Dobyns DX 742SF vs 702SF vs G. Loomis GLX, Tubes, Ned, Dropshot, River Smallies

[Bandersnatch]

I've been looking at purchasing a semi high end do it all on the small soft plastics side spinning rod. I use casting gear mostly but I'm learning that my clear water Susquehanna river fishing in the summer needs me to slow down and really work on presentation. I plan on using 12lb SX1 to 6-8 floro leader. I'm looking for a rod that will still throw light neds, tubes and allow be to play with drop shoting but not be my primary focus. The problem is I have been unable to find that model in stock from the retailers I can get a good discount from and it's back ordered on tacklewharehouse. I did come across a DX702SF for $272 which normally goes for $339. I was wondering if anybody has experience between the two and has opinions on the 702SF for the applications I'll be doing with river smallies. Another thing that just dawned on me is that if I can get the G. Loomis GLX 852S JWR  actually for cheaper than the Dobyns DX742 due to the dobbins being full retail at $349. I could get the GLX down to $315 due to the savings I have from the big box stores which don't carry the 742. Does anyone have an opinion comparing the G. Loomis to the Dobyns ?

 

I've also been looking at the St.Croix 6 10 LTB MLXF but can't seem to find that from those retailers either. Any other opinions for my application would be greatly appreciated. 

 

 

[BassThumb]

I use the DX 742 for exactly the techniques you describe. It's perfect for tossing Neds, grubs, and tubes in the 1/20 - 3/16oz ranges. I most often have a 1/15oz Ned rig tied on. It'll bomb it out there a long ways, but still have enough backbone for a 6-lb smallie.

 

I also use it as my primary light dropshot rod with 1/8-3/16 oz weights. If using 1/4-3/8oz, I'll use a 3-power.

 

It's my understanding that the DX 702 is basically the same rod as the 742, minus 4" of backbone. The backbone is part of the reason I like the 742 so much. It's one of my favorites in the Dobyns line.

 

The guys at Dobyns are probably still your best resource for asking questions about rod specifics and how one compares to another. 

[Bandersnatch]

You're killing me! I knew someone would said the 742 was really nice. It sounds like that extra four inches help the deflection which made the rod so fun to fish with. I had the 702SF down to $272 in stock but I hate to spend that and have regrets. 

 

I just realized that if i go with the 742 which it seems like I'd really love i'd have to pay the full retail of $349. I could get the G. Loomis GLX 852sJRW for about $300 down from $420

[rangerjockey]

For everything you describe I use the GLX 782 SJR. Just a outstanding Ned, Shakey head and tube rod .I also scrub a 2.8 keitech or grub with it.

 I use it with 6lb. sniper.

[Fishin' Fool]

20 hours ago, Ryan Michael said:

You're killing me! I knew someone would said the 742 was really nice. It sounds like that extra four inches help the deflection which made the rod so fun to fish with. I had the 702SF down to $272 in stock but I hate to spend that and have regrets. 

 

I just realized that if i go with the 742 which it seems like I'd really love i'd have to pay the full retail of $349. I could get the G. Loomis GLX 852sJRW for about $300 down from $420

Go with the Loomis. Is that the redesigned 2017 model though? I have the 892sjrw and I love it.

[michaelsrex]

Do you mean that 852? I don't see the model you listed? 

[Tywithay]

I don't know how the GLX 852s compares, but I have the NRX version of that rod and it's an absolute dream to fish with for tubes and light jigs. The only spinning rod I liked more for those techniques was the 70mf Legend Elite. Mainly due to the torzite guides vs. the recoils. Though, that wouldn't be an issue on the GLX. I have only owned a couple Dobyns and while they're great rods, I didn't find the build quality to be up to the same standard as the high-end Loomis rods. 

[WRB]

You can't compare the rods by using the same power rating; 2 Dobyns is very different then 2 Loomis GLX or MLXF St Croix. Unfortunitly the lower powers show the most variances between rod makers.

Dobyns doesn't believe in making the lightest weight in rods, balance is more important.

The 742 would be as balanced as the 702 for example. The longer Loomis or St Croix tend to be tip heavy becuase overall rod weight is the goal, not balance. All 3 rods will perform the task, Loomis and St Croix may feel about a 1/2 power higher then Dobyns.

The higher end longer spinning rods are not my personal choice and prefer Major Craft finesse rods, half the price with good quality. Baitcasting is where you get what you pay for. 

Sorry I couldn't help.

Tom

 

[michaelsrex]

4 minutes ago, WRB said:

You can't compare the rods by using the same power rating; 2 Dobyns is very different then 2 Loomis GLX or MLXF St Croix. Unfortunitly the lower powers show the most variances between rod makers.

Dobyns doesn't believe in making the lightest weight in rods, balance is more important.

The 742 would be as balanced as the 702 for example. The longer Loomis or St Croix tend to be tip heavy becuase overall rod weight is the goal, not balance. All 3 rods will perform the task, Loomis and St Croix may feel about a 1/2 power higher then Dobyns.

The higher end longer spinning rods are not my personal choice and prefer Major Craft finesse rods, half the price with good quality. Baitcasting is where you get what you pay for. 

Sorry I couldn't help.

Tom

 

Don't get my wrong ID much rather cast but in my quest to find out "why am I not catching fish" I've come across a lot of discussion stating my gear is just too big. That if I want to Ned, light tube and even think about trying drop shot tin g I need to have spinning gear. 

[WRB]

Call Gary Dobyns, he knows his product better then we do and often has some discounts availble. 

I use fineese spinning rods a lot and have 3 outfits in my boat, I am like you spinning is for finesse presentations.

Tom

[Yumeya]

I personally would take the GLX, it is IMO a better blank that is more sensitive.

 

I had the Dobyns 742 and its a nice rod, I ended up selling it and getting a Kistler Magnesium 3 with the NFC blank that I like a lot more.

 

I have the NRX in 852 in spinning and casting and its an amazing taper, I also have the GLX in 842 casting and its one of my favorite rods.

[Bandersnatch]

12 hours ago, Yumeya said:

I personally would take the GLX, it is IMO a better blank that is more sensitive.

 

I had the Dobyns 742 and its a nice rod, I ended up selling it and getting a Kistler Magnesium 3 with the NFC blank that I like a lot more.

 

I have the NRX in 852 in spinning and casting and its an amazing taper, I also have the GLX in 842 casting and its one of my favorite rods.

Have you every handled the newer version of the GLX 852 spinning? I'm just wondering if it's worth the price difference from the NRX. 

[JDV]

I love my Dobyns dx702sf.  Got it for $220 used in fantastic condition and love it for dropshotting.  If you're planning on ned rig, all the better I'd think.   Very sensitive and fun rod to fish, but I can't compare to the Loomis rods as I haven't fished those.  I've definitely had a few Dobyns rods that I've not been crazy about, but this is certainly not one of them!