How would you rank these higher end rods?

[kayaking_kev]

I'm thinking about trying some other higher end rods besides the Dobyns Xtasy 723c and 755c. I like my Dobyns, but I really won't know how good they are until I try some other brands. 

 

I know all of these rods are good and it's mostly based on personal preference, but I just wanted to see how some of you would rank them, and how they might compare to my Xtasy 723c. Or, even some feedback from those that own some of these rods would be helpful.

 

I'm looking for more of an all around casting rod for t-rigs, jigs, single hook moving baits, and the occasional lipless, nothing longer than a 7'3. My personal preference is for some softness in the tip with a little parabolic bend, and it has to have a good warranty. The lighter the better, and Made is the U.S.A. is a plus. I'm also a sucker for nice looking rods, a big reason why I choose the Xtasys. I fish for Smallmouth, usually no bigger than 3 lbs, and Largemouth usually no bigger than 4 lbs, with a lot of dinks in between with not much cover, which I why I prefer a softer tip with more parabolic action.

 

 

Poison Adrena 7'3" MH  

(These have really caught my attention lately for the lightness and looks. I have heard some say they are pretty stiff, but I'm looking into the 7'3 MH with the Reg-Fast Action)

Edge Black Widow 7'3" MH     

(I have heard these are insanely light, but there may be a long wait to receive one. I'm unsure on how their actions are)

Conquest 843c               

(I already came close to getting this rod back when I got my Xtasys, it seems like an excellent all around rod.)

  
Expride 7'2 MH         

(Probably not quite as good as the others, but everyone talks about how they are the best for the money.)

       
Destroyer Daemos   

(I don't know how much these weigh and if they are as light as the others, but it seems like a good versatile stick that a little more parabolic than the expride.)

           
NRX 873c

(Not much needs to be said about this rod, I almost feel like I have to try one or I won't ever quit wondering about it. The thing that has prevented me from getting one so far, is that it's made from 10 year old components. I'm also not sure how it would do with single hook moving baits and lipless either.)                       

 

Also feel free to add some other not on the list, because I know there are a few more that could be added, like a Kistler Helium 3 or Z-Bone, or a some St.Croix Rods. It has to be super light though, I would like it to be under 4 oz, but no higher than 4.2. 

 

Thanks!

[evo2s197]

I'm not sure I would rank Dobyns as high end especially the Xtasy series, high end in their line up, but not even close in the plethora of rods available.

 

High end OFF THE SHELF would be in no particular order.

 

St. Croix Legend Xtreme AGS 

 

LOOMIS NRX

 

SHIMANO CONQUEST 

 

MEGABASS ARMS

 

Daiwa STEEZ AGS ( Specifically the Bottom Contact)

 

Phenix K2 Torzite.

 

It all comes down to preference with the above rods I mentioned, the Shimano poison rods are nice upper mid level rods the Expride are a good value for a lower mid range.

 

Light doesn't necessarily mean the best, a lot of rods are "light" and feel dead or are just plain out junk and that's why you see them with a 40+% discount. It's all about feel, balance and that "IT" factor, most rods do not possess any of those traits but the rods I Listed do, some others can chime in, I'm giving advice on the rods I have fished or own not just regurgitating what I hear or read from others.

 

You could also go with a custom built rod with a K2, legend, or a stripped down NRX blank and have it built to your specs.

[Tywithay]

Only rod I have out of the bunch is the Black Widow. I don't think it's worth the retail. It's a really nice rod, but the blank is really thick and not that light, though it does balance well. If you're interested in Edge, I'd look at the Silver Widows with the xray blank, or even a Kistler Zbone with the xray blank.

[Ogandrews]

I would strongly recommend the new st croix legend extreme if you could find one. I have fished the old legend extreme and they are incredible rods. A close friend of mine has fished with one of the new ones and also owns the previous model, and he says that the new one is the best balanced and most sensitive rod he has ever felt, and he owns multiple NRX’s. It’s not quite as light as the loomis but incredibly balanced so it feels super light in the hand. This is second hand info as I haven’t fished it but I trust my friends opinion.

