braid on cranks and traps in the late fall when rippin weeds!

[basser]

Thanks Deitz, I really appreciate the info - any particular Fluorcabon line your partial to? This new Vanish transition looks very interesting, although I didnt hear to many good things about the regular vanish.

[Deitz Dittrich]

I am in no way with this company.. but I have been very pleased with the P-Line Premium for cranking. I use the C-XXX for a lot of other applications but again, very pleased with the Premium for crankbaits.. Been running it now for about 5 years and have no complaints!