Pitching Rod...loomis Or Dobyns

[n8cas4]

I currently own a 76mhxf crucial split cork and a 711hxf crucial split cork as my pitching and flipping set-ups.  I like the 7'6" length and want to upgrade.  The tip of my 76mhxf is too soft.  I'm looking real hard at a Dobyns Champion 766c or 765c flip or a Gloomis Mossyback, IMX, (don't think I can afford a GLX) 894 BCFR

 

I fish Candewood lake in Connecticut often - deep grass - thick milfoil

 

I like pitching 3/4 - 1 oz t-rig beavers, creatures, etc... 50 # Braid

 

Do the Dobyns rods have less power?  Meaning is a power rating of 5 comparable to a Loomis power rating of 4?  

 

Which rod would you recommend?  of the 4 rods mentioned?  Dobyns 765 766 or Loomis 894 Mossyback or IMX? 

[kickerfish1]

I would break it down a bit by price. For example if you buy a Loomis look for a GLX or NRX - If used is out of the question then look at "Rep Sample" from a reputable dealer - All of these will be around or well under $400. If you are looking at say $300 or less for the rod I would get the Dobyns rod no question. I fish both brands on the mid to high end of the spectrum for their offerings. Both make great rods with a loyal following on both sides...

[n8cas4]

Thanks...Used is not out of the question, but even used GLX AND NRX are out of my range of $200-250.  But the Dobyns Champ and Mossyback or IMX are comparable in price.  Used Mossybacks are almost always around $200.  I can get a new Dobyns Champ 766c for $215.  But having never fished a Dobyns - I need to know if I should go with a 5 or a 6?  I have a gloomis shakeyhead spinning rod, but besides that never fished a casting loomis.  However, I'm pretty sure a 4 power is what I need

[Grantman83]

The champion over the mossyback any day. I would go with the 766 for the weights and cover you are fishing

[kickerfish1]

Sorry, I am just not in a position to flip/pitch much and don't really have the cover here to feel the need to do it. Therefore I can't suggest rod model numbers. I agree with Grant seeing that $250 is the limit about the 6 powered rod given a weight of nearly and ounce. I have seen GLX rods sell for $250 just typically not the real long and powerful models you may be after. Champions are within range and used DX should be close to your top end. The Dobyns may be the best buy given your situation. Lastly a phone call to Dobyns directly should get you to Gary or Richard the owners. That's how I would do it.

[iabass8]

If you're set on only fishing the weights you mentioned in what sounds like in thick cover, the 766 would be the best option in the Dobyn's lineup. I used to use it for punching 1oz-1.5oz weights. It is a BEAST of a rod and you will never be under gunned. 

 

If possible, try and hook up or talk to Paul Mueller(Dobyns Pro). He finished 2nd in the Classic last year and guides on Candlewood Lake I believe quite a bit. 

 

As for the differences in the 4 power loomis vs 5 power dobyns, it isn't cut and dry. For example, My NRX894 fishes heavier than the DX745 but I would say the NRX 893 is pretty close to the 744. Long story short, there is no direct comparison. 

 

The NRX894 is the greatest rod I've ever used for pitching jigs into brush/laydowns/trees/bushes. 

 

If you can bear to wait until black friday, you can easily get a DX795 for 260 brand new. This rod will punch 1.5oz weights and flip/pitch 3/8oz+ trig and bring anything out of anything. It's a really special rod.

[David P]

The 766 is quite a broom stick. I use it for frogging, and HEAVY flipping and punching... You're kind of right at that cusp.. If you throw 3/4oz more I would say 765, if you throw 1oz more, I'd go 766. If you're throwing on the outside edges and just a little into the thick stuff, the 765 will suffice, if you're dropping a 1oz or heavier weight into the middle of a thick mat of milfoil the 766 might be a better choice.

 

 Sorry for not having a definitive answer, like I said, kind of right on the edge with your weights listed. I use 50lb braid on my 765 and 65lb braid on my 766 just based on the cover I fish with the two rods.

 

 As someone else stated, the 795DX although more expensive, is in a league of its own. It can fish light stuff with ease, but it's got the backbone to punch 1.5oz weights into the thickest stuff, and pull out 10lb fish. It's a beast.

[Bass_Fanatic]

I would say use a Champion 765 FLIP.  If youre open to other brands, the Powell Endurance 775 FLIP can be found for $150 and is an awesome stick for what your looking to do.  I have the Endurance and I have a Dobyns DX 795 and I prefer the Powell.

[n8cas4]

Went with 766 dobyns flip. I have the softer crucial for mainly edges if needed. Maybe the Dx 795 is next !