[Zibass]

I would recommend getting the Conquest 843c. Edge black widow is a joke. Expride 7'2 mh has a stiff tip. ZBones are good rods but none as versatile as 843c.

[waymont]

I'd take the Kistler off your list.

Put a Loomis IMX-Pro MBR on there. Fantastic rods.

[WRB]

I would contact the site sponsor DVT or Alex at ALX and discuse what you are looking for within your budget ( basically unlimited ) and let them use their skilled expertise to offer you a custom built rod. The more detailed you can define your needs will helps good rod builder to meet them.  

A custom rod builder can find the exact rod blank needed, your needs helps to make selection on rod seat, handle material, guide set and location, reel locking ring design and over balance with your reel and rod weight desired.

Warranty and satisfaction should be lifetime with a trail period.

In addition pick up the phone and discus your concerns with Gary Dobyns, he knows all these rods and will give you his honest opinion.

No rod can do everything perfectly.

Tom

[kayaking_kev]

Interesting and good info to know about the Black Widow, I thought seen a few people on here the other day maybe it was an old thread I searched, where they were praising them.

[kayaking_kev]

4 hours ago, evo2s197 said:

I'm not sure I would rank Dobyns as high end especially the Xtasy series, high end in their line up, but not even close in the plethora of rods available.

 

That's why I need to try something else out and find out for myself. There are a few like yourself, who are not high on Dobyns, and there are plenty that are and some of them say they have NRX, Conquest, etc... and they say they like their Xtasy better.

5 hours ago, evo2s197 said:

You could also go with a custom built rod with a K2, legend, or a stripped down NRX blank and have it built to your specs.

That is something I haven't thought of. Taking a NRX and putting Torzite Guides on it and carbon fiber grips. I bet that would be expensive, but possible right?

[Reel]

Finding somebody that has these 6 rods and getting his opinion will be difficult.  I own three of them NRX, Poison Adrena, Expride.  First off, high end rods tend to be specialized so finding one that is very good for all the techniques mentioned is again difficult.  For me the best one for T-rigs among these three is the NRX.  The best one for jigs is the Poison Adrena.  The best one for moving baits is the Expride.  I've handled the Conquest and it seems to be in between the NRX and the Expride.  The others I don't know.

[Pogues2300]

I own the poison adrena, expride, and 873crr. For moving baits and the tip you mentioned id go poison adrena. Texas rigs and jigs the 873. I'm selling my expride to a friend. Just my opinion on the rods ive used. Good luck 

[AmSO4]

11 hours ago, Zibass said:

I would recommend getting the Conquest 843c. Edge black widow is a joke. Expride 7'2 mh has a stiff tip.ZBones are good rods but none as versatile as 843c.

Curious why you say the BW is a joke.  I just got a couple to mess with and so far they seem good to me.  I am comparing them to my NRXs and Conquests for sensitivity.  The slickness of the handle an the super shallow reel seat are hard to get used to.  I like the MBR action of the BW.  Not the lightest, but feel solid while still not at all heavy.  I need to do more on judging the sensitivity and get used to the handle and reel seat.  I have the 711, 733 and the 734.  

 

I got the BW rods to test since I have never held one before, knowing I can send them back within 60 days for my money back.  I am going to fish them for the next few weeks and decide.

[rangerjockey]

If a all around rod is what your after I'd go with the 843 or depending on the model the St. Croix.

I haven't fished the new Xtremes but I have the previous model and they are great rods.

The 7ft. Med Fast is a great model. Surprising power for a medium and versatile enough for jigs and moving baits.

Really good Keitech 2.8 or 3.3 rod.

[GReb]

Seems like you are a prime candidate for a nice custom build. 

