G Loomis E6X Vs Dobyns Champion

[rangerjockey]

If you are entertaining other options I would recomend looking at the zodias or KLX , both are more sensitive than the other 2 imho and in the same price range or less..

 You metioned the ned rig ,I throw it a bunch here on Table Rock and the 7ft.ML Zodias is the best I've tried and I have been through a few .. Also the 6ft 10 medium casting rod is a great fluke,weightless worm, and spook rod. I also throw 3/8 oz. spinnerbaits on it.. I imagine it will make a good jerkbait rod when that times come back around....just food for thought..

[Hogsticker]

I won't tell you what to get but offer some thoughts. I have owned and used Champions but do the custom thing now. Went out this past weekend with the old man who just picked up 2 EX6 sticks. It felt pretty good throwing some jerkbaits and light jigs. A little tip heavy and sensitive enough. Full cork handle, the only way to go. The guides are a big turn off for me. This is a brand new blank and being a Loomis your not gonna get great guides on it. What can anyone tell me about Dobyns blanks other than being made in China. That's also a big one for me. The Champions fish nice and you'll be hard pressed to find a more balanced rod off the racks.

[DTack]

What can anyone tell me about Dobyns blanks other than being made in China. That's also a big one for me. The Champions fish nice and you'll be hard pressed to find a more balanced rod off the racks.

 

http://www.insideline.net/index.php/equipment/628-gary-dobyns-making-the-perfect-rod-part-i

This article gives some info on the materials used.  If what you're looking for is the "modulus rating" I'm not sure where that may be found.  Also, the manufacturing takes place in Korea.  

[onetime]

Vavatron, on 20 May 2015 - 08:36 AM, said:

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.

 

I'm a Dobyns fan boy myself, I have fished with the E6X  buddy has, nice rod, but I don't like them better than the Champ series. Here are my recommendations for your three rods. Memorial Day sales begin in a couple days!

Champ 734 or 704 plastics/jigs/bottom contact

Champ 705cbmf for treble baits (actually lots of options here)

Champ 702 for finesse applications

Obviously lots of options on length and power depending on your needs, good luck!

[Hogsticker]

I don't know. For blank, components, and build quality my money would go towards a Klx at that price point.

[Primus]

 I own rods by both Loomis and Dobyn's though I do not have an E6X . Dobyn's  makes great rods for swimbaits, crankbaits  etc as their blanks seem to have the ideal flex and power when fishing those type of baits . Regarding applications where sensitivity is important such as jig/ worm rods Dobyn's are average   in my opinion . Based on what Loomis offers these days I would not get a rod by them unless you are looking at a GLX or NRX which is  well past your stated price range and I mainly would consider them for jig/ worm applications . 

 

  My recommendation based on what I have used would be would be a Dobyns for reaction baits and as a few have suggested go with Kistler KLX  for jig/ worm rods as they are going to  more sensitive than the E6X or Dobyn's Champion in my opinion . The KLX  is a fantastic rod for the $ 200 price range and built in the USA which is an added plus over the Dobyns . If you sign up for Kistler's newsletter they will offer discounts on occasion for buying direct . 

[dam0007]

I own rods by both Loomis and Dobyn's though I do not have an E6X . Dobyn's makes great rods for swimbaits, crankbaits etc as their blanks seem to have the ideal flex and power when fishing those type of baits . Regarding applications where sensitivity is important such as jig/ worm rods Dobyn's are average in my opinion . Based on what Loomis offers these days I would not get a rod by them unless you are looking at a GLX or NRX which is well past your stated price range and I mainly would consider them for jig/ worm applications .

My recommendation based on what I have used would be would be a Dobyns for reaction baits and as a few have suggested go with Kistler KLX for jig/ worm rods as they are going to more sensitive than the E6X or Dobyn's Champion in my opinion . The KLX is a fantastic rod for the $ 200 price range and built in the USA which is an added plus over the Dobyns . If you sign up for Kistler's newsletter they will offer discounts on occasion for buying direct .

Basically what I did^ Dobyns for reaction baits but 13s for all sensitivity applications. Dobyns 735C is a killer rod though!!

[Primus]

I've heard the 735 makes a killer frog rod, it's on my wish list . 

[bass1980]

Yup I used to own a 735c champ, what a nice frog rod. Balances great and a very nice tip for casting that sucker a mile. It was a good jig rod too.

With that said, Dobyns Champ aren't the most sensitive rods in their price point. Balance and overall feel is what makes them Great. Fishing a buddies E6 for an outing....I'd pass that for a Zodias any day if I wanted a "shimano" rod.