Dobyns Rods - 1St Time Customer - And They Just Feel Weird - Why?

[nocellcontracts]

I recently bought 5 Dobyn's  Champion rods:

1. 735C (qty 2)
2. 736C
3. 684C
4. 705C CB Glass

All of them are split handle except for the CB Glass rod.

This is my first time using split handled rods and none of them feel right to me.

Not sure if there's a learning curve (getting acclimated) to the split handle or what.

Another thing I noticed is the diameter of the cork is really skinny. I'm use to a Pro Qualifier rod with a thick cork (called "Power Hump Grip").

Gosh, did I love those rods. They were stolen and are not available anymore, so I went with Dobyns.

 

The 735's just don't seem to load up very much when casting.....as if they are too stiff for casting jigs and worms, but feel fine on the retrieve.

 

I returned the 684 and 736 and plan to order other models. Still have a pair of 735's and may sell them at half price.

 

Can any of you shed some light here on what I may be experiencing? Thanks guys.

 

[Ozark_Basser]

I agree with you on the stiffness of the 735C.  Too stiff for me too.  In all honesty though it's preference.  A lot of guys love Dobyn's rods. I like a full cork handle as well, but the split grip just takes a full day of use to get used to.  If you sell those 735's on here or tackletour's forum for half price, they'll sell fast as lightning I'd say.  

[rippin-lips]

Pick up a 734.

[fishballer06]

Let me know when you sell them.

[wngan9447]

What size jigs are you using? For worms, I'd go with 733. 735 is really stiff for casting plastics without decent weight.

[TrippyJai]

What made you decide to take a shot in the dark and buy 5 rods at a time from a company you've never used before. Not only that, you bought split grips over the full handle. The full handle is fine in terms of cork size without the power hump. Many people dislike the hump and I returned my BPS cranking stick because of that. It'll take some times to get adjusted and I'm sure you'll enjoy your new rods.

[BassinLou]

Feeding off what Trippy Jai said. Give it a little while. Purchasing 5 rods you have never handled is risky. One rod i can understand. Give the rods a chance. They are great rods. If you decide to unload them people will gladly take it off your hands.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Grip diameter is independent of whether it is a full or spilt grip. As for the stiffness, that's just one more illustration of the fact that there are no industry standards for rod specs so it's vital to do due diligence prior to purchase. If shopping site unseen, I'd order one at a time and  ask lot's of questions. There's a lifetime of reading available here already and members are quick to respond with their experiences when asked. I know this is hind sight and doesn't help much with the current situation. All you can do right now is try each rod in a few likely applications and see what works for you and go from there.

[dam0007]

The 735C should excel at pitching and roll casting jigs and trigs. Try backing off your breaks and cast control.

[J Francho]

You're probably used to your old rods loading easier, due to the slower action.  Dobyns are very fast tapers.  the 3 and 4 power are probably what you'd want to replace M and MH type rods.

[tomustang]

.

 

Can any of you shed some light here on what I may be experiencing? Thanks guys.

It would be nice to know what you looking to do with lures. From your previous purchase it looks you want to throw 3/4oz and up lures

[nocellcontracts]

I just want great feeling rods will all my baits. My main lures are...

Buzzbaits

Shallow crank

Deep crank

Worm

Jig

Weightless senko

Spinner bait

[F14A-B]

I believe, in just a bit of time, you will get use to split grips, I didn't like at first either, but I adjusted. I don't know what to say on you're rod power selections. There's the Flea Market, I'm sure you could move them pretty quick there, maybe!

[kickerfish1]

Call Gary Dobyns. Discuss in great length what you want to do and ask him for the 5 rods that best match the techniques and weight ranges as well as cover. If there is any discrepancy he may allow you to swap rods for minimal costs.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I just want great feeling rods will all my baits. My main lures are...

Buzzbaits

Shallow crank

Deep crank

Worm

Jig

Weightless senko

Spinner bait

There in lies the problem: Only you know what is great feeling in your hands. Everyone else will have their own opinion but that won't really help you. The bait list should help some but if you can add what weights/sizes you'll throw I think you'll get more specific suggestions. JFrancho has a good point about the fast tapers. You may just need to go down a power in your choices.

