Dobyns and Powell

[Koop]

The Dobyn's rods thread got me to think about some things. I had never fished Dobyns rods, the thread sparked my interest and I fished with a buddy who has a few and I borrowed two from