Author: Rob Belloni
Rod Length: 7’11” Blank Material: IM9 Graphite Line Rating: 15-30 mono | 20-65 braid Lure Ratings: CRC-SX711MH : 3-5oz CRC-SX711H : 5-8oz CRC-SX711XH : 8-16oz Guides: New Concept Fuji Alconite guides Number of Guides: 9 + tip Handle: Shaped Grade A Cork Pros: There have been several Shimano rods in the past that people have used for swimbaits, most notably the Calcutta 8xx series. While several of these rods were passable as swimbait rods, none of them were really designed with swimbait fishing in mind and the Calcutta rods were astronomically priced above $300. Here finally is a true swimbait rod from Shimano that is clearly designed by and for swimbait fishermen and for the general market. The Crucial swimbait series comes in three models to cover the wide range of swimbait sizes and weights on the market these days and in my opinion, Shimano did a good job of covering the actions. The heavy action rod will throw just about anything and the medium heavy is reasonable down in to the 5” bait category. The tapers and guide spacing on the Crucials are very clean and smooth. The XH rod that I demoed was extremely stiff out to about 4’ and then tapered out in a clean arc. The rods have a very fast recovery and don’t have any whippyness to them. They don’t feel like broomsticks but they have plenty of backbone. All of the guides and wraps on my rod were perfect, no drips, scratches, crooked guides, etc. The rods have a clear finish down the entire length of the rod which I like because it adds a little more strength and chip resistance. The Crucial swimbait rods are priced at $150 which puts them right at or slightly below comparable rods like the Rogue or Lamiglas swimbait rods. It’s a very fair price for what you get and I have always felt like there is no reason to spend $300 on a rod anyway. Overall I feel like Shimano did a nice job with this rod and I give kudos to any company that builds a true swimbait rod. Many of the Shimano rods I’ve seen and fished with in the past were cheap low end deals, and this rod is definitely neither cheap feeling nor low end. Cons: Two things worth mentioning about the Crucial rods… The first is that all three rods have a strong butt section which is good for power and leverage and for fishing with rubber baits etc. The actions to me don’t feel quite right though on the lighter wood baits. I just like a little more overall give in the rod for those applications. If you’re looking for a Hudd/Stocker Trout/Optimum type rod, buy the XH – it matches perfectly with those style baits. If you’re looking for something to throw Monster Jacks/Slammer/etc you might want to consider some other options. This isn’t a criticism of the rod; it’s an expectation setter that might help guide your rod purchasing decision. The other thing I disliked about the Crucial series was the thickness of the handles. I have fairly large hands and I feel like for all day fishing comfort, I want something solid to grip on to. The thin handles look prettier but another ¼” or so on the handle diameter would give it a more solid feel and relaxed grip.
Pros: There have been several Shimano rods in the past that people have used for swimbaits, most notably the Calcutta 8xx series. While several of these rods were passable as swimbait rods, none of them were really designed with swimbait fishing in mind and the Calcutta rods were astronomically priced above $300. Here finally is a true swimbait rod from Shimano that is clearly designed by and for swimbait fishermen and for the general market.
The Crucial swimbait series comes in three models to cover the wide range of swimbait sizes and weights on the market these days and in my opinion, Shimano did a good job of covering the actions. The heavy action rod will throw just about anything and the medium heavy is reasonable down in to the 5” bait category.
The tapers and guide spacing on the Crucials are very clean and smooth. The XH rod that I demoed was extremely stiff out to about 4’ and then tapered out in a clean arc. The rods have a very fast recovery and don’t have any whippyness to them. They don’t feel like broomsticks but they have plenty of backbone. All of the guides and wraps on my rod were perfect, no drips, scratches, crooked guides, etc. The rods have a clear finish down the entire length of the rod which I like because it adds a little more strength and chip resistance.
The Crucial swimbait rods are priced at $150 which puts them right at or slightly below comparable rods like the Rogue or Lamiglas swimbait rods. It’s a very fair price for what you get and I have always felt like there is no reason to spend $300 on a rod anyway. Overall I feel like Shimano did a nice job with this rod and I give kudos to any company that builds a true swimbait rod. Many of the Shimano rods I’ve seen and fished with in the past were cheap low end deals, and this rod is definitely neither cheap feeling nor low end.
Cons: Two things worth mentioning about the Crucial rods… The first is that all three rods have a strong butt section which is good for power and leverage and for fishing with rubber baits etc. The actions to me don’t feel quite right though on the lighter wood baits. I just like a little more overall give in the rod for those applications. If you’re looking for a Hudd/Stocker Trout/Optimum type rod, buy the XH – it matches perfectly with those style baits. If you’re looking for something to throw Monster Jacks/Slammer/etc you might want to consider some other options. This isn’t a criticism of the rod; it’s an expectation setter that might help guide your rod purchasing decision.
The other thing I disliked about the Crucial series was the thickness of the handles. I have fairly large hands and I feel like for all day fishing comfort, I want something solid to grip on to. The thin handles look prettier but another ¼” or so on the handle diameter would give it a more solid feel and relaxed grip.