[tomustang]

I'd look more into the:

683 for weightless senko and light lures

734 for jig/worm/spinnerbaits

And keep one of the 735C for the bigger stuff, it's more like a heavier jig rod and it excells at frogging

Stick to the lure rating on the rods for best results

[nocellcontracts]

I agree... I think I need softer tip rods. Even when I cast a 3/8oz jig/trailer on the 735, its almost broom handle stiff and casting distance is nothing special.

When trig fishing, I use a 1/8oz bullet on all my worms 5", 7", 10".

I actually asked LOTS of questions and went with what the rep said at Dobyns.

The split grip is my own fault as I think they "look cool".... But I just can't acclimate to the weirdness I'm feeling.

Do u think full handles and lower power may resolve this? Thanks.

[MarkH024]

Interested in a 735c if you plan to sell. Shoot me a pm.

[thehooligan]

I cant imagine the 5 power, my dobyns 704 was a broomstick...

 

For the fishing i do, there 1-3 power rods are great.

[smalljaw67]

I agree... I think I need softer tip rods. Even when I cast a 3/8oz jig/trailer on the 735, its almost broom handle stiff and casting distance is nothing special.

When trig fishing, I use a 1/8oz bullet on all my worms 5", 7", 10".

I actually asked LOTS of questions and went with what the rep said at Dobyns.

The split grip is my own fault as I think they "look cool".... But I just can't acclimate to the weirdness I'm feeling.

Do u think full handles and lower power may resolve this? Thanks.

 

When you look for a rod there are some things to consider, first is the lure type, and then size and weight, this will get you narrowed to what length you need and close to the power. The next thing is the type of aeras you will fish, if you are going to be in heavy cover you may want a stout MH or even a heavy power depending on the cover, if you are targeting sparse grass and docks you may feel better with a lighter medium heavy or even a medium based on lure type.  If you are talking to someone with knowledge of the product and fishing, don't be vague, give them as much information as possible, tell them the baits you want to use with the rod and the sizes, what cover, and this is one people forget, what part of the country you are fishing in. That makes a difference, those of us in the Northern part of the country aren't going to have large populations of 8' to 10' fish, and we don't have weeds like Florida so the rod choices are going to be much different.

[deep]

I agree... I think I need softer tip rods. Even when I cast a 3/8oz jig/trailer on the 735, its almost broom handle stiff and casting distance is nothing special.

 

I fish 3/8 oz jigs on a 2.5-3 power Kistler rod; casting jigs, light cover. Had a 3 power NRX before, that was great too. The problem is there's no industry standard regarding power, and we haven't even started talking about action.

I once had a 3 power Powell, and that was a great rod; but not good for any jigs lighter than 5/8 oz lol.

And then you have your personal preferences regarding how much you want the rod to load while casting and fishing. I think your choices might be somewhat in line with mine. I like the bait to slightly overpower the rod.

[nocellcontracts]

After speaking with the rep...I'm going with full handles and lower powers on most of the rods. Not sure if I'm sending my 2 735's back for swap or selling....I'll contact those interested if I sell. Here's my new order... I hope they feel better this time.

735 jigs and c-rigs

734 big worms and brush hogs

733 Wacky Senkos

733 Spinnerbaits Chatterbaits

705CB GLASS Shallow cranks

765CB GLASS Deep cranks

[BassinLou]

I hope they work out for you. Enjoy your new rods!! 

[WRB]

Call Gary Dobyns. Discuss in great length what you want to do and ask him for the 5 rods that best match the techniques and weight ranges as well as cover. If there is any discrepancy he may allow you to swap rods for minimal costs.

+1, do this!

Make sure you tell Dobyn's what reels and line lbs test you use and the weight of your lures. Dobyn's 3 power rods are closer to off the shelf MH, I suggest you start with 733 and 734, but call Gary, he will make right for you.

Tom

[DTack]

After speaking with the rep...I'm going with full handles and lower powers on most of the rods. Not sure if I'm sending my 2 735's back for swap or selling....I'll contact those interested if I sell. Here's my new order... I hope they feel better this time.

735 jigs and c-rigs

734 big worms and brush hogs

733 Wacky Senkos

733 Spinnerbaits Chatterbaits

705CB GLASS Shallow cranks

765CB GLASS Deep cranks

 

I'm glad you gave them a chance to help.  One thing I will say, when you get the rods back, they will likely still feel "different".  I would encourage you to fish them a bit and see if you get used to them...  Also hook some fish on them see what they do once a fish is hooked, that is where rods separate themselves for me.  Hope you enjoy the new choices and they are a better fit for you.  Have fun!