My buddy just bought a Certified Pro 6-10# and is complaining about the crackling sound too. I think it is just the epoxy "breaking in" and it will quit making the sound after some use. as far as the backbone, I use a certified pro 6-10 spinning for 'doggin and I love it, I think it is designed for the slow to medium action. When fishing off the bank I like a rod with more backbone.