G Loomis E6X Vs Dobyns Champion

[Vavatron]

I have narrowed myself down to these two rod lines for my upcoming purchases. Meaning I will be buying several. I, as of yet, can not seem to make a decision between the two. I have put my hands on both series in a local tackle shop, but I was unable to make a 1-1 comparison on the rods, as one was jig rod and the other was not. I have looked at the warranties, the aesthetics, specs, price, etc.... Does anyone have any "real world" experience fishing both rods? If so, I would love to hear any insights you may have. Thanks.

[benthinkin]

dobyns champion series 100%

[lmbfisherman]

dobyns champion series 100%

So why 100% over the E6X? 

[rangerjockey]

I used to fish the Champions Series a lot mostly the 703 and 704 as well as the 705 CB.I never thought they were the most sensitive rod out there but well made and great for moving baits. The only e6X I own is the dsr 820..Using that for comparison I think they are close in sensitivity, build quality is close on the ones ive handled.. If I had to choose between the two I would probably go with the loomis But thats based on personal preference not that one is head and shoulders above the other..

[benthinkin]

So why 100% over the E6X? 

With a champion from dobyn's you are getting their flagship model. The E6X from loomis is a new, unproven rod built for a budget. With the E6X loomis had to "cut corners" to lower the price point. Loomis's are made in america and have arguably the best name and warranty in the buisness. You end up paying for American craftmanship costs(which i support 100%). What I dont like about the E6X is that you end up paying alot for the name and warranty. I feel buying a higher end rod in the loomis lineup  would result in getting the full quality loomis has to offer. A dobyns is a tournament proven stick, its been around for awhile and has set a bench mark for the bass fishing world.

[SenkoGuru]

I would go with the EX6

[rangerjockey]

The champion isn't the flagship model. I think saying that saying Dobyns is the benchmark that bass rods are judged aginst is open to debate. ..

[dam0007]

Dobyns without a doubt. Well balanced, sensitive, great build quality, premium cork, and your supporting a family owned business.

I tried a buddies e6x, way too tip heavy, I don't like it. If I were to buy a Loomis it would be a Edge.

[DTack]

I have narrowed myself down to these two rod lines for my upcoming purchases. Meaning I will be buying several. I, as of yet, can not seem to make a decision between the two. I have put my hands on both series in a local tackle shop, but I was unable to make a 1-1 comparison on the rods, as one was jig rod and the other was not. I have looked at the warranties, the aesthetics, specs, price, etc.... Does anyone have any "real world" experience fishing both rods? If so, I would love to hear any insights you may have. Thanks.

I can't help you with experience with the Loomis.  I think the responses you're going to get on this thread will be either leaning heavy one way or the other.  So far you have only been given two answers that covers things about both rods.  You might just have to go off of your own personal feel on this one as it doesn't seem like many people have really used both.  Loomis has built a name in fishing overall and that includes bass fishing.

I hope someone comes along that can give you experiences with both.  

[robster80]

d

[robster80]

dobyns

[FlipSide]

Its all about personal preference, its hard to go wrong in the $200 range with rods these days. I love my champion, and have fished the hell out of it. Ive only held the e6x in stores with a reel on it, It was the 7'1 heavy or medium heavy jwr, I cant remember off the top of my head. It felt very balanced with the lews tp I put on there, but I cant comment on sensitivity, etc. since I havent fished the rod.

 

Either one I think you will be happy with, as they both come from reputable companies and are in the "high quality" rod category.

[benthinkin]

Bottom Line your buying from two of the major companies, its hard to go wrong

[benthinkin]

The champion isn't the flagship model. I think saying that saying Dobyns is the benchmark that bass rods are judged aginst is open to debate. ..

Your signature says your a denali prostaffer. How do like those rods?

[lmbfisherman]

With a champion from dobyn's you are getting their flagship model. The E6X from loomis is a new, unproven rod built for a budget. With the E6X loomis had to "cut corners" to lower the price point. Loomis's are made in america and have arguably the best name and warranty in the buisness. You end up paying for American craftmanship costs(which i support 100%). What I dont like about the E6X is that you end up paying alot for the name and warranty. I feel buying a higher end rod in the loomis lineup  would result in getting the full quality loomis has to offer. A dobyns is a tournament proven stick, its been around for awhile and has set a bench mark for the bass fishing world.

What I was trying to get at, is he posted he wanted guys who "fished" both rods.  It sounds like you haven't.  All you're stating are talking points. 

[benthinkin]

What I was trying to get at, is he posted he wanted guys who "fished" both rods.  It sounds like you haven't.  All you're stating are talking points. 

I have fished both rods. only fished with the E6X briefly since not many people have it and its recently came out. I  have more experience with the dobyns which is why i lean toward it. Just my opinion. 

