ALX IKOS Vs Dobyns Sierra

[tim_kovar]

I am looking to add a couple more budget friendly rods to the arsenal over this winter and was leaning towards one of these two lineups.  I have some familiarity with dobyns, but mostly their champion and extreme line, and zero experience with anything ALX.  I hear great things about each of these two companies but if any of you can compare and contrast these two specific rods mentioned below that would be great.  I was wanting to compare the IKOS heavy hammer versus the 7' mag heavy Sierra and also the ALX medium heavy promise 73 versus the Dobyns Sierra heavy 734.  Any thoughts or experiences with the differences on these are appreciated.  

[LegendaryBassin]

I'd go with what you are familiar with. Go for Dobyns. 

[GReb]

I have an older Promise 73 and it’s ok. The build quality is good but the blank is not spectacular. The action is on point but sensitivity is lacking. And it doesn’t feel very light in the hands. I use it for braid power fishing ie frogs, buzzbaits, ploppers, large spinner baits, etc. It does a fine job for that. 
 

I’ve never fished a Sierra

[LegendaryBassin]

24 minutes ago, GReb said:

I have an older Promise 73 and it’s ok. The build quality is good but the blank is not spectacular. The action is on point but sensitivity is lacking. And it doesn’t feel very light in the hands. I use it for braid power fishing ie frogs, buzzbaits, ploppers, large spinner baits, etc. It does a fine job for that. 
 

I’ve never fished a Sierra

My experience was the same. I'd opt for the Sierra.

[WRB]

Both rod series are or were entry level, Sierra for Dobyns and Ikos for ALX. Both use Fuji reel seats, Dobyns uses uses Fuji guides and ALX uses Kagin guides, both good quality. So it comes down to the blank, balance and workmanship, both have excellent customer service with personal owner contact.

Coin toss IMO, both are ultilty rods with ALX being Faster action, you can confirm actual weights by contacting each company. Ikos 7'3" MH is 4.4 oz H is 4.5 oz for example.

Tom

PS, my custom ALX MB916NG+ Heavy power is 3.8 oz with foregrip.

[Revival]

I have 5 ALK Ikos rods and love them.  I have no experience with the Sierras but do have 5 Fury rods.

 

I highly recommend the Ikos and have zero complaints.  These are the models I have:

 

Shake

Soul

Buzz

Promise 7

Hammer 7

 

If I only had these 5 rods for the rest of my life I would be happy, but then again I’m only a weekend warrior.