Which Dobyns Model?

[NMUbassin]

*I accidentally posted this in the tackle forum as well, so can a mod delete that one? Thank you.*

Hey guys/gals,

I'm in the market for a new jig/t-rig rod, and I need a little bit of input, specifically from those who own Dobyns rods.

I'm looking to buy a Dobyns champion series rod. I've heard some people say that Dobyns rods typically fish a heavier power than labeled, is that true?

I was thinking about the 703, is that what most of you use?

It won't be used for any slop. Mainly deep water, weed breaks, etc.

[tbone1993]

735c is my favorite rod for those applications. 703 is a nice rod but I doubt it is going to fish heavier than it is labeled. 

[Arv]

Depends on the weights and cover you are fishing. I would probably go with a 4 or 5 power based on he the fact you will at least be throwing around some vegetation. I use my 4 power for jigs and t-rigs from 1/4-1/2oz for the most part and my 5 power for 3/8+ mostly. I feel like each of the 4 and 5 power will go above and below those limits, respectively (and within reason), but that's mostly how I use mine. The 734 and 735 would be great rods for what you plan on using them for as well as many other applications.

[Grantman83]

734/735 IMO. Dobyns rods are are usually considered to be under powered for their rating. I have 4 of their 4 power rods because they are ao versatile.

[iabass8]

735 for 3/8+

734 for 3/8-

The 735 has a pretty unique xf tip and can still throw 1/4 jig+trailer

[RippinLips4]

Grant and iabass have good input I would go with what they say they know the rods very well.

[aavery2]

734C and 735C as mentioned are what you should be looking at in this series of rods. If I were only going to have 1, I would get the 734c based on it's versatility.

[druben]

I agree with what everyone has said before. The 734 and 735 are both very versatile rods. In your case I would think that the 734 is the way to go based on what you will be fishing in. It is basically a MH rod by most manufacturer's standards but has plenty of power. 

[MCS]

Question for you dobyn dudes....which handle style? Split or full? Does it make a diff in how the rod fishes, weight, balance? Or is it all personal pref.?

[aavery2]

Question for you dobyn dudes....which handle style? Split or full? Does it make a diff in how the rod fishes, weight, balance? Or is it all personal pref.?

All of the Dobyns rods that I have used have very good balance regardless of style, I am a believer in fish what is comfortable to you, I believe it a personal preference.

[druben]

I think it is mostly personal, but that being said I like the full cork grip. But for rods under 7'3 in the champ series only split grips are available. I have the champ 704 which I use for skipping docks and it is still very comfortable. 

[motodmast]

704 or 734 is what your lookin for

[iabass8]

Question for you dobyn dudes....which handle style? Split or full? Does it make a diff in how the rod fishes, weight, balance? Or is it all personal pref.?

some like full cork because it balances better but the split grip balances great as well. i use all split grips (except for the champ cranking rods) and use 6oz-7oz reels on all my rods and even the 7'4 -7'6 rods balances great /w 50 size shimanos and t3 1016s

[RoLo]

I have a few Dobyns rods but I think my favorite is the Mag Hvy which negotiates heavy cover, tosses swimbaits ~ ~ (the workhorse)

It's the Dobyns Champion 705C  (7' 0" - Mag Heavy - Fast - 3/8 to 1-1/2 oz - 12-25 lb)

 

Roger

[tbone1993]

Question for you dobyn dudes....which handle style? Split or full? Does it make a diff in how the rod fishes, weight, balance? Or is it all personal pref.?

I love my full grip 735c. I would buy a split grip in a heart beat though.

[Arv]

I like full grips

[RoLo]

Question for you dobyn dudes....which handle style? Split or full? Does it make a diff in how the rod fishes, weight, balance? Or is it all personal pref.?

 

All else equal, the only advantage to split-grips is lighter overall weight

Provided the butt section is sufficiently long, I wouldn't know if I'm holding split-grips or a full grip without looking down.

But to each his own of course, for instance, my wife does not care for split-grips.

I tell her jokingly, 'just don't grab the handle where there is no cork'   

 

Roger

[curtis9]

I like split grips because I think they look cool. I don't think either offers a significant advantage

[MCS]

Maybe I just need to tell my wife I HAVE to get both to see which one I like. I have split and a full in my spinning rods, kinda like the split a little better. Both the two casting rods i have right now have really weird short handles, they are shorter rods. So I am not sure which feels "right" to me. I doubt I will get a chance to handle before i order, gotta go with the gut i guess. thanks for the input guys.

[Brian Needham]

In general here is what I think..... keep in mind there is always some crossover in weights

 

Champion Line

3 power = 1/4 oz jigs

4 power = 3/8oz and 1/2oz

5 power = 3/4oz and 1/2oz too if working heavy cover  

 

DX

basically the same except I like all my 1/2oz jigs on a 5 power, or a 784ML (becasue of the tip)

I think the 744 is more suited to 3/8oz. That's IMO, based on how I like to fish.

 

Cork is all personal, I like full cork..... the rod feels better in my hands with full cork and 2 handed cast are easier for me in the full cork.

I have a 742 in split cork and everytime I use it (often) I wonder why I ordered it in split instead of full

[iabass8]

In general here is what I think..... keep in mind there is always some crossover in weights

Champion Line

3 power = 1/4 oz jigs

4 power = 3/8oz and 1/2oz

5 power = 3/4oz and 1/2oz too if working heavy cover

DX

basically the same except I like all my 1/2oz jigs on a 5 power, or a 784ML (becasue of the tip)

I think the 744 is more suited to 3/8oz. That's IMO, based on how I like to fish.

Cork is all personal, I like full cork..... the rod feels better in my hands with full cork and 2 handed cast are easier for me in the full cork.

I have a 742 in split cork and everytime I use it (often) I wonder why I ordered it in split instead of full

This xs infinity

[SoFlaBassAddict]

In general here is what I think..... keep in mind there is always some crossover in weights

 

Champion Line

3 power = 1/4 oz jigs

4 power = 3/8oz and 1/2oz

5 power = 3/4oz and 1/2oz too if working heavy cover  

 

DX

basically the same except I like all my 1/2oz jigs on a 5 power, or a 784ML (becasue of the tip)

I think the 744 is more suited to 3/8oz. That's IMO, based on how I like to fish.

 

Cork is all personal, I like full cork..... the rod feels better in my hands with full cork and 2 handed cast are easier for me in the full cork.

I have a 742 in split cork and everytime I use it (often) I wonder why I ordered it in split instead of full

Hard to argue with that. The only change for me would be that I use some lighter lures on my four power rods also.

Full grips for me. I found they balanced a little better, plus they just feel right to me.