Champ XP 734 or HP 744

[PBBrandon]

I have a Champ XP 734 that snapped on me while casting a spook, and have yet to send it in for a replacement. I love the 734, could cast anything with it, but the option to upgrade to the HP line for like 80 bucks more is pretty enticing. It would be a better jig/T-rig rod for sure, but I’m wondering how it would would be for chatterbaits and spinnerbaits as well. My current lineup of medium heavys are:

 

6’10” MHF Zodias (skipping)

7’2” MHF Expride B (jig/T-rig)

7’2” MHM St Croix LTB (cranking)

734 Champ XP (spook/spin/chatter)

 

im thinking if I upgrade, I can move spook duties to the Zodias, and 3/8oz bladed jigs to the LTB. Spinnerbaits and 1/2oz bladed jigs I would probably cast on the HP, as well as doubling as a bottom contact rod. Would the 744 handle bladed jigs and spinnerbaits well or is it too fast? Thanks!

[FrnkNsteen]

Personally, I like a little slower rod for spinnerbaits and chatterbaits think the Champ Extreme might be a little fast, not mention being a little overkill for moving baits.

 

If it were me, I think I would throw the spinnerbaits and bladed jigs on the LTB and if I wanted a Extreme, I would choose a model that that opens up more options like maybe the HP 745. It gets awesone reviews and offers a little heavier option.

 

I currently use my HP745 for deep water football jigs.

[RipzLipz]

I’m not disagreeing with the post above by any means, just offering my experience. We all have different preferences with our equipment & many of us fish differently or like different things in rods.

 

I have a DX 745C & it’s a very good rod but in my opinion is way under powered for what I prefer in a jig rod. I went with an Xtasy DRX 745C & it’s the best jig rod I’ve ever used, very sensitive but lightweight & just felt more powerful to me. Yes, it’s a lot for a rod. Worth every penny. Didn’t feel like I had to really hammer it on a hookset with the Xtasy. You’re in TX so better shot a larger fish than we typically see up here is why I mention the Xtasy.

 

Both rods above have a softer tip, with the Extreme HP being slightly softer to me. Sure, you could throw spinner/chatterbaits on the DX 745 but if it were me, I’d use either a Champion XP DC 765CB or DC 765CB GLASS for spinnerbaits and chatterbaits - those are wonderful rods for moving baits with plenty of backbone & most of the Champion line are closer to all around/cross purpose rods than the higher priced "feel" rods IMO (Extreme HP & Xtasy). Look through the latest catch pics thread & I posted a 6-12 which was caught on a DC 765CB & I had plenty of rod leftover when she was bulldogging for deeper water.

 

TW has yet to put their rods on sale for Xmas so hopefully Dobyns will be offered once it starts (next week I believe).

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Moving baits with heavy hooks like blades and spinners get thrown on the same rods as jigs n plastics of similar weight. For me that is. 

[PBBrandon]

Thanks for the responses and info! I would get a 745 but I also have an LTB 7’3” HXF, and 7’4” HF and 7’6” HF Tatula AGS rods. The 745 would be in a dogfight for casting time lol. I guess another thing I could do is just replace it with a 795sb Champion. I’m also in the market for a small swimbait rod and that would kill 2 birds with 1 stone. Or like Tim said, I could spend a bit more and get a clear upgrade over my rods with the Xtasy.

[scbassin]

I happen to use Dobyns Rods. I was surprised that the 734 snap during casting a spook. I have a couple of The Champ XP DC 735 F/H as well as the Champ Extreme HP DX 745 C F/H. I use Shimano 22 Bantam XG on those rods. The XP 734 is a very good rod so depending on what you it for it might be better & cheaper to replace it. For the up grade I use the XP DC 735 F/H in light to moderate cover fishing moving baits. Frogs up to 1/2 oz, swim jigs, snakes & some bottom baits For heavy cover I switch to a XP DC 736 F/H, good power I can fish a 3: 16 no bull frog with it but mostly with 3/4 & 1 oz. frogs. the Extreme HP DX 745 C F/H, sensitivity is very good. I use it for many baits. I like for Carolina rigs for the long cast & good sensitivity. I suggest you call Brice at Dobyns Rods 903 919 8028 & speak with him about the rods. tell him some Sub Sailor wants to know if you woke him from his nap.

[softwateronly]

On 12/9/2023 at 10:49 AM, PBBrandon said:

I have a Champ XP 734 that snapped on me while casting a spook, and have yet to send it in for a replacement. I love the 734, could cast anything with it, but the option to upgrade to the HP line for like 80 bucks more is pretty enticing. It would be a better jig/T-rig rod for sure, but I’m wondering how it would would be for chatterbaits and spinnerbaits as well. My current lineup of medium heavys are:

 

6’10” MHF Zodias (skipping)

7’2” MHF Expride B (jig/T-rig)

7’2” MHM St Croix LTB (cranking)

734 Champ XP (spook/spin/chatter)

 

im thinking if I upgrade, I can move spook duties to the Zodias, and 3/8oz bladed jigs to the LTB. Spinnerbaits and 1/2oz bladed jigs I would probably cast on the HP, as well as doubling as a bottom contact rod. Would the 744 handle bladed jigs and spinnerbaits well or is it too fast? Thanks!

 

My DC735 and DRX755 have very similar if not identical actions, just length, weight, and sensitivity differences.  The HP might just upgrade the whole experience.

 

scott