badfish79

The REEL TEST did a comparison review series on those two reels.

Champ xp 734

Hi everyone, especially the Dobyns guys. Is there anyone that has experience with both the new DX764SF and the DC764SF (old DX764SF)? I'm curious about the differences in the rod blank. Is one faster than the other? I'm assuming the DX is lighter and more sensitive. Thanks in advance.

I leave the plastic on the cork and try my best not to put it on the ground or on any surface it might get scuffed on. I've bought and returned rods at least 4-5 times and never gave one back in any condition less than I received it in.

If you have the funds for it, buy an NRX+ or Steez brand new from TW, try it out for a couple sessions side by side with your DX. If you are impressed, keep the one you want and return the other, or return both. Their return policy is pretty solid and no hassle. Something to note, the DX743 felt better balanced than an NRX+ 843, even with the DX's extra 4" and heavier weight. I was surprised when the noticably lighter NRX+ felt tip heavy.

@UmairF I have always been curious about the differences between a DC734 and a P5 Dark Sleeper. I love throwing dark sleepers, swimjigs and spinnerbaits on my 734. On paper both rods sound like they have the same action and power. I always assume the dobyns rod would balance better. What makes you like the Dark Sleeper better than the DC734?

I upgraded from a Dobyns Champ XP to an NRX+, then went back to Dobyns for an Extreme HP. The NRX+ way more sensitive than the DC. I would say that for double the price tag, you get what you paid for if you were paying for the sensitivity. I didnt need it that bad so I sold the NRX+ and found a used DX and have been perfectly happy with it. If a DC was 1 and an NRX+ was a 5, I would put the DX at a 3.5. It has more than enough sensitivity for my needs, and I got to keep a good chunk on money for other stuff.

it also looks like they dont have recoil guides like the regular NRX+ rods, so that probably adds to the weight

I havent felt anything over 7' that wasnt at least slightly tip heavy (to me) until I got an Expride 7'2 ML. I want to try a Dobyns DX742sf because I trust their rods to balance the best (and I'm a fanboy), but this Expride is the best spinning rod I've actually used so far.

since the 3 power is available, what techniques do you use or want to use on the 2 and 4 powers? that will probably help narrow it down

+1 for Dobyns DC734C. I get curious to upgrade it every now and then to a DX744, but I always end up sticking with the DC. I cant imagine a better, more balanced blank for small swimbaits. I even have a DX743C that I thought would be better for small swimbaits, but I keep going back to the DC. The DX at least covers my finesse jigs needs so it wasn't a total waste of money.

I'm a full grip guy. I wish the DX703C came with a full grip. That would be the perfect rod to me.

I use my DX743C for finesse jigs and 1/4oz t-rigs. Its way more sensitive for bottom contact than my DC rods. I had an NRX+ 843 which was super sensitive, but the DX743 isnt far behind. They arent neck and neck, but for the cost difference, the DX is great deal.

i've used magic eraser and water to remove u-40 up to a few days after it "dried"

if you arent married to the ergonomics of the SLX and Curados, I would give the Lews Tournament Pro a shot. I was all Lews until I found out that the new Shimanos fit better in my hand. I would still only use Lews if their reels didnt get slightly wider.

Dobyns has a 3 piece Kaden that comes with a travel case. https://dobynsrods.com/the-dobyns-kaden-travel-rod-series/ Phenix Feather comes in a 2 piece also. Very light rod. https://www.phenixrods.com/product/feather-casting/

If you can be patient enough, check the ALF used section once or twice a week. They rotate quality used rods and reels out often. I've seen excellent condition x-bites and other megabass rods many times over the last couple years.

Does anyone know if the frame from the Curado 200 DC is identical to the 150, with just a deeper spool? Or is it an overall slightly larger reel? Thanks.

I dont like spinning reels that are too light on longer rods, so you might want to consider your balance preference as well.

If you dont mind used and can be patient, look out for the used sections of ALF and TW. I picked up a Expride 7'2 ML spinning rod for 190ish from TW after Black Friday discount of the clearance section (used items are included in there).

Oops. I think if you are going pure moving baits, you might wanna try their crankbait rods. DC705CB, or whatever length 5 power you prefer, can probably cover what you need it for.

DC734C for versatility and moving baits for sure. I like Dobyns 3 powers for my style of fishing, but the 734 is pretty darn good at covering what a 3 power can do with the added benefit of a little extra horsepower when you need it, for either heavier lures or heavier cover. At one point I had a DC703C and DC733C along with the DC734C and ended up selling the 3 powers since the 734 did it all for me. The only thing I wanted from it that it didnt provide was light lure bottom contact sensitivity. It was ok, but I wanted more, so I went to the DX series for that.

Since those are pretty cheap, I would buy another one and keep the old one around for parts (extra spool for a different line size?) I can clean a baitcaster, but disassembling and reassembling Shimano spinning reels are a headache to me. Gotta keep close attention to where the shims were positioned so you can put it back together and it be smooth again. You can buy a new Nexave for close to the price of getting it professionally serviced.

I love my Extreme HP so far. Dobyns 3 power casting are my favorite rods for how I fish and the DX743 is everything I expected it to be. Better bang for my buck than an NRX+ 843 that I gave a shot to.

I'm always curious about this. With all the advancement in materials in the last 10-15 years, do you think current day entry and mid level rods are as good or better than a mid to high end rod from 10 or 15 years ago? Example, original Shimano Crucial vs an SLX of today.