Anybody have Shimano Crucial rods?

[mossback]

I am looking to buy a couple of new rods. I have some Loomis Rods(Dropshot, GL2 and IMX) and they are awsome, but for my fishing(weekend, club) I can't justify paying the price for them. I am highly considering the Crucial rods. Anybody want to chime in on how they compare to other rods? Crucial vs. Loomis, Lamiglas, Powell etc.? I think for the money, they are an excellent choice, but want to hear what everyone else thinks.

-Mossback

[BassCatPuma]

I have used alot of them and they are a nice rod but they do not compare to my Powells.

[BFerris]

I have the 7'2" Medium Crankbait Crucial...and I love it. I don't use it for crankbaits but for the price you can't complain!

[Big O]

I have a Crucial Dropshot rod (6'8" spinning, med, extra fast), and I would recommend it for the price. Albeit, I have only compared it to a friend's Lamiglas Dropshot rod; I find them comparable.

[SethB]

Hey Mossback, I have the crucial 7'6" heavy flippin' stick and really like it. I'm not sure about the split cork handle on the butt section though. Other than that I have been happy with it . I think that the Crucial might be a little heavier than a Loomis. I also have a 7' heavy action GL3 that is by far my favorite rod I have ever owned. Super light and super sensitive. As far as compairing the two rods. I would have to say the GL3 is nicer rod. As for a fliiping rod I think the Crucial Is performing just fine. I'm actualy thinking about getting another one. If I was after a spinning rod or lighter action baitcaster I think that I would get a Loomis.

[Steve Ericksen]

Hey Mossback,

Spend the extra few bucks and get a Loomis.

[Ray Vanacore]

Loomis is owned by Shimano, I own both and like the Split handle design better on the Crucial. And the price differance.
Just my $.02.
Ray Vanacore

[Ken C.]

I was having such a hard time deciding between the Crucial and the new Powell rods that I am still trying to decide! Then again, you might want to talk with Steve Biechman and have one made to your exact requirements. I hear his are awesome...

[EGBASS]

One thing the Crucials have going for them is the $15 over the counter warranty, at least at Fisherman's Warehouse (provided the one you are replacing is in stock). Otherwise, they take care of getting your replacement. My next drop shot/ darter head rod will be the 7'2" ML Spinning Rod...

[aNNieNsaLTIE]

hello Mr. Moss Back,

i think they are a very great line of rods. if the loomis series are too costly that is fine. i will say i am a very proud and satisified owner of loomis rods, but that BROTHER/SISTER line of crucials are awesome itself too. the feel is a little different. check them out. the stiffness you will feel in a imx or gls is not 100% the same the action in the tip is a little softer but still full of power. when you pick up a crucial rod you will see. they are still very light and super strong. i have just puchased a 7'11" crucial flipping stick and love it. i chose this rod over the loomis line, lamiglass line, and st.croix legend line. and on top of it all a LIFETIME WARRENTY!!!!!................
see-ya on the water,
saLTIE-

[upriverLMB]

If you are happy with your GL2, you will be happy with the Crucial. IMX no comparison. I would recommend spending as much as you can afford now, you will not regret it. As you collect rods, you will find its better to have half a dozen great rods than 12 mediocre ones. Another option is Powell, ask Randy at Escalon Bait to show you his collection, I have a Powell Max 7’3â€

[Meddock]

Stop by Gone Fishing Marine in Dixon to get your Crucial rods they are under new ownership. They are getting quite a nice tackle lineup in the store and the owner Mark is a super nice guy. For all your tackle needs see Cody in the tackle department.


Mark

[Jrfish]

Its all about the actions. I held a Crucial in one hand and a powell in the other when I needed a new dropshot rod. The Powell, to me, just felt right and it was only a few dollars more. And with the money you save getting either one of these rods over a loomis, you can put a nice reel on it too.

[tommypV2]

The last two rods I've purchased were crucials - i also own a few loomis' too. Crucials are a very good buy for the money, but loomis is better overall, but are they worth double the cost of a good crucial?
For a technique you find that you do a LOT, choose a Loomis - if there's a technique you don't do that much, choose a crucial. example - I don't rip very often, so my rip rod is a Crucial - but if the Senko bite is on, I'll throw it all day, so I have a loomis senko rod. Invest the top dollars in techniques that you do a lot.. unless you've go the money, then go loomis.
On the weight argument, i think the reel matters a LOT more, so I do the same and use a chronarch MG on my senko and dropshot rods. curados on others. just my $.04 (adjusted for bay area prices)

- T

[mossback]

Wow! Thanks for all the feedback. I will definitely take it into consideration when buying (and justifiying!) new rods. I am thinking I will buy two more Loomis rods for two of my favorite techniques(jigs and senkos) and two Crucials for other techniques. Thanks again for all of your input.