Dobyns 733 or 734 Sierra or Champion XP

[Steve S]

Hi all I was wondering if you could give me some guidance on which rod to get. Was thinking of getting a good all around casting rod and was looking in the Sierra or champion XP line and wanted to see what you would recommend? I live in Florida and mainly fish ponds (not much cover and throw Texas rigs 1/8-1/4 (mainly 1/8oz) ,senkos, small Plastic Swimbait a on 1/8-1/4 jig heads, and most of my hard baits are 1/4 to 1/2oz( avg 3/8).  Trying to figure out what model to get and which line from. Thanks for any guidance you could give me with my decision. 

[Mr.C in Texas]

I use the Champion 703 XP for most of what your wanting to throw.  I would recommend a 4 power for over 1/2 oz.

[WRB]

Suggest you contact Gary Dobyns and ask him your question. Also ask about a champ refurbished rod if money is a factor. The Champion series is Dobyns rod that his staff uses. The 733 works for the lures you discribe but marginal for jigs and T-rigged bottom contact lures where the 734 may be a better choice.

Tom

[Steve S]

3 minutes ago, WRB said:

Suggest you contact Gary Dobyns and ask him your question. Also ask about a champ refurbished rod if money is a factor. The Champion series is Dobyns rod that his staff uses. The 733 works for the lures you discribe but marginal for jigs and T-rigged bottom contact lures where the 734 may be a better choice.

Tom

I tried contacting him but haven’t heard back yet. 

[WRB]

27 minutes ago, Steve S said:

I tried contacting him but haven’t heard back yet. 

Strange, suggest calling during the week.

Tom

PS, lure types are different, a 1/2 oz crankbait vs a 1/2 oz jigs 1/2 oz spinnerbait, weight alone isn't enough info to base a rod selection on.

 

[kayaking_kev]

4 hours ago, Steve S said:

I tried contacting him but haven’t heard back yet. 

Phones are swamped right now due to the 40% off sale.

 

Sierra has a little more parabolic bend and the Champion is a little more sensitive.

 

The 733 will throw the 1/8 and 1/4 better and the 734 will throw everything else better.

[Steve S]

5 hours ago, WRB said:

Suggest you contact Gary Dobyns and ask him your question. Also ask about a champ refurbished rod if money is a factor. The Champion series is Dobyns rod that his staff uses. The 733 works for the lures you discribe but marginal for jigs and T-rigged bottom contact lures where the 734 may be a better choice.

Tom

I guess Gary is in lockdown in California. What would you recommend Tom. I usually throw 1/8-3/16 t-rigs and small paddle tail swimbaits (gambler ez swimmers) on 1/8-1/4 oz jigs heads (These 2 baits are probably 85% of what I throw). Also what would be the big difference between the Sierra and Champion XP. I want to take advantage of the 40% off all rods sale they’re having right now. Thanks for your guidance

[Steve S]

I heard back from Gary Dobyns on another forum the below is his answer. 
 

“

The 734C would be the better choice for swim jigs. You need a bit of power in a jig rod. The 1/8-1/4 Texas rigs could use the 733C. It'll have a bit too much power for casting a 1/8 oz but will work great with a 1/4 oz. THX!! Gary D.

 

The 733C will handle 1/4 and 3/8 rattle baits. I think for Chatterbaits that a 4 power is better, we do have some anglers wanting a softer power for these baits. Maybe 20%. 80% would want a 4 power or even heavier. As far as TX rigs you must also think about the bait weight. Most generally I'd say anything 3/8 and above would be a 4 power territory. THX!!”

 

so I guess I’ll go with the 734C to have some better versatility