Help me Decide Between Dobyns and Powell Rod

[Tatsu Dave]

I know this question is always being asked and maybe gets old but I started my TW order last night and its the only thing I have no idea which way to go. Throwing plastics-smaller spoons-and shakey heads so nothing real heavy, using 10# tatsu, and a bit of cover always. Not a big dollar set-up as I decided on the pfleuger president xt and a decent rod to put it on. Last night I narrowed the rod search down to three at TW. Duckett silverado-Powell Diesel-and Dobyns fury. All med w/ a fast tip, would appreciate any experience and input.........I'm leaving now for fishing and will make my order later when I get home. I'm a finesse technique kinda guy and probably feel sensitivity and strength are most important. I know these rods are at the bottom of the $ curve but its what I got to spend at this time. If you feel I'm missing a better bet in the same price range I'm open to suggestions till I call in the order later in the day (I fish pretty intense for about 6-8 hours. Thanks in advance, I won't be back online till afternoon. Lotta knowledge and just as important hands on experience at this site and I would like to hear opinions.   Dave hope the smallies are hitting this morning overcast w/ a front coming again tonight.......

[Captain Phil]

I'm looking at new rod options myself.  I'm not an expensive rod guy, but the Shimano Poison Adrena interests me.   I never buy a rod without holding it unless I've bought the same rod before.  What feels good to me may not feel good to you or someone else. I've had $50 rods that are prefect and $250 rods that I hated.

 

That's why I like Bass Pro Shop.  I walk around and test every rod to see which one feels right.  Lately, my local Bass Pro has been down on inventory.  I'm heading down there soon to see what they have.

[Catt]

I can only comment on Powell & then only the discontinued Inferno.

 

Powell rods received lots of bad reviews on different websites some even going as far as they exploded on hookset.

 

I've had a Inferno 703C MH X-fast for close to 3 years now with zero issues landing big bass on heavy vegetation. 

 

Without a doubt the best $100 worm rod!

 

 

[@reelChris]

The Dobyns 703sf is a great rod for drop shots, light Texas rigs, shakey heads and skipping weightless senkos.  A little too heavy for ned rigs.  It has good balance and just enough power without being stiff.  It's rated medium heavy by Dobyns but it's more of a medium.  

[NoShoes]

I personally love my dobyns but the rod powers are a bit lower than their ratings. 703 is a medium. 704 medium heavy. 
 

And the Sierra line is a big jump from the fury’s. I have 5 fury’s with no complaints, but picked up a used like new sierra cheaper than what a fury would cost and it’s clearly a much better rod. 

[Fishingmickey]

If you can swing the difference in price, Dobyns Sierra. It is a much better rod then the Fury as NoShoes said other wise I'd go with Catt's suggestion and get the Powell.

FM.

[webertime]

I won't buy a Powell knowing how the current owner took control.  

[KP Duty]

4 hours ago, webertime said:

I won't buy a Powell knowing how the current owner took control.  

Do tell....

[Tatsu Dave]

No warranty on Diesel rod, basically if it fails pitch it and buy another. I have to say they are right, with return shipping not much left with an $80 dollar rod. If I buy the powell I go into it with the throw away mind set. The sierra is probably how I should go but a little more than I have right now, will have to chew on all this as there is the endurance and max in powell line up to consider. Thanks for the direction and advice.   Dave 

[NoShoes]

1 minute ago, Tatsu Dave said:

No warranty on Diesel rod, basically if it fails pitch it and buy another. I have to say they are right, with return shipping not much left with an $80 dollar rod. If I buy the powell I go into it with the throw away mind set. The sierra is probably how I should go but a little more than I have right now, will have to chew on all this as there is the endurance and max in powell line up to consider. Thanks for the direction and advice.   Dave 

Even though the Sierras are nicer rods, Nothing wrong with the fury line either. I’ve caught a lot of fish on them.  

[Tatsu Dave]

5 hours ago, NoShoes said:

Even though the Sierras are nicer rods, Nothing wrong with the fury line either. I’ve caught a lot of fish on them.  

I think its finally time to step up and try a better rod, if I wait for a TW sale its a pretty good deal. Another member confirmed they still have sales just not as many as they used to. You and Mickey gave me the nudge I needed.

[NoShoes]

8 minutes ago, Tatsu Dave said:

I think its finally time to step up and try a better rod, if I wait for a TW sale its a pretty good deal. Another member confirmed they still have sales just not as many as they used to. You and Mickey gave me the nudge I needed.

Are you wanting the micro guides?  The Sierra was my first with them, and I love them to be honest. 

[WRB]

ALF was having a big sale on Dobyns Rods. I would contract Dobyns and ask if they still have SA702  or SA703 on clearance or in the shop.