[gilkeybr]

I have Expride, Poison Adrena, Xtasy and NRX rods.  If you're looking for something "better" than the Xtasy, I think the best option on your list would be the 873.  My NRXs are the only rods that I would put above my Xtasys.

 

The Poison Adrenas are cool, and to me they have a very flexible taper which would make them a good do everything rod as you describe.  But they aren't, in my hands, as light or as sensitive as the Xtasy or NRX.

 

The Expride to me lives up to the hype.  It feels as light to me as the Poison Adrenas and the action is reminiscent of the NRX.  

 

TLDR; Get the NRX if you want to try something new.  Get the Expride if you want to try something thats really good bang for the buck.  Just in my experience, while i'm happy to have the Poison Adrenas, they aren't a rod i'll be lining up to buy again.  

 

 

[Hulkster]

I would give my left nut for an IMX Pro MBR 903c

[AmSO4]

5 hours ago, AmSO4 said:

Curious why you say the BW is a joke.  I just got a couple to mess with and so far they seem good to me.  I am comparing them to my NRXs and Conquests for sensitivity.  The slickness of the handle an the super shallow reel seat are hard to get used to.  I like the MBR action of the BW.  Not the lightest, but feel solid while still not at all heavy.  I need to do more on judging the sensitivity and get used to the handle and reel seat.  I have the 711, 733 and the 734.  

 

I got the BW rods to test since I have never held one before, knowing I can send them back within 60 days for my money back.  I am going to fish them for the next few weeks and decide.

This discussion got me curious, so I just did a driveway test of the Conquest, NRX, Black Widow, Xtasy and an Avid and a MajorCraft Days.  I took at ¼ oz lead teardrop weight on each of them and dragged it across my asphalt driveway and felt the vibrations.  All had straight braid, I cut off the leaders from each one.

 

The Conquest was hands down the best.  Very nuanced vibrations, even could feel the rolling.  The worst were the Avid and the Majorcraft, not in the same league.  The others, NRX, BW, and Extasy were very similar and I would call it a tie.  I was surprised the NRX did not blow the others away.  The NFC HM blank of the Edge held up to the others.

 

Try it yourself.  I found it eye opening.  It was better to find out myself rather than hear a bunch of opinions based on different experiences, as I add mine to that long list.

[Cgrinder]

1 hour ago, Hulkster said:

I would give my left nut for an IMX Pro MBR 903c

 

If we're donating testicles, aim high. Go for a GLX at least.

 

On topic, if you want to step down in budget and focus on the American Made aspect, the Enox BMJ from ALX ticks all your boxes except weight I think. I just received one, and while I haven't fished it thanks to work exploding, it's a nice build, looks sharp (I'm a sucker for lavender), and balances very well (edge of locking nut) with a stock Elite flipper. It won't match the higher end in sensitivity but what $319 rod would?

 

As for what I've fished: I would not buy an NRX longer than the 7'1. My 853c doesn't balance great and after handling the 893 in store, no whey. Of course, electric sensitivity and light weight, but that's all you get.

 

The Exprides are very good rods and I believe they do punch above their price point, but the warranty is lousy and they are probably over-hyped. Good, solid, but not the second coming.

 

I can tell you that if the Steez AGS did not have the Made in China sticker, I would have bought that. That probably means I should have bought the Xtreme AGS. Still might.

[Stephen B]

I personally wouldn't go custom. The Megabass Destroyer Daemos would be prefect for what you are looking to do

[Stephen B]

18 hours ago, evo2s197 said:

I'm not sure I would rank Dobyns as high end especially the Xtasy series, high end in their line up, but not even close in the plethora of rods available.

 

High end OFF THE SHELF would be in no particular order.

 

St. Croix Legend Xtreme AGS 

 

LOOMIS NRX

 

SHIMANO CONQUEST 

 

MEGABASS ARMS

 

Daiwa STEEZ AGS ( Specifically the Bottom Contact)

 

Phenix K2 Torzite.

