Dobyns Champion Question

[Jon S]

Hey everyone

 

I've searched around a bit, and couldn't find the answer I'm looking for, so I guess it's time to make a post and ask. I'm in the market for a new rod, and I've decided on a Champion. However, I'm looking for a Medium Fast, and while TW has them, the one they offer is the split grip. I am stubborn and I really like full cork grips. This is where my question comes in. They have the glass rods, Medium Fast, and they are full cork. That would work just fine for soft plastics, right? I know the label says for cranking, but I don't see why I couldn't use soft plastics or smaller jigs on it, as well. I just wanted to get the general opinion from the forums. The Tackletour review/overview says it's a great soft plastic rod as well, but I take those reviews with a grain of salt sometimes, so I figured I'd ask the experts on the best bass site out there. 

 

Thanks for your time!

 

 

 

 

 

[iabass8]

Do not get one of their cranking rods for soft plastics, even the non glass version...I use both and would never recommend it.

 

Scroll down the list at TW a little further. The champion line is offered in both full grip and split grip when you get over 7'. ( FH means full handle on TW)

 

If you are going after a Medium/Fast in the Champion line, I'd suggest getting the 733c. It's a fantastic rod.

[Jon S]

Do not get one of their cranking rods for soft plastics, even the non glass version...I use both and would never recommend it.

 

Scroll down the list at TW a little further. The champion line is offered in both full grip and split grip when you get over 7'. ( FH means full handle on TW)

 

If you are going after a Medium/Fast in the Champion line, I'd suggest getting the 733c. It's a fantastic rod.

 

Awesome, thanks for your reply. Although, the only Medium Fast I see is the split grip. The 733c is a MH, unless I'm totally missing a MF haha. 

[iabass8]

Awesome, thanks for your reply. Although, the only Medium Fast I see is the split grip. The 733c is a MH, unless I'm totally missing a MF haha. 

Unfortunately there is no industry standard for rod powers and actions. Dobyns lure weights are pretty spot on but their powers are hard to keep inline. Their "MH" is a 3 power rated at 1/4 - 3/4 which is in line with what would be universally considered a M power rod. On the other hand, their 735 is labeled as a MH but it is every bit of a Heavy and more. If going the Dobyns route and wanting a M action rod, get any of their 3 power casting rods. The 733 is a great stick.

[Jon S]

Unfortunately there is no industry standard for rod powers and actions. Dobyns lure weights are pretty spot on but their powers are hard to keep inline. Their "MH" is a 3 power rated at 1/4 - 3/4 which is in line with what would be universally considered a M power rod. On the other hand, their 735 is labeled as a MH but it is every bit of a Heavy and more. If going the Dobyns route and wanting a M action rod, get any of their 3 power casting rods. The 733 is a great stick.

Thanks so much for your input. It looks like I will be going with the 733! 

[BassThumb]

I'd stay away from the cranking sticks (or any cranking stick) for soft plastics, without a doubt. They're just too soft in the midsection of the rod, which works great for sticking fish with reaction lures, but would work very poorly for Texas Rigged baits. I tried my 705c Graphite with some soft jerkbaits, and it was not easy to drive some of the hooks home on long casts.

What lures are you primarily going to be fishing with it?

IAbass8 is 100% correct in his assessment of the Dobyns power-rating system. From what I've seen, the 3-powers are "mediums" and the 4-powers are "med-heavy" basically.

Don't sleep on the 734c; it's the best "all-purpose" rod I've ever used. Hands down, my favorite next to the 744c, which has a little more backbone and excels at bottom-contact lures rather that "all-purpose". I own two 734 and use them for spinners, buzzers, spooks, chatterbaits, squarebills, lipless cranks, some swim jigs, soft jerkbaits, light T-rigs, you name it. They probably have more miles on them that any rod I own.

[Grantman83]

The 735 is rated a medium heavy in relation to their flipping and pitching sticks...in those terms, it is a medium heavy pitching stick.

Just like how a cranking medium heavy is different Than a jig and worm medium heavy.

[Jon S]

I'd stay away from the cranking sticks (or any cranking stick) for soft plastics, without a doubt. They're just too soft in the midsection of the rod, which works great for sticking fish with reaction lures, but would work very poorly for Texas Rigged baits. I tried my 705c Graphite with some soft jerkbaits, and it was not easy to drive some of the hooks home on long casts.

What lures are you primarily going to be fishing with it?

IAbass8 is 100% correct in his assessment of the Dobyns power-rating system. From what I've seen, the 3-powers are "mediums" and the 4-powers are "med-heavy" basically.

Don't sleep on the 734c; it's the best "all-purpose" rod I've ever used. Hands down, my favorite next to the 744c, which has a little more backbone and excels at bottom-contact lures rather that "all-purpose". I own two 734 and use them for spinners, buzzers, spooks, chatterbaits, squarebills, lipless cranks, some swim jigs, soft jerkbaits, light T-rigs, you name it. They probably have more miles on them that any rod I own.

Yeah that was my initial thoughts. A crankbait rod for soft plastics? No way. Then as I read about it on Tackletour, and they said that, it basically threw what I thought I knew out the window, haha. Luckily I rarely listen to them, so I figured it was time to ask the experts. I've used just about every rod out there, except Dobyns. I know they run softer than some manufacturers, but I wasn't sure. Luckily you all are willing to help. 

 

I'll mainly fish lighter soft plastics or lighter jigs on it. Maybe a lipless crank or jerkbait in a pinch, but primarily soft plastics/light jigs, since I already have a dedicated crank/jerk rod. I thought I'd go with a medium fast, since just about rod I own is a medium heavy, so I figured why not add some variety into the mix. But i'm open to anything, really. 

 

Thanks for your input!

[rippin-lips]

As far as Dobyns rods go their 3 power is a medium. 703/733 is what you'd wanna look at.

[Jon S]

As far as Dobyns rods go their 3 power is a medium. 703/733 is what you'd wanna look at.

I think I'll be going with the 733. 

 

Thanks for your help, everyone. I really appreciate it!