The advantage with Dobyns is customer service, you can actually talk to the owner.

Tom

PS, 10 lb FC is pushing your spinning reel line management.

See New South Dakota Small Record 7.3 lbs on SA701.

[Tatsu Dave]

4 minutes ago, NoShoes said:

Are you wanting the micro guides?  The Sierra was my first with them, and I love them to be honest. 

Yes I do with straight FC I like the increased casting distance and slightly better sensitivity. Intend to get them.

2 minutes ago, WRB said:

ALF was having a big sale on Dobyns Rods. I would contract Dobyns and ask if they still have SA702  or SA703 on clearance or in the shop.

Tom

PS, 10 lb FC is pushing your spinning reel line management.

See New South Dakota Small Record 7.3 lbs on SA701.

I will do that Tom thanks for the tip, are you talking w/ micro guides or any rod with 10# ?

[webertime]

14 hours ago, KP Duty said:

Do tell....

https://www.bizjournals.com/sacramento/stories/2000/07/03/daily14.html

 

[dodgeguy]

2 hours ago, NoShoes said:

Are you wanting the micro guides?  The Sierra was my first with them, and I love them to be honest. 

Absolutely an awesome rod.

[swhit140]

I have 2 of the Powell Diesel crankbait rods and I have been really happy with mine. I've used them a lot so far this season and I've have fished a large amount of tournaments with them. I use one with crankbaits & the other with bladed jigs. I have to say the build quality of the Powell Diesel rods surprised me at the low price. The only gripe for me is that it doesn't have a Fuji reel seat on the Powell Diesel rods, but I'm getting use to them.

I've used Dobyns model rods from the Fury, Sierra to Champion XP and you won't go wrong with them either.

 

 

[Tatsu Dave]

23 hours ago, WRB said:

ALF was having a big sale on Dobyns Rods. I would contract Dobyns and ask if they still have SA702  or SA703 on clearance or in the shop.

The advantage with Dobyns is customer service, you can actually talk to the owner.

Tom

I tried Tom and they had nothing right now, I do have a question when I buy the dobyns sierra, micro guides appear to give trouble when you tie a leader on your line. I use straight FC .010 dia. and want them. Any problems with line and no knots? I'd rather know now before I put the order in motion. 

 

If I can swing this I still want the diesel Powell rod as well although that was real low what was done to the Powell family. The decision to not warranty the cheaper rods sounds just like an investment banker. 

[TcRoc]

I’ve gradually sold off and gone all Dobyns.. 2 left to sell baitcaster wise .. and I’ll be all Dobyns. Does it matter… nope …but I’ve  grown to understand their line for the most part and I like them. Gary is a awesome guy  and will listen and be honest about your needs.. not sell you the most expensive rod. But everyone is different.  Snag what you like.

 

[Skunkmaster-k]

Dobyns is the bomb-diggity! My wife got me the sierra sf703 for our anniversary, and I get to try it out today. Hooray!

[Tatsu Dave]

Well for all the responder's Thanks! Made my decision based on performance not dollars, moved up to the dobyns sierra micro and will see it shortly (hate waiting) I see so many 'what would you choose' posts but the OP never says what they did if anything. Well when I post I do intend to make a purchase and will post soon on how I like it once it arrives and gets a reel put on it.

 

That brings me to this, I also posted a spinning reel thread on what were favorites in the mid price range, I ended up springing for the Pfleuger president xt and its coming also. This is a good site to gain info that would normally take a long time to achieve.  Dave  

[dodgeguy]

8 hours ago, Tatsu Dave said:

Well for all the responder's Thanks! Made my decision based on performance not dollars, moved up to the dobyns sierra micro and will see it shortly (hate waiting) I see so many 'what would you choose' posts but the OP never says what they did if anything. Well when I post I do intend to make a purchase and will post soon on how I like it once it arrives and gets a reel put on it.

 

That brings me to this, I also posted a spinning reel thread on what were favorites in the mid price range, I ended up springing for the Pfleuger president xt and its coming also. This is a good site to gain info that would normally take a long time to achieve.  Dave  

That was a great choice.

[Tatsu Dave]

Yes I'm glad I did it, too much good advice to ignore. I'm just hoping it gets to me in one piece, last rod I bought looked like a handtruck was pushed over the end and box was collapsed. I realize I need two more to round out what I currently throw and fishing techniques. Dave

[dodgeguy]

Dobyns come in a big super thick cardboard tube. Should be fine.

[AzBassin]

Out of your choices I owned a Duckett waiting on warranty.  Its ok,  own powell endurance and love them, never heard of the diesel.  Dobyns I ran from because all places i go shopping say its most returned rod.  Dunno if true but after holding powell i never looked back.  I own many other brands too.