Is It Worth It?

[Chatterbaiter]

I understand majority of this is more preference than anything, but I'm stuck and looking for some guidance. I'm looking to pick up a new football Jig/big worm rod, tossing mainly 1/2oz and occasionally higher. I'll be pairing it with a Chronarch mgl and most likely 20# Sunline. Naturally I'm looking for something lightweight with great sensitivity, but a well balanced rod is most important to me (have had too many tip heavy rods). I've read many reviews and done so much research I feel I'm going mad.

 

Budget isn't all that much of a concern as I know a lot of times you get what you pay for, but I'm not trying to break the bank unless it truly TRULY is worth it (I feel most comfortable spending between $200~$300). Here I have a list of what I keep getting hung up on..

 

1. G Loomis - GLX 894C JWR

2. Dobyns Champ Extrm HP - 7'8" Hvy Mike Long Jig

3. Megabass - Orochi XX - 7'5" MH EMTF

4. G Loomis - E6X 894C JWR

 

What I'm wondering is, are some of the higher dollar rods really worth their price and not just hype? As I stated before, I understand majority of this is more personal preference than anything. I'm just hoping enough members on here have had some sort of experience. I'm open to recommendations as well.

[Airman4754]

I strongly recommend a Power Tackle Football Jig Special. Insanely good rod. It might be a touch over your budget, but it blows away my NRX 894 for sensitivity dragging jigs.

[DaveT63]

I think that there is a limit to the return on investment in rod quality.  G Loomis GLX is definitely worth the upgrade over an IMX.  But I've had an MBR843C GLX and now have an MBR843C NRX.  If I could have fished the NRX before I bought it, I would have stuck with the GLX.

[Dwight Hottle]

Take a look at Kistler Helium 3 rods. They are based on Northfork Composite Blanks and compare very favorably with Megabass, St Croix & G Loomis offerings. I have all four so I speak impartially.  

[kschultz76]

I've not personally fished the EMTF but I understand from many who have that the 1/2 oz jig and higher are starting to push its limits. I think most people with experience in the Orochi line recommend moving up to the Perfect Pitch for 1/2 oz and up. Also if you're willing to spend a bit more Megabass just announced a new 2017 Destroyer line for the US. The line features a dedicated jig stick called the FMJ, and from talking to someone who's had time in the water with these rods it would be a great 1/2 oz jig rod. 

[Robert Riley]

Law of diminishing returns, you're going to pay more and more for the next percentile in quality and sensitivity. 
Personally, I can't drag jigs on anything other than my Dobyn's Extreme. Would I shell out that kind of money for a cranking rod or a topwater rod? Lord no. 

[kschultz76]

10 minutes ago, Dwight Hottle said:

Take a look at Kistler Helium 3 rods. They are based on Northfork Composite Blanks and compare very favorably with Megabass, St Croix & G Loomis offerings. I have all four so I speak impartially.  

Agree I like my H3 quite a lot.

[MrPeanut]

I agree with the above sentiment of law of diminishing returns in rod quality - everybody's happy comfort zone is going to be different for what they feel is worth the extra jump in price.  That being said, a big jig rod is one I would be willing to spend more on, considering I'm going to be dragging bottom, and theoretically, the bites I'm going to get are going to be of the bigger fish variety, so I want to be sure to capitalize on every one of them.

 

Of the original list above, I personally think the first 3 will be a lot better bang for your buck as far as quality and sensitivity than the E6X.  I have an E6X, although its a M spinning rod, and it's plenty sensitive for what I use it for, but if the others are within your budget you would be much happier in my opinion.

 

 

[Chatterbaiter]

I hear what all of you are saying. The purpose of that list is just a spread of rods in value from lines I've been hearing most about for what I'm looking to do. If the rod is really that good I have no problem with it's cost, but I will note that the GLX is topping out on what I'm willing to stomach.

 

Additionally, I'd like to add a little more information to what exactly the function of this rod will be. Which of course will be for making longer cast and fishing jigs/worms around bluff walls, submerged timber, and rock piles in 15 - 30 FOW. From that I think I would need a rod that is able to move large amounts of line and get a solid connection with whatever is on the tag end, but not a "pool cue" as I've still got to play the fish back to the boat. If what I need is in fact more of a "pool cue" than I'll just stick to using my flip/punch set up.

[new2BC4bass]

I am not the best guy to recommend rods for ultimate sensitivity.  I can name some brands that I have read are pretty good.  Bronzefly has mentioned that Hammer rods are some of the best he has seen and used in the $150-$200 price range.  I have a couple but have not had the chance to drag any jigs with them yet.  Phenix is said to be pretty good.

 

You might want to consider a custom built rod on one of the blanks from Batson.  There was recently a thread with a link to all the blanks they offer.  Darned if I can find it.  Pretty sure Immortal was one, and I think Eternity 2 was the other one mentioned.  Supposedly near GLX sensitivity for less.

[MickD]

Buy a good rod at a reasonable price and fish with braid.  The line is worth hundreds of dollars of rod cost when looking for sensitivity.  

[Zippyduck Krimm]

The Dobyns should work but I would go with the 745 for dragging deep water. The 7'8" has a lot of tip action.

[dsqui]

If u are gonna get a dobyns call the man himself and explain to him what u want it for.  Let him explain the different jig rods and why one is better then the other.  A lot of guys recommend the 735 but after talking with Gary and explaining my situation we both agreed the 744 was a better rod for my purpose 

[trouttracker]

I to was in the same position last year - trying to decide which jig/big worm/Carolina rig rod to buy.  I have to admit that I do have a strong bias toward both Dobyns and St Croix and own many of each. I do not have any experience fishing with rods from G Loomis, Kistler, Powell, etc.  I eventually chose the Dobyns Extreme DX784.  I chose this rod not only because of my confidence in the quality of the other Dobyns rods I own but because it had a wide reputation for being a very good jig, T-rig, Carolina rig and flutter spoon rod.  I fish most often in deep northern MI lakes and so using 7'8" rod is especially suited for the fishing applications I needed to use it for - long casting, deep water hook-set and high sensitivity ability.  If deep water is not a significant factor, Dobyns also offers the same DX Extreme rod in a 7'4" version (DX744) and is now offering a similar (slightly less sensitive, less costly) rod in the Champion XP series (DC744).

[Fishinthefish]

I'd give a call to Mike at Delaware valley tacke.