onefinalcast Posted February 7, 2014 Posted February 7, 2014 I am getting a new rod soon and have been eyeing the Powell Endurance 714-CEF or Dobyns Champion 703C. This is only my third or fourth year doing serious bass fishing and this will be my first "nicer" setup as I currently own two BPS sticks which were <$100. I plan to put a lot of time on the water this season (in a yak) and really learn to fish and study structure. The Powell is about $50 less than the Dobyns. Unless I can get the Endurance cheaper, I wouldn't mind spending another $50 for a Dobyns. What would you do in my shoes? Quote
Banned-99884 Posted February 7, 2014 Posted February 7, 2014 Dobyns all the way!! Powell is very good too, cant go wrong either way. Dobyns balance better and are light though. Quote
motodmast Posted February 7, 2014 Posted February 7, 2014 you can't go wrong with either one. both are great rods, and you will love your purchase! Quote
onefinalcast Posted February 7, 2014 Author Posted February 7, 2014 Dobyns huh? I guess I am trying to come up with reasons for me NOT to get a Dobyns, in light of saving a few bucks. For example I keep telling myself maybe I am still too nooby to be worthy of a Dobyns. :grin: Quote
Fattygreens Posted February 7, 2014 Posted February 7, 2014 Champ vs Endurance is pretty even. Now Dx vs Endurance brings some separation. Quote
Super User iabass8 Posted February 7, 2014 Super User Posted February 7, 2014 What are you using the rod for? Quote
Super User rippin-lips Posted February 7, 2014 Super User Posted February 7, 2014 I haven't had a chance to own a Dobyns yet. There is a ton of support for them on this board which tells you that they are great rods. I do own some Powell Endurance rods though. For the money it's an awesome rod. The balance is incredible. Doesn't matter if it's a 5.5oz reel or 7.9oz. It still has a neutral balance point. I weighed a 723 the other day and it's 5.5oz on the scale. Either is a good choice. Quote
onefinalcast Posted February 7, 2014 Author Posted February 7, 2014 The rod will be used for t-rigs, spinnerbaits, flukes, maybe jigs. Pretty much looking for a rod that can do multiple techniques. Also I should state that I have not held either one in my hands. I probably won't be able to as there aren't any stores with like a 80+ mile radius that has Powells or Dobyns Champ series. If I was to get one first, and then the other second, would it be obvious to go with the Powell first and 'upgrade' to the Dobyns afterwards? Quote
Super User *Hootie Posted February 7, 2014 Super User Posted February 7, 2014 What are you using the rod for? Fishing.....sorry iabass8, I just couldn't resist...lol. Hootie Quote
Grantman83 Posted February 7, 2014 Posted February 7, 2014 I've owned a powell max and it was a solid rod for for the price no doubt. However at the upper end I do feel dobyns is a nicer stick. If you can get a deal on a champion 734 or 704, I would say start there as this is probably the most versatile rod Quote
Super User iabass8 Posted February 7, 2014 Super User Posted February 7, 2014 Fishing.....sorry iabass8, I just couldn't resist...lol. Hootie i walked into that one. Well played. 1 Quote
Super User Teal Posted February 7, 2014 Super User Posted February 7, 2014 Endurance can be had for 150 at a particular website. Of the rods have been called even or pretty close....the hundred dollar difference would be the deciding factor... That lab why I have somw Quote
WCCT Posted February 7, 2014 Posted February 7, 2014 I personally do not feel the Endurance is in the same league as the Champion lineup. It is more on par with the Savvy line of Dobyns rods. The Champions are fantastic rods for the money. Quote
Brian Needham Posted February 7, 2014 Posted February 7, 2014 both are sold companies with solid followings . I use dobyns and see no reason to switch to anything else. (never used a powell though) Quote
bigfishbk86 Posted February 7, 2014 Posted February 7, 2014 For what you are planning on using the rod for, i'd definitely go with the 704. I bought a 703 and its a lot closer to a medium than medium heavy. I use my 703 for rage rigs and 1/4oz swim jigs and it works well for that, but is a touch light for anything more IMO. Hopefully someone else can chime in. Quote
Bass_Fanatic Posted February 7, 2014 Posted February 7, 2014 I own bot h. I have Powell max and endurance rods and dobyns savvy and champions. I feel the endurance 714c is one of the best deals around. If you look, you can find it for <$150. The dobyns are sweet, but I always find myself picking up the endurance 714c 1 Quote
KevO Posted February 7, 2014 Posted February 7, 2014 I have both and I don't think you can go wrong with either one. Just depends on what you want to spend and if you want full or split grips. Quote
onefinalcast Posted February 7, 2014 Author Posted February 7, 2014 If I can find an Endurance for $150 that may be the deciding factor. I'll just have to keep shopping around. Also, I don't like really stout rods. I don't mind going down a power if it means added sensitivity. Is the Powell 714/Dobyns704 pretty stout? Could I get away with using the 723 Powell or 703 Dobyns for 1/2 oz jigs and spinnerbaits? The bass here in the midwest don't get nearly as big as down south or out west...which lets me think I can get away with a 3 power. Thoughts? Quote
Gaerith Posted February 7, 2014 Posted February 7, 2014 You can do a 3 power, but once you add the trailer to the 1/2 oz jig you get close (maybe even to) to the rods max lure weight. A 4 power will load better in that case. Rod power isn't just about the fish size, it's about the lure size one intends to throw too. Quote
Fattygreens Posted February 7, 2014 Posted February 7, 2014 I personally do not feel the Endurance is in the same league as the Champion lineup. It is more on par with the Savvy line of Dobyns rods. The Champions are fantastic rods for the money. Sorry man but the endurance blows the savvy out of the water all day, not even close here. I would take one of the new inferno's over a savvy. If your spending Dobyns money you really ought to just get an Extreme. Quote
SenkoGuru Posted February 8, 2014 Posted February 8, 2014 The Powell Endurance at $150.00 really can't be beat. It is 10 times the rod the Savvy is. Powell Max is better than the Savvy, Powell Endurance is a better deal that the Champion, you may start to see a little better Rod once you reach the DX but not enough IMO, to pay the extra coin over an Endurance. I would go with Powell Quote
WCCT Posted February 8, 2014 Posted February 8, 2014 Sorry man but the endurance blows the savvy out of the water all day, not even close here. I would take one of the new inferno's over a savvy. If your spending Dobyns money you really ought to just get an Extreme. Agree to disagree I'm not bashing Powell by any means. I have a trap/ spook rod that I would have a hard time getting rid of for anything. My opinion is just that, an opinion. I probably shouldn't have rated it on the same level as a Savvy, but I don't think it is as good as the Champions. Just my 2 cents. Quote
WdyCrankbait Posted February 8, 2014 Posted February 8, 2014 I've got 4 Endurance rods and love them! Dobyns seems to make great rods, I never held one or fished with one. But, one thing I really enjoy about my Endurance is the backbone. When I set a hook on a bass, he's coming in, unless my line pops. Endurance for a $150, is a great deal. Cant go wrong with either. Enjoy the new rod!! Quote
Arv Posted February 9, 2014 Posted February 9, 2014 Having used both I would go with the dobyns Champ if money is not an issue. if it is, like others have said, you definitely can't go wrong with the endurance. It's a great rod for the money, especially if you can find it for 150. Again, I would pick the Champ by a small margin though. Both balance well, but the dobyns balances better imo. I'm not sure which one weighs more but the balance is more important to me there. Both rods are also plenty sensitive but I would still give a slight edge to the Champ. And, I really like the way the dobyns looks Haha Quote
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