First Dobyns..

[BigBites1]

Thinking of getting my first Dobyns . Looking at the extreme line . Want it to be pretty versatile for Texas rig, Carolina , shallow cranks, primarily and frogs and the occasional spinner. Any suggestions for a casting rod ? Thinking or putting a chronarch ci4+ on it.

[BrianinMD]

I have a DX742C paired with the CI+4 and love it. Would be a light for what you want to do, I would suggest a 3 or 4 weight in whatever length you prefer to use.

[rippin-lips]

Dobyns rod powers run a bit light. Their 3 power or medium heavy is softer than most other companies medium heavy. Their 4 power is labeled as a heavy but more along the lines of other companies medium heavy. I have the 704dx and it's a very versatile rod. If I'm taking 1 rod that would be the one that I grab. It also happens to be for sale in the classifieds.

[jbarnard]

 a buddy has a 7'3'' savvy heavy and it feels like a good rod

[DTack]

Thinking of getting my first Dobyns . Looking at the extreme line . Want it to be pretty versatile for Texas rig, Carolina , shallow cranks, primarily and frogs and the occasional spinner. Any suggestions for a casting rod ? Thinking or putting a chronarch ci4+ on it.

If I were going to get one Extreme to basically do it all with, it would be a 744dx. 

[WPCfishing]

Look at Powell too. Better rod.

[iabass8]

I will echo the DX744 if going with just one. It's a very versitile stick.

[benthinkin]

a timax is comparable. id check out a DX705c. and if u dont mind the length a DX784c too light for frogs but an awesome rod

[fishindad]

Look at Powell too. Better rod.

Interesting statement. Are you saying you've fished a Champion Extreme and (I'll assume) the Powell TiMax and the Powell is better than the Extreme? In what ways do you think it is it a better rod?

[WPCfishing]

Interesting statement. Are you saying you've fished a Champion Extreme and (I'll assume) the Powell TiMax and the Powell is better than the Extreme? In what ways do you think it is it a better rod?

My mistake... I was not considering the extreme..

May not be a bad idea to look at a few rods if you're going to spend that much for a rod.

Is the extreme made in the USA?

[fishindad]

Thanks, I'm always looking out for better gear at equivalent price points. AFAIK the Dobyns rods are still being made in South Korea. By now, most know the made in US sticks. As I've said many times before, I've fished a long time and no factory rod has yet topped the original GLX with Wiebe handles, on both spinning and casting. Wish I would have bought a stable of MBR and SJRs. For now, it's Dobyns and St Croix.

To the OP take the advice above and go with the DX744.

[WPCfishing]

Thanks, I'm always looking out for better gear at equivalent price points. AFAIK the Dobyns rods are still being made in South Korea. By now, most know the made in US sticks. As I've said many times before, I've fished a long time and no factory rod has yet topped the original GLX with Wiebe handles, on both spinning and casting. Wish I would have bought a stable of MBR and SJRs. For now, it's Dobyns and St Croix.

To the OP take the advice above and go with the DX744.

I've been interested in the ALX rods. USA made blanks by Hydra.

ALX is owned by Hydra.

[MidwestF1sh]

I would be very interested to hear how the timax compared. I have a hard time believing there's a better rod out there for under $200 than Powell but it'd be nice to hear how their top of the line stuff compares to the higher priced gear.

[kickerfish1]

I would say like anything else, weight of baits used would come into play some. A DX744 or 745 would work depending upon the "other" factors. Also I think a Champion 734 would make a good choice if you wanted to opt for a versatile Dobyns rod without a bigger price tag.

Dobyns makes a good rod, backed by a good warranty, and has excellent customer service. I have 5 and never an issue.

[Mike2841]

I've been interested in the ALX rods. USA made blanks by Hydra.

ALX is owned by Hydra.

Hydra blanks are phenomenal blanks, but the cork they use on their factory rods is garbage. If I were to get another one I'd have a custom one built (just my opinion)

For anyone with a 744 how are they with jigs 3/8 to 1/2. I'm torn between a 744 or getting another alx deputy or dragger

[BigBites1]

I would say like anything else, weight of baits used would come into play some. A DX744 or 745 would work depending upon the "other" factors. Also I think a Champion 734 would make a good choice if you wanted to opt for a versatile Dobyns rod without a bigger price tag.

Dobyns makes a good rod, backed by a good warranty, and has excellent customer service. I have 5 and never an issue.

Thanks! What are the other Dobyns you own?

[BigBites1]

Thanks, I'm always looking out for better gear at equivalent price points. AFAIK the Dobyns rods are still being made in South Korea. By now, most know the made in US sticks. As I've said many times before, I've fished a long time and no factory rod has yet topped the original GLX with Wiebe handles, on both spinning and casting. Wish I would have bought a stable of MBR and SJRs. For now, it's Dobyns and St Croix.

To the OP take the advice above and go with the DX744.

I have St. Croix avid now but though I would try something different out. Nothing wrong at all with the croix just change of pace

[kickerfish1]

I have handled and fished quite a few however I just have 5 left.

DX703

DX742

Champion 705cb glass

734 Savvy

735 Savvy

[benthinkin]

I would be very interested to hear how the timax compared. I have a hard time believing there's a better rod out there for under $200 than Powell but it'd be nice to hear how their top of the line stuff compares to the higher priced gear.

They are very comparable, however I would lean toward dobyns because Powell discontinued the TiMax and the warranty sucks, If you break a timax you get a Max 3D as a replacement.

[BassThumb]

Champion 734 735

Extreme 744 745

Those are my favorite in the line. They'd all be a great fit for you.

Given those lures you mentioned, you might be better off with two rods, both a 4 and a 5 power. Perhaps it'd be worth considering two Champions (734/5) and two lesser-priced reels (Citicas or Curados).

[WPCfishing]

Hydra blanks are phenomenal blanks, but the cork they use on their factory rods is garbage. If I were to get another one I'd have a custom one built (just my opinion)

For anyone with a 744 how are they with jigs 3/8 to 1/2. I'm torn between a 744 or getting another alx deputy or dragger

Have you used a Toad Face?

[Mike2841]

Have you used a Toad Face?

Only have a deputy, I was thinking of jumping right to the dragged to bomb 1/2 football jigs from shore.

[CTGalloway21]

I have both the DX744 and DX 745

 

For texas rigs, jigs under 1/2oz, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, etc.  I use the 744

For jigs over 1/2oz or fishing heavier type cover, I use the 745

[DTack]

Hydra blanks are phenomenal blanks, but the cork they use on their factory rods is garbage. If I were to get another one I'd have a custom one built (just my opinion)

For anyone with a 744 how are they with jigs 3/8 to 1/2. I'm torn between a 744 or getting another alx deputy or dragger

744dx is my favorite jig rod I've ever used.  3/8 is my most common size and I will go up to 3/4 and 1oz in open water.  I love the rod overall and it shines for me once a fish is hooked up.  I guess the rod "casts" well but I don't really know too much about that...  I learn to cast with whatever rod I'm throwing a bait on.  I'm more concerned about what is going to happen when I hook a 5-10lb bass.  I don't really care about how a rod presents a bait for me, I will do that part.  I want it to help me land a fish.  

[Boonie Vang]

I bought a DX744 used from another website and that thing is amazing, I have it paired with my premier gen3 and its a destryoer