Dobyns Savvy?

[Banned-99884]

I hear that the savvy is a

"Dead" rod. That it has no feel. Is that true I have champions but was looking to save some money. Should I go with the savvy or a Duckett or a Powell max?

Thanks

[lmbfisherman]

I hear that the savvy is a

"Dead" rod. That it has no feel. Is that true I have champions but was looking to save some money. Should I go with the savvy or a Duckett or a Powell max?

Thanks

Well sensitivity is different in everyone's hands, so it might be dead to me (I've only tested in store)...it might be fine in your hands.  I can't comment on a Duckett or Powell Max, what I will say is this.  When I was dead set on trying a Dobyns (to see all the fuss), for some reason the models they had in the store didn't give me the "IT" factor.  I was looking for a heavy powered rod and looked at these rods - Champion, Savvy, Crucial, Cumara (Previous Version) and Fenwick Aetos.  What I came out with was my first Aetos.  I do not regret that decision at all, it has the power/action that i expect and I was pleasantly surprised how sensitive/performed,  it performed it was like a 200-300 dollar rod easily.  What else helped me buy it was the price tag (normally 150-160, I bought it for 130). 

[iabass8]

Savvy is not a very sensitive line of rods. I really like them for swim jigs, spinnerbaits and frogs. Really anything moving. They are a very well built rod for the techniques i listed but arent ideal for bottom contact baits. Stick with the champ or champ extreme for feel presentations. If money is tight either save it up or try a less expensive line of rods you have wanted to.

[Arv]

Not dead to me, but not the most sensitive rod you can get for 150. The one I had balanced great, but I did not like it for bottom contact presentations. I'm sure it would make a fantastic rod for moving lures, but if you're looking for another jig/plastic rod I'd stick with the Champion or Champion Extreme.

[tbone1993]

My high end rods are dobyns and my filler rods are fenwicks. 

[Banned-99884]

I have champions, looking for a less expensice rod thanks!

[MarkH024]

I have champions, looking for a less expensice rod thanks!

You've made no indication of what you're using it for.  That might help some people steer you toward the rod line best fit for your intentions.

[Banned-99884]

Spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, blade baits and swim jigs

[MarkH024]

Spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, blade baits and swim jigs

All of which require 0 sensitivity, so I think you're safe to go with a Savvy if you wanted to stay with in Dobyns.  For those same techniques I use a Croix Mojo MH/F and its ~$100 new.  When the online guys have their sales you can get them brand new for ~$75.  You have a ton of choices, my advice is go with the brand you like best. I have no experience with Duckett or Powell.

[Banned-99884]

OK thanks.

[iabass8]

i'd go /w the savvy then if that's all you are using it for. you can get them for around 130$ during the presidents day sales.

[lmbfisherman]

I'll agree with the others if you aren't using it for bottom contact techniques.  That is if you want to stay with the Savvy.  Otherwise I'd still standby my recommendation for the Aetos. 

[Cgrinder]

Savvy 703 is a delightful 3/8 oz spinnerbait rod. I get a lot of use out of mine.

[SenkoGuru]

 If you wanted to stay with Dobyn's, I would listen to the others and just get the Savvy.  I would skip out on the Duckett Ghost if I was in the $100.00 Range, although I am a duckett fan I just can not tell someone to buy a Rod when I know they can get better for the same Price. IMO, the Duckett Ghost is better than the Savvy but to each his own. If you wanted to stay at $100 for a spinnerbait, swimjig rod I would look into the Denali Kovert 6'9" MH Spinnerbait rod. It is quite nice at the price it is selling. If you wanted to stay with the three you have listed I would Go with The Powell Max, it is leaps ahead of the other two and it would fit into the Champion line at a much better price. All of this is just IMO.

[OkeechobeeAngler]

Check out Denali also.

[Aluma-Bass]

I Love my savvy rods, I also own champions. I got the savvy as you said for a little cost savings. Have used them for last 4 years.

[Grantman83]

I feel like the savvy is only regarded as dead in the context of the champion and extreme lines. I have had a 703 and 735 savvy which with braid were plenty sensitive. However when you compare them to the other lines, they seem "dead". For moving baits, if you use braid or fluoro you will feel what's going on no problem.

Other people have made excellent recommendations, but don't discount the savvy for what you are looking for.

[smalljaw67]

I've become a big Fenwick fan but I like all kinds of rods and while the Saavy isn't a bad rod I feel it is over priced for what you are getting. The price would be spot on if that rod was made in the U.S. but the fact it is made overseas and the quality you are getting would make the rod right around the $100 dollar mark, and if I had to give an honest comparison I would say the Saavy is the same as the St. Croix Triumph, the Premier is actually better. Like I said, I'd expect the Saavy to carry a $150 price tag if it was made in the U.S. but not overseas and there are a lot of rods that cost less and are way above this line. The Fenwick Aetos can be had for $140 shipped, and not only will it work for moving baits but the sensitivity is there in spades so it could easily become a bottom contact rod if needed but we all have preferences. I'm not bashing Dobyns either, I happen to also be a Loomis fan and the GL2 is in the same category as the Saavy, over priced and not really a great rod, in this line you are paying more for the name than the rod and I really wanted to like the GL2 since the new handles feel great but not when it has lesser components and is heavier than my $80 dollar Vendetta.

[Trey Harpel]

Spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, blade baits and swim jigs

Your fine with a savvy for those baits..

Honestly if you can't feel the bite on those tech there is a problem as fush usually hammer those baits especially if braid is being used..

I use a savvy micro for spinnerbaits and savvy 735 for frogging with no issues..

[lmbfisherman]

I've become a big Fenwick fan but I like all kinds of rods and while the Saavy isn't a bad rod I feel it is over priced for what you are getting. The price would be spot on if that rod was made in the U.S. but the fact it is made overseas and the quality you are getting would make the rod right around the $100 dollar mark, and if I had to give an honest comparison I would say the Saavy is the same as the St. Croix Triumph, the Premier is actually better. Like I said, I'd expect the Saavy to carry a $150 price tag if it was made in the U.S. but not overseas and there are a lot of rods that cost less and are way above this line. The Fenwick Aetos can be had for $140 shipped, and not only will it work for moving baits but the sensitivity is there in spades so it could easily become a bottom contact rod if needed but we all have preferences. I'm not bashing Dobyns either, I happen to also be a Loomis fan and the GL2 is in the same category as the Saavy, over priced and not really a great rod, in this line you are paying more for the name than the rod and I really wanted to like the GL2 since the new handles feel great but not when it has lesser components and is heavier than my $80 dollar Vendetta.

Exactly how I felt when I compared the Savvy to an Aetos and Crucial.  That is just comparing them at the shop. 

 

Not defending the GL2, I think it is way over priced and should be 100 dollar mark..I agree that it is heavy and has not so good parts, but I own the 893C (I bought it on sale for just over 100 and use it for Senko Fishing, where you don't need a sensitive rod).  Didn't think it was half bad with sensitivity, I would put on par with a Compre, I wouldn't buy another one mind you and especially at retail.  Cause I would just buy an Aetos or Smallmouth ET over it.  I guess they justify because it's a Loomis and they have the wildcard warranty.