Dobyns Vs...

[MUSLENUTZ]

Not have owned a ton of rods in my life, My Dobyns 734 Champ is fantastic in regards to casting, balance, sensitivity, action, power and most importantly durability. The thing that stands out to me most is the beating it takes and it just stands up to every abuse you can throw at a rod. My question is what am I missing out on that’s better in the $200-$300 range that has all of those features especially with durability. I’m thinking of buying another one but curious if anything fits the bill better in that range before I pull the trigger. Curious to hear everyone’s thoughts. Next rod is going to be a mf 6’8-7 bait caster for lighter applications than the 734c that is shorter. Thinking of the 703. Advice on what’s better for the buck? 

[NorcalBassin]

I really like Dobyn's rods and Gary seems like a great guy that stands behind his product. The Champion XP's are very nice rods for the money, but if you're looking to possibly branch out in that up to $300 range you may want to take a close look at Shimano Exprides and Megabass Orochi XX's.

[MUSLENUTZ]

15 minutes ago, NorcalBassin said:

I really like Dobyn's rods and Gary seems like a great guy that stands behind his product. The Champion XP's are very nice rods for the money, but if you're looking to possibly branch out in that up to $300 range you may want to take a close look at Shimano Exprides and Megabass Orochi XX's.

Appreciate it. Looks like their M rods are moderate or moderate fast. They also have a glass rod, not sure what that adds. Is moderate going to be enough ump, I won’t be using it for cranking?

[Tywithay]

For performance, I'd definitely look at the Exprides. In my hands, it's quite a bit more sensitive than the Champion rods, and even slightly better than the Extremes. For a good blend of performance and added durability, the ALX Zolo and Enox are tough to beat. The T1100G blanks on the Enox rival top of the line blanks from most manufacturers. 

[Ogandrews]

Like everyone else says exprides are awesome rods, just very difficult to get as they are constantly sold out online. Another great rod in that price range is the st croix legend tournament, I’m a huge fan of all of the ones I own. If you want to spend a little more than 300 the g loomis imx pro is an incredible rod that comes in a lot more models than the expride. I only own one, a 894 fpr, and it is perfect for a wide range of jigs, t rigs, shorter c rigs, t rigged senkos flukes exposes hook senkos, and has enough tip to throw a bunch of others. Incredibly sensitive and balanced rods. 

 

Dobyns champions aren’t the lightest or most sensitive rods for the price, but my champion 736 is my favorite rod I own. So many of the champions are so well balanced that it makes them so comfortable to fish, makes them feel lighter than they actually are. It’s hard to find a rod that balancee, there will always be a place in my lineup for some dobyns.

[aPaul19]

6 hours ago, Tywithay said:

For performance, I'd definitely look at the Exprides. In my hands, it's quite a bit more sensitive than the Champion rods, and even slightly better than the Extremes. For a good blend of performance and added durability, the ALX Zolo and Enox are tough to beat. The T1100G blanks on the Enox rival top of the line blanks from most manufacturers. 

Last few years I’ve been moving more towards ALX rods and they’re every bit as good as any of the Dobyns, Daiwa or St. Croix rods I’ve owned.  The Ikos series is solid as well, and the rods are all pretty versatile. 

[Cgrinder]

The ALX Enox are just about the best in the price range. 10% off readily available from ALX or dealers. I have the BMJ and it's good, real good. Balanced, surprisingly sensitive, and has that deeeeeeeep flex. A 5 year warranty is the icing. They have a 7' mag finesse casting rod that you might be into.

 

The Expride is no slouch and I would gladly fish a bunch of them. I have the 72H and it's a hammer. Love the aesthetic as well. They make some 6'10 rods which are a nice option. The Expride is possibly a bit better suited to bottom contact, being what you might call a "true fast". Still versatile, but lacks the deep loading in the blank that makes the Enox BMJ such a good moving bait rod. 

 

I feel the Enox is more sensitive but both rods are light, balanced, and a pleasure to use. The Enox also has the blank-through ECS seat, which is the best seat. I do wish there was a Loomis in the price range worth buying because the 843 MBR would be right up your alley.

[GReb]

Don’t sleep on the Falcon Cara and Experts 

[Heartland]

1 hour ago, GReb said:

Don’t sleep on the Falcon Cara and Experts 

The Eakins finesse jig and Head Turner are two models that I really enjoy fishing.

[waymont]

12 hours ago, Tywithay said:

ALX Zolo

Do these have micro guides?

[Tywithay]

2 minutes ago, waymont said:

Do these have micro guides?

I haven't measured the actual diameter, but they're micro-ish. Not the smallest I've used.

[GReb]

2 hours ago, Heartland said:

The Eakins finesse jig and Head Turner are two models that I really enjoy fishing.

I have several head turners. My go to for pretty much every single hook moving bait

[new2BC4bass]

42 minutes ago, waymont said:

Do these have micro guides?

 

38 minutes ago, Tywithay said:

I haven't measured the actual diameter, but they're micro-ish. Not the smallest I've used.

 Yup.  Not the really small micros.  Personally not a fan of the dinky ones.  ALX guides are fine.

[Efishin]

Personally, I tlike the Tatula Elite AGS, Megabass Orochi XX, Shimano Expride, Legend Tournament, Hammer JAK over the Dobyns