Calling all Dobyns Champion Extreme 744 owners, need help choosing rod

[broke4bass]

Hello all,

 

I bought a Dobyns Champion DC703C rod roughly 2 months ago, and I'm loving it.  It balances so well, it's the only rod I pitch with right now because I can do that all day without wearing out my wrist/knuckles/joints, ever!  The only problem is that it's a little low on power than what I'm looking for, so I'm deciding to try and upgrade this one or grab a completely new rod.  I'm liking Dobyns so much, I'm actually in the market for the Champion Extreme.  Being the first $300+ rod, I don't want to make a blind purchase.  And, I don't know of anywhere near here that I can actually hold a DX rod.  

 

So to the point, I'm stuck between getting a Extreme 704 vs 744.  I want a longer rod, but the balance on my DC703 is crazy good, and I don't want to risk getting a DX744 if that extra length throws the balance off (meaning more tip heavy and tired hands).  With the reel off, the DC703 (split grip) balances on my finger (parallel to the floor) close to about 5.25 inches off the top of the reel seat (right where the rod starts).  Can someone with a DX744 post a picture or measure out the distance from the top of the reel seat to the balance point (reel off, and include handle type)?  I feel that is the best way I can gauge how "tip heavy" the DX744 is compared to the DC703, if there is any difference at all.

 

Thanks

 

 

[Yudo1]

Dobyns rods are revered for their balance.  The 744 will balance beautifully.

[Quarry Man]

See if you can get your hands on a rod in store. if it balances well buy it, if not, don't. I personally would go with the 704, but thats my opinion. good luck

[fishnkamp]

I own several Dobyns rods. Balance is one of their best attributes. My frog rod is a Champion XP DC 705C.

I love love love fishing with that rod. It is perfect for throwing hollow bodied frogs, fishing heavier jigs and carolina rigs.  It can do much more but that is what I purchased it for. I have it equipped with an original Daiwa Tatula Type R 8-1 reel on it. It balances perfectly, right where the front of the reel seat stops and the blank continues ( in front of the winding check)  

Gary suggests the DC735C as his better choice for a frog rod but I can not fit a rod longer than 7 foot in my rod locker. The rod works great.

My wife's frog rod is a Sierra SA 735 SF ( heavy action spinning rod) to throw her hollow bodied frogs and big jigs.  It will also fish a carolina rig just as well. It is matched up with a Pflueger Supreme 35 series reel. The rod balances perfectly again in the same position- just in front of the front winding check

 

I would not hesitate to go with either a Champion XP or Extreme. They are both nice. If you like the the 703C then I would look at the 704C, 734C and 744C. There is a lot of difference in tapers ( not just 1 inch in length) between a 734C and a 744C. A quick call to Gary or Richard, his son, will be able to explain the difference.

[captnstabn]

I had a dx703c and also found it to be too weak for my liking.  I bought a dx744c to replace it and it's simply the best rod I've ever used.  It balances perfectly, which was one of my main concerns and why i dont really use my st croix legend tournament rod anymore.  It has plenty of power while being super lightweight.  I use it for Texas rigs.  I'll see if I can get a pic of the balance point or a measure.

 

I just traded my 703c for a 745c for exclusive jig use.  Haven't got it yet, but based on the 744 I have not doubt it will be great.

[Chris at Tech]

Can't get any pics since I'm not at home but I can say that both my 703c Revo Premier combo and my 744 Extreme HP Tatula SV both balance at the locking nut

[LuckyHandsINC.]

I have since sold all my Dobyn's rods, but have owned 743,744,745 and 745HP. All balanced well and we're very comfortable to fish. If you want the extra length I don't think you will be disappointed by balance.

[BassThumb]

The 744 balances perfectly, as do all of the Dobyns I've tried apart from maybe two that were a touch tip-heavy, the Champ 766C and Sienna 704sf, both very beefy rods.

[broke4bass]

Awesome replies!  Thanks a lot guys.  Definitely boosting my confidence in deciding to grab a 744.

 

1 hour ago, Chris at Tech said:

Can't get any pics since I'm not at home but I can say that both my 703c Revo Premier combo and my 744 Extreme HP Tatula SV both balance at the locking nut

 

That gives me a fairly good idea because that is pretty much where my 703C balances too, with a reel on.  

 

12 hours ago, fishnkamp said:

I would not hesitate to go with either a Champion XP or Extreme. They are both nice. If you like the the 703C then I would look at the 704C, 734C and 744C. There is a lot of difference in tapers ( not just 1 inch in length) between a 734C and a 744C. A quick call to Gary or Richard, his son, will be able to explain the difference.

 

Work hours are a little screwy right now with the overtime, so I haven't gotten the chance, but I will try and call them on a day off.

 

12 hours ago, captnstabn said:

I just traded my 703c for a 745c for exclusive jig use.  Haven't got it yet, but based on the 744 I have not doubt it will be great.

 

Nice! Let me know how you like it for jigs.  That will probably be my next purchase.

[Drop shot-1]

On 7/1/2017 at 8:21 PM, captnstabn said:

I had a dx703c and also found it to be too weak for my liking.  I bought a dx744c to replace it and it's simply the best rod I've ever used.  It balances perfectly, which was one of my main concerns and why i dont really use my st croix legend tournament rod anymore.  It has plenty of power while being super lightweight.  I use it for Texas rigs.  I'll see if I can get a pic of the balance point or a measure.

 

I just traded my 703c for a 745c for exclusive jig use.  Haven't got it yet, but based on the 744 I have not doubt it will be great.

Will the DX 744 work for weightless Senkos 5 inch?

[captnstabn]

15 hours ago, Drop shot-1 said:

Will the DX 744 work for weightless Senkos 5 inch?

Yes for sure. 

[kingmotorboat]

19 hours ago, Drop shot-1 said:

Will the DX 744 work for weightless Senkos 5 inch?

Yes and the dx 745

[scbassin]

I guess Y'all did not see this was posted 7/1/2017