Ned Rod Battle: Dobyns Vs St. Croix VS G Loomis

[larrymarketfishing]

12 hours ago, PotatoLake said:

@Cody28 I went and read that post, don’t know what to tell you other than I didn’t find it too soft and have not had issues losing fish.

 

Go check out what Ned Kedhe uses for his Ned rods. You don’t need anything fancy and also any ml - m spinning rod will get the job done.

I finally was able to get my hands on the Victory 6'10 ML at a shop here in MN called Thorne bros. Unfortunately they didn't have a 7'1 M Victory to compare it to, but I've shifted gears and am very much leaning towards getting the 6'10 ML Victory. I'm gonna keep this rod strictly to Neds and drop shots, and use my other M spinning rod for shakey heads. Saving money was a big factor here, but a chat with a St. Croix rep reassured me of my choice. The blank is made of a combination of materials from their higher end rods. The cork grip also felt more comfortable to me than the DC702SF. 

 

I'm just hoping now Tackle Warehouse (or other online retailers) don't exclude St. Croix from their Black Friday sales.

[padon]

2 hours ago, Lawrence Mercado said:

I finally was able to get my hands on the Victory 6'10 ML at a shop here in MN called Thorne bros. Unfortunately they didn't have a 7'1 M Victory to compare it to, but I've shifted gears and am very much leaning towards getting the 6'10 ML Victory. I'm gonna keep this rod strictly to Neds and drop shots, and use my other M spinning rod for shakey heads. Saving money was a big factor here, but a chat with a St. Croix rep reassured me of my choice. The blank is made of a combination of materials from their higher end rods. The cork grip also felt more comfortable to me than the DC702SF. 

 

I'm just hoping now Tackle Warehouse (or other online retailers) don't exclude St. Croix from their Black Friday sales.

tell me about it? ive considered one but my avid in the same specs was too wimpy for me and ened up being a heavier crappie rod. whats your description of the victory?

[Dumbbassanglr]

For what it’s worth I bought a victory 7’1” victory also and have also owned multiple zodias including the newer ones. I sold all the Zodias and the victory because the megabass levante line was much more sensitive. If you need a great warranty go dobyns or st croix but for strictly sensitivity I would go whipsnake. I also owned the expride 6’10 ml and the levante is better.

[dam0007]

On 10/29/2021 at 10:54 PM, Lawrence Mercado said:

Hi all! 

 

Hoping for some advice from anyone who has had experience with the Dobyns DC702SF, G Loomis GCX 7'1 M Jig and Worm rod, and St. Croix 7'1 M Victory rod. I'm trying to decide between these three for a dedicated Ned setup (also will occasionally drop shot and throw 3/16oz shaky heads as well). I'm a Dobyns guy and the DC702SF is my primary choice, but the rep at my local Scheels recommended the GCX considering they're at the same price point. I don't know a ton about Loomis rods, but I know the GCX is supposed to be a replacement to the E6X that I've heard not everyone liked very much. And considering the GCX is a considerable step down in price compared to their more sensitive rods, I'm wondering if it wouldn't be as sensitive as a Champion XP which is Dobyns' staple series. I also am considering the Victory rod from St. Croix mostly as a money-saving option, but I've heard very good things about that rod as well.

 

Thank you all in advance!

702 would be a great choice for Ned/Drop Shot and even Hair Jigs. Shaky Head you need to step up to a 703. 

[larrymarketfishing]

On 11/15/2021 at 9:57 PM, padon said:

tell me about it? ive considered one but my avid in the same specs was too wimpy for me and ened up being a heavier crappie rod. whats your description of the victory?

Soft tip, but lots of backbone. I don’t consider it whippy whatsoever. Love how light it feels in my hands. I also have a tendency to have my hand slightly above the reel when I’m fishing, probably higher than most folks, so the amount of cork above the reel seat is perfect. 

[Fat Ika]

On 10/29/2021 at 9:54 PM, Lawrence Mercado said:

Hi all! 

 

Hoping for some advice from anyone who has had experience with the Dobyns DC702SF, G Loomis GCX 7'1 M Jig and Worm rod, and St. Croix 7'1 M Victory rod. I'm trying to decide between these three for a dedicated Ned setup (also will occasionally drop shot and throw 3/16oz shaky heads as well). I'm a Dobyns guy and the DC702SF is my primary choice, but the rep at my local Scheels recommended the GCX considering they're at the same price point. I don't know a ton about Loomis rods, but I know the GCX is supposed to be a replacement to the E6X that I've heard not everyone liked very much. And considering the GCX is a considerable step down in price compared to their more sensitive rods, I'm wondering if it wouldn't be as sensitive as a Champion XP which is Dobyns' staple series. I also am considering the Victory rod from St. Croix mostly as a money-saving option, but I've heard very good things about that rod as well.

 

Thank you all in advance!

I have a St Croix Victory 7'3" M/XF, DC 762SF, & DC 792SF. I can't speak about shorter rods. 

 

Dobyns DC702SF seems like the best choice from the models you named for neds and dropshotting. I've thrown shakeyheads on the DC 762SF in a pinch. I'm sure the DC702SF can handle shakeyheads,  if your hook is sharp and on the lighter wire end.............and not in undesired/heavier cover, but a 3 power/medium rod would be ideal for most shakeyhead scenarios. 

 

I think it will be hard to find someone with an opinion & sufficient experience with a similar action GCX vs a Champion. I have no idea. 

[Columbia Craw]

I run the Champion 732SF. It’s true that model and the 733 SF are actually built on the previous Xtreme blanks. My buddy bought three Kaden 712SF and swears by them and the handle configuration.

[WRB]

I purchased the Victory 6’10” MLXF thinking it would be similar to other SC spinning rods. Like the handle and quality but the tip is too soft to hook set Bass effectively and returned it for the 7’1 MF. I like this rod but may be over powered for 1/16 oz Ned’s, works great for all my finesse spinning w/ 2500 Vanford.

Tom 

[Cody28]

On 12/12/2021 at 1:59 AM, Lawrence Mercado said:

Soft tip, but lots of backbone. I don’t consider it whippy whatsoever. Love how light it feels in my hands. I also have a tendency to have my hand slightly above the reel when I’m fishing, probably higher than most folks, so the amount of cork above the reel seat is perfect. 

I have a 7’3” MXF on the way and the handle had a lot to do with my choice to go Victory because I hold super high as well. 

[larrymarketfishing]

1 minute ago, Cody28 said:

I have a 7’3” MXF on the way and the handle had a lot to do with my choice to go Victory because I hold super high as well. 

I don’t think either of us will regret our choices lol. The 6’10 MLXF will be my dedicated Ned and Dropshot rod. I’ll just throw shakey heads on another rod ?