Dobyns 703c or 704c?

[IndianaFinesse]

I'm looking to get a rod for bottom contact baits, mostly 3/16-5/16 ounce baby boo jigs, 3/16-1/4 ounce t-rigs, and other jigs up to 3/8 ounce.  I can't decide between the 703c and 704c, which do you think would be better suited for the baits listed?  It won't be used around a ton of cover.  I tried calling dobyns up, and actually got a hold of gary dobyns son. He said that the 703c was a little lighter than he would like for those weights, but the 704 was a little stiffer to.  

 

 

Oh, and I will be pairing it with a curado 70 and probably spooling it up with 30 pound braid if that helps.

 

 

 

[fishballer06]

The 3 power would be great for those 3/16, 1/4, and 5/16oz baits. However, I'd want the 4 power for 3/8oz jigs. If you can only afford one rod for all of that, I'd go with the 704 (or 734 if you want a little longer rod). 

[npl_texas]

I have both and the only thing I throw on the 703 is weightless senkos.  704 for lighter t-rigs.  744 for 3/8 and 1/2 jigs.

[Robert Riley]

I've got a 745 that is perfect for a 3/8 jig. I've thrown 1/4 t-rigs on my 703, as well as 3/8 spinnerbaits, and it's a little light for that. I'd recommend the 734 honestly, but if you want a 7 footer, then the 704. 

[Chowderhead]

I called Dobyns with basically the same question. Was advised to go with the 704 over the 703. 

[IndianaFinesse]

Thanks for all of the replies everyone.  Is the 704 (paired with a curado 70 and spooled with 30 pound braid) still be able to cast 3/16 ounce baby boo jigs?

[Robert Riley]

That's probably as low as I would try. You'll still have plenty of tip for throwing that jig, but it will mostly depend on the reel and how you have the brakes set up. 

[captnstabn]

I traded my dx 703c in.  I was pretty disappointed with how light a rating it was.  The rod is no where near a medium heavy, its too light for anything other than a weightless plastic.  

 

I now have a dx 744 and 745 for Texas rigs and jigs, respectively.   

 

If you don't want to go with the 7'4" rods, then I would get the 704 for sure. 

[IndianaFinesse]

Thanks guys, it sounds like I'm getting the champion 704c!  Going to order it in the morning, excited about it.  I've never bought a rod that cost me more than 65$ (this one will cost one hundred) or owned a rod worth more than 200$, so this will be a big upgrade.

[IndianaFinesse]

When I tried to order the champion from dobyns, they told me that the discount does not apply to reconditioned/trade ins and you have to pay a shipping price of 25$ per rod, instead of getting their standard free shipping over 75$.  So instead of getting the champion for 108$, I would have to pay 175$.  Which is only 5$ less than a new condition trade in without the discount, a bum deal if you ask me.  And I would actually save money on the Fury's by not using the discount.  I still plan on getting a 735c fury for my frogging rod (without using the so-called discount), but I will be looking elsewhere for the bottom contact rod.

[fishnkamp]

What discount? Where did you see a Champion trade in or refurb for $108.  The refurbed Champion rods I see on their website are priced with shipping included as Gary has said.  Most of them show they are priced around $180.  I know several guys that have ordered some of those as well as the mislabeled rods.

 

A new Champion Xp DC704C is a $250 rod.  There is a "factory refurbed" Champion XP DC704C listed as "trade in with no repairs, great condition". It lists for $180.

As for the Champion rods I own a Champion XP DC 705C and it is an awesome rod. I use it as a frog and flipping rod,  It was worth every penny I spent on it new.

[dam0007]

On 8/1/2017 at 3:00 PM, fishballer06 said:

The 3 power would be great for those 3/16, 1/4, and 5/16oz baits. However, I'd want the 4 power for 3/8oz jigs. If you can only afford one rod for all of that, I'd go with the 704 (or 734 if you want a little longer rod). 

This ^^ plus I'd say D.C. 702C is good for 3/16oz stuff like finesse worms and shaky head. 

[Wingman87]

I've got a 704c and I cannot say enough good things about it. I honestly believe you could throw a little lighter than what it's rated for.

[WRB]

The only draw back with what was called a little stiffer with a 4 power is ease of casting lighter weight lures. The advantage is better hook setting, fish control and feed back on what is going on under water. Under power rods are a headache with jigs and soft plastics with standard wire hooks. My advice is go with the 734, gives you the power needed and slightly longer rod helps with casting.

Tom