Dobyns Drop Shot Rod

[JigMouth]

Looking for suggestions on what model I should get. Pretty set on the 702 but is the action between the champion and champion extreme very different and does one suit drop shotting a lot better than the other? Thanks

[68camaro]

Although your set on the 702, Cragier12 has a DX701 for sale in Flea Market, extra savings may be worth a look.

 

I have two Champions but not an Extreme, I would think that due to extra cost of Extreme, there is probably better and or new materials to justify cost.  

 

I don't you can go wrong with either. For finesse I think the extreme might be better suited though.

[iabass8]

You want the DX702

 

here's a super good review of it:

 

http://forums.tackletour.com/viewtopic.php?f=65&t=29703

[JigMouth]

Thanks for your flea market recommendation but i already get a discount and a 701 would be way to light for me personally.

[Robert Riley]

If you can get a good deal on a champion go with that. But otherwise, ive heard phenominal things about the DX702, used it once and it was great.

I talk to the guys at Dobyns often, and only two rods have they not talked me down to a champion or even a savvy, and that was for my DX745 and the DX702. I trust these guys, they know I'm going to buy one of their rods, and they aren't at my throat for a sale.

[JigMouth]

Just got off the phone with a guy at dobyns. He said the DX702 "finesse special" is more of a 1.5 power rod where as the champion 702 is a true 2 power. He recommended the champion 702 due to the additional power. Any of you guys experiance this?

[DTack]

Looking for suggestions on what model I should get. Pretty set on the 702 but is the action between the champion and champion extreme very different and does one suit drop shotting a lot better than the other? Thanks

The Champion 702 and the Extreme 702 are very different.  If you're throwing a dropshot, the 702dx is going to be better suited.  It will feel very light as far as action goes at first.  Hook some fish with it and it will change your mind about how light it is.  I think the rod is fantastic for exposed light hooks,and I've done will with light wire texas rig hooks as well.  I have a dropshot on the rod about 80% of the time it is in use and have debated getting a second one.  It's a fantastic finesse rod and that's why it's labeled as so.  

[DTack]

Just got off the phone with a guy at dobyns. He said the DX702 "finesse special" is more of a 1.5 power rod where as the champion 702 is a true 2 power. He recommended the champion 702 due to the additional power. Any of you guys experiance this?

The 702 Champion is definitely more powerful.  Another option if you're concerned with power is the 742dx...  Just a bit more power.

[Craiger12]

I completely agree with the last 2 posts by DTack. Spot on information.

[JigMouth]

Thanks for the help DTack. I mainly drop shot open water 15-45 feet deep around brush and timber. I use a texas rig on the drop shot 90% of the time with a roboworm rebarb hook. I also do the exposed hook at times though. I am still really torn between the two to be honest. Thanks

[DTack]

Thanks for the help DTack. I mainly drop shot open water 15-45 feet deep around brush and timber. I use a texas rig on the drop shot 90% of the time with a roboworm rebarb hook. I also do the exposed hook at times though. I am still really torn between the two to be honest. Thanks

This is my personal opinion and you may not find many people who will agree... However, for what you're describing... I would get the dx742s and never look back.  If I were in that situation I would have the most confidence in that rod!  

[Craiger12]

Again, I completely agree. I owned the DX 742SF at one point and I'm thinking about picking up another. That is the rod you want. More power in the mid and butt sections to help move fish as well as more length to help move line when setting the hook, especially in deeper water. Not to mention it will be more sensitive than the Champion series.

[JigMouth]

I would get that rod but I don't prefer going over 7 foot for a drop shot rod. I need to make up my mind lol. Its down to the 702 and dx702 that's for sure. Thanks for the suggestion though.

[Columbia Craw]

The Dx Extreme is now the HP series.  The blanks are made from 46 ton Torray.  If you will fish to 45 feet, this would be the way to go. I can't comment on the exact model you ask about but the HP's are just a bit faster based on my casting model. I do have a 702 Champ and a Gen #2 DX742SF. The 702 is for lite (#6) line.  The 742 can handle up to #10 without a hitch.  It's a superb shakey head rod too. If I win the lottery, I would upgrade to all DX HP's.  

[JigMouth]

Thanks Columbia Craw, I already have a dobyns HP series and I love the new design and add ons. From what I heard on the phone the 702 champ and dx742 would be about the same power wise with the dx702 being a little lighter than those two. Do you feel the dx742 is too much for a drop shot with 6 pound line? Thanks

[Columbia Craw]

Thanks Columbia Craw, I already have a dobyns HP series and I love the new design and add ons. From what I heard on the phone the 702 champ and dx742 would be about the same power wise with the dx702 being a little lighter than those two. Do you feel the dx742 is too much for a drop shot with 6 pound line? Thanks

 

I think the sweet spot is #8 but would not hesitate to use #6. My buddy likes #10 braid and a #6 leader on his.  I am not a braid guy.  I reel into my hook sets when I drop shot so #6 doesn't scare me.  You have some good size spotted bass so the 742 should be, at least a consideration. My biggest bass on the DX742 was a 7 plus at Clear Lake Ca. It has tip and power.  I just like it because of the range of use and weights.  To be fair, I prefer longer rods than most people and some back bone.  A 2 power no matter what you choose and you'll be gold. I hope this helps you.