[Deputy Dave]

I have 11 Champion rods and like each of them a lot. Sorry, no fishing experience with the E6X. I've held several in tackle shops. A couple of times with reels mounted. IMHO the balance isn't even close to the Champion, or any Dobyns rod for that matter. Weight felt about the same. (7'MH E6X vs 703C Champ) I know I didn't answer your question but maybe something that you haven't thought of.....There are over 50 models in the Champion series to choose from and not half that with the Loomis series. 

 

I switched from much higher end, or the highest end in some cases, Loomis rods and went to Dobyns a couple of years ago. I'm not impressed with the E6X probably because of this. It is in fact their lowest end economy rod. As already stated, that's not the case with the Champion Series. My choice would be Dobyns. 

[Bigchunk]

Dobyns are awesome and you cant beat the 70$ no hassel warranty

[*Hank]

Another vote for Dobyns.

[dam0007]

I can't help you with experience with the Loomis. I think the responses you're going to get on this thread will be either leaning heavy one way or the other. So far you have only been given two answers that covers things about both rods. You might just have to go off of your own personal feel on this one as it doesn't seem like many people have really used both. Loomis has built a name in fishing overall and that includes bass fishing.

I hope someone comes along that can give you experiences with both.

As I stated...

I've fished both. Own several Dobyns and fished a e6x for a good portion of a day. Rod was tip heavy. Lol that's all I have to say negative.

OP you want more detail. I caught a few smallies on it throwing Keitechs. It's sensitivity is decent, Dobyns comparable i own is the 703, Dobyns wins. Otherwise it's a nice rod but it's not balanced well. Very very "average" would be the word. If it were my money I wouldn't buy it. The Champ isn't the greatest rod by any means but they balance extremely well which is one thing I'm picky about and all the other talking points I mentioned.

Rod is new on the market, to hear more feedback from various anglers is just gonna be something to wait for over the next year or so.

[DTack]

As I stated...

I've fished both. Own several Dobyns and fished a e6x for a good portion of a day. Rod was tip heavy. Lol that's all I have to say negative.

OP you want more detail. I caught a few smallies on it throwing Keitechs. It's sensitivity is decent, Dobyns comparable i own is the 703, Dobyns wins. Otherwise it's a nice rod but it's not balanced well. Very very "average" would be the word. If it were my money I wouldn't buy it. The Champ isn't the greatest rod by any means but they balance extremely well which is one thing I'm picky about and all the other talking points I mentioned.

Rod is new on the market, to hear more feedback from various anglers is just gonna be something to wait for over the next year or so.

Sorry man, my last line of my post was a bit misleading.  You were one of the two responses I was trying to refer to that had used both.  Thanks for making the post for the OP, that's what keeps this board going!

[dam0007]

Sorry man, my last line of my post was a bit misleading. You were one of the two responses I was trying to refer to that had used both. Thanks for making the post for the OP, that's what keeps this board going!

no prob lol

[dam0007]

OP you check out the St. Croix Avid X yet?

[Vavatron]

OP you check out the St. Croix Avid X yet?

 

I have not. I will check it out before purchasing.

 

That being said, after spending more time with them in a tackle store, the feedback of some of the posters, and the fact that I started out originally wanting Dobyns; that is the winner between the current two brands. I like all of the choices with Dobyns (including full cork handles),the Dobyns rods were better balanced in my hand, and I prefer their aesthetics. Hopefully they have the sensitivity everyone claims.

 

I am planning on starting with 3 rods. One M/H for single hook baits, plastics and jigs mostly. One M rod for treble hook baits, square-bills, jerk baits, and topwater for the most part. One ML for Ned Rigs and other finesse applications. I figure that lets me get a feel for their line-up before I buy more. Now, I just have to narrow down the possibilities.

 

[dam0007]

I have not. I will check it out before purchasing.

That being said, after spending more time with them in a tackle store, the feedback of some of the posters, and the fact that I started out originally wanting Dobyns; that is the winner between the current two brands. I like all of the choices with Dobyns (including full cork handles),the Dobyns rods were better balanced in my hand, and I prefer their aesthetics. Hopefully they have the sensitivity everyone claims.

I am planning on starting with 3 rods. One M/H for single hook baits, plastics and jigs mostly. One M rod for treble hook baits, square-bills, jerk baits, and topwater for the most part. One ML for Ned Rigs and other finesse applications. I figure that lets me get a feel for their line-up before I buy more. Now, I just have to narrow down the possibilities.

Advice on jerkbaits. Go with the 5power 685cb or 705cb. The power ratings are different in each line up so a 5 isn't a 5 in flipping category. I own the 684 and ^ 2. The 5 is way better for 110-120 size jerks and squares, even shallow - medium cranks. The 4 is better for much smaller stuff.