Dobyns crankbait rod question

[Schuyler co]

Looking at the Champion XP series. Uses would be mid depth cranking and 1/2 oz bladed jigs + trailer , 1/2-3/4 oz lipless.  Looking at the 705 CB GLASS, 705 CBMF GLASS, 735/736 CB GLASS ....or just go with graphite 705/706 CB ??? Actions are throwing me off, difference between a FAST GLASS and MF graphite for example. I’ve never used glass before and I also have a FR 733 for lighter trebles. Any advice would be appreciated!! Thanks guys! 

[Columbia Craw]

Out of the models you listed the 735 CB Glass would be my choice hands down.  The CB glass are composite blanks. You’ll get a delayed reaction tip with power.  The Kaden series offers a 735 CB in all graphite.  If you want to save a few bucks 80, this would also be an excellent choice.  

[softwateronly]

59 minutes ago, Schuyler co said:

Looking at the Champion XP series. Uses would be mid depth cranking and 1/2 oz bladed jigs + trailer , 1/2-3/4 oz lipless.  Looking at the 705 CB GLASS, 705 CBMF GLASS, 735/736 CB GLASS ....or just go with graphite 705/706 CB ??? Actions are throwing me off, difference between a FAST GLASS and MF graphite for example. I’ve never used glass before and I also have a FR 733 for lighter trebles. Any advice would be appreciated!! Thanks guys! 

This is a somewhat terrible answer, but here it is anyway.  I have a FR705cb that I fished with frequently for 2 months.  I bought a XP 706cb and only got a few casts in before ice up.  The 705cb is an absolute blast to fish, I threw a lot of different things on it because it was new.  The whippy action is really fun, but wasn't ideal for single hook applications, which is pretty obvious.  The thing is, it wasn't terrible (1 - 5lb bass and 1 - 35" northern on a 4.8" weedless keitech), so I grabbed the 706cb.  In my hand, this feels like a real sleeper of a versatile rod.  It seems like it has a softness/backbone combination mixed with above average sensitivity that can really handle any treble baits under 1.75oz and deliver a good sweeping hookset on 1/2oz chatterbaits, swimjigs, spinnerbaits, 3/4 oz open hook paddle tails, 5" texposed swimbaits, etc.  It's a stick that I'm really excited to get a fish on in the next month, if ice and work let up a bit.

 

I've never fished a glass rod or a hybrid, fyi...

 

scott

[softwateronly]

1 hour ago, Schuyler co said:

Looking at the Champion XP series. Uses would be mid depth cranking and 1/2 oz bladed jigs + trailer , 1/2-3/4 oz lipless.  Looking at the 705 CB GLASS, 705 CBMF GLASS, 735/736 CB GLASS ....or just go with graphite 705/706 CB ??? Actions are throwing me off, difference between a FAST GLASS and MF graphite for example. I’ve never used glass before and I also have a FR 733 for lighter trebles. Any advice would be appreciated!! Thanks guys! 

I just saw where you live.  There's a possibility I can put my XP706cb and a FR705cb in your hands if we can make schedules work and you're interested...

 

scott

[Schuyler co]

3 hours ago, Columbia Craw said:

Out of the models you listed the 735 CB Glass would be my choice hands down.  The CB glass are composite blanks. You’ll get a delayed reaction tip with power.  The Kaden series offers a 735 CB in all graphite.  If you want to save a few bucks 80, this would also be an excellent choice.  

Was not aware they are composite...good to know and I’ll think about the Kaden as well but think I’m set on a Champ. 

3 hours ago, softwateronly said:

I just saw where you live.  There's a possibility I can put my XP706cb and a FR705cb in your hands if we can make schedules work and you're interested...

 

scott

Appreciate that Scott! I’m going to do some more research and may PM you! Got some time, we still have ice! 

[kayaking_kev]

I've had the 705 & 736 Glass rods, and I personally didn't care much for the 736 as I thought it was a bit heavy at 6.0 oz, but if you don't mind the weight that's probably the rod for you. Keep in mind their crankbaits rods, at least their glass, are not perfectly balanced like a regular Dobyns because as a tip down technique, it doesn't have to be. So unlike other Dobyns, that 6.0 oz. is going to feel like 6 oz. rod due to the imbalance.

 

I loved throwing 3/8-1/2 oz. lipless on the 705, but I think I always threw 3/8 oz. bladed jigs + trailer on it and can't remember if I ever threw 1/2 oz. The 736 was more of a heavier bladed jig rod, but I would think you could get away with a 1/2 oz. + a small trailer on the 705. 

 

I've never tried the 705 Glass MF, but I heard it's whippy and if it's any where near as whippy as the 704 Glass, it wouldn't be good.

[Schuyler co]

Appreciate the feedback guys....took a look at that Kaden 735 CB...like the specs on it for what I need...how does it compare to the Champion line?  

[Columbia Craw]

Other than the blanks being unsanded the action and power to stated rating are pretty accurate.  Handles and reel seats are identical to the Champion series. My K610-4CB has the same action as my Champion 704CB.  Dobyns  went with Seaguides alconite for the guide series and they are lined up on the spline.  May experience with Seaguides has been been very good.  Note the guide count unlike some manufactures who will short a guide to save money. The quality of cork on my Kadens has been AAA.  Oh, and balance is typical Dobyns, neutral. 

[5by3]

After owning the 705cb glass and 736 cb glass rods in the champion line up, I’d say go for the 736 cb glass. The 705 rod was too soft for ripping the bait out of grass where I fish. If you don’t have a lot of grass in your lakes, the 705 would be fine but if you have a lot then get the 736. I mostly fish 3/8 oz jackhammers + zako trailer.

 

These are both composite rods, which makes them a handle a bit differently than your typical graphite rod. They are a bit heavier, but not annoyingly so.