Dobyns Sierra

[fishballer06]

The Dobyns Sierra came out over the summer and I know some of you probably have one. So what do you think of it?

I'm looking for a frog rod that can also double as a heavy punch/flipping stick, and the 735C seems to fit that duty. 

[fishnkamp]

The Sierra rods are really nice. I sent you a message.

[iabass8]

A heavy punch and flip stick isn't something the 735 excels at. I guess "heavy" is a relative term but I'll just assume you mean 1oz + weight. It's not a good punching rod for those weights and 1oz + is too much for the rod. In that price range, I would look hard for the previous gen Champ Dobyns 736 if you want one rod to punch and frog with. The non XP's are popping up a lot for 160(ish) which falls in line /w the Sierra. If you can't find one, you're going to compromise for one technique or the other and probably the best compromise would be the 765. 

[fishnkamp]

iabass8 have you ever held and or fished the Sierra SA 766 Flip rod. Would that be similar to the previous Champ 736 you mentioned.

[iabass8]

41 minutes ago, fishnkamp said:

iabass8 have you ever held and or fished the Sierra SA 766 Flip rod. Would that be similar to the previous Champ 736 you mentioned.

I've fished the Savvy and champ 766. Both fish very similar. Champ balances a bit better.

No, it would be similar to the champ 766.

The 766 in each series are among the most "broomstick" style rods you could use. They are very, very powerful and do not the have the tip the 736 has to throw frogs effectively. The 766 is pretty much used by most for just punching. 

[Columbia Craw]

If the definition of heavy punching and flipping is 1 ounce, or more  with 65 pound, or more, braid the 735 Sierra is not your rod. It makes a great frog rod and can double as a heavier jig rod but punching heavy weights is not it's forte'.

The 766 Sierra and or the Champion 766 are beast rods.  They're actually too stiff for my taste and I punch with an Extreme 795. My frog rod is a 735 Champion.  I know a guy who has boat flipped 8's with his. I'm not that daring. You might consider reversing your expectations to:  I want a punching rod that I can throw frogs with.  I read a thread last year where Gary Dobyns stated his punching rod was a Champion 766 and his frog rod was the Champion 736.  That's about it.