yeah i understand what your saying. i know the clarus flippin rod i have now is not ideal, but im hoping it will do until the crucial one is available. from what im understanding and guessing is that the medium taper is better for swimbaits because of what you said, it doesnt rip the lure from the fish. now im mainly trying to figure out if i only need a crucial heavy w/med. fast taper? or if i will be limited in the size of baits i can throw with the rod? im guessing the biggest lure i would throw would be the 9" castaic real bait. any more thoughts?