 

It all comes down to preference with the above rods I mentioned, the Shimano poison rods are nice upper mid level rods the Expride are a good value for a lower mid range.

 

Light doesn't necessarily mean the best, a lot of rods are "light" and feel dead or are just plain out junk and that's why you see them with a 40+% discount. It's all about feel, balance and that "IT" factor, most rods do not possess any of those traits but the rods I Listed do, some others can chime in, I'm giving advice on the rods I have fished or own not just regurgitating what I hear or read from others.

 

You could also go with a custom built rod with a K2, legend, or a stripped down NRX blank and have it built to your specs.

Fished them all. There is no bad option. I like the NRX but not for the OPs purpose of moving baits as well. My preference would be the 7'3 MH Poison, Daemos. The GLX and Conquest would be a great option as well. Not a custom rod fan, as production rods have plenty of offerings. I only recommend custom if what you are looking for is not available or readily available

13 hours ago, kayaking_kev said:

That's why I need to try something else out and find out for myself. There are a few like yourself, who are not high on Dobyns, and there are plenty that are and some of them say they have NRX, Conquest, etc... and they say they like their Xtasy better.

That is something I haven't thought of. Taking a NRX and putting Torzite Guides on it and carbon fiber grips. I bet that would be expensive, but possible right?

The Xtasy is good but I find the sensitivity underwhelming for the price tag. I have nothing but great things to say about the Destroyers. A+

[kayaking_kev]

I just want to add I have other rods (listed below), for different techniques, I'm just looking for that one rod I can grab when I'm only taking one with me to beat the banks that can cover a multitude of techniques. So it doesn't have to be great at certain applications, it just needs to not consistently lose me fish. I have a few rods that are like that now, but I'm wanting to try something new. 

 

723c

734c

704cb Glass

663c

735c

702sf

 

Thanks for all the responses so far. I'm leaning towards a Conquest 843c, but I might be interested in an Extreme AGS if I could find a good deal on them, and I'm going to look into a custom build also.

 

Does anyone know how much a Destroyer Daemos weighs?

 

 

[browne762]

I purchased the Conquest 843 and Legend Xtreme 7'1" MHXF this year and I think they will be great "all around" high end rods. I will be using them everything you said above except for the lipless, I just don't use those much. 

 

Unfortunately I have yet to use them this year and don't have a Xtasy to compare. I actually have never even seen or touched a Dobins rod of any make or model so I have no opinion at all on any of their products. I purchased a Conquest 903 last year and that was what caused me to get the 843 this year.

 

The Xtremes seem to be hard to find right now. If you backorder one, it will probably bit out of stock for a bit with the plant being closed for a decent chunk of time over the last month or so.

 

Conquests seem to be in stock online at a few places.

[kayaking_kev]

34 minutes ago, kayaking_kev said:

 

Does anyone know how much a Destroyer Daemos weighs?

 

 

It appears from watching a PunchFishing video on YT, also a fellow poster on this forum, the Daemos weighs in at 4.59 and the Expride 4.55. That's about the same as my Xtasy 723c weighs and of course with it's excellent balance, it feels even lighter in hand and that's with all the kevlar wrapping it has on it. I would like to try something a little lighter, like a Conquest, NRX, Adrena, Legend Xtreme AGS, etc...  

[Tywithay]

1 hour ago, kayaking_kev said:

It appears from watching a PunchFishing video on YT, also a fellow poster on this forum, the Daemos weighs in at 4.59 and the Expride 4.55. That's about the same as my Xtasy 723c weighs and of course with it's excellent balance, it feels even lighter in hand and that's with all the kevlar wrapping it has on it. I would like to try something a little lighter, like a Conquest, NRX, Adrena, Legend Xtreme AGS, etc...  

Legend Xtreme aren't that light either, compared to the nrx and Conquest. The weight is in the handle though, so the balance is excellent. 

[norb]

My 2020 legend xtreme balances like a dream even though its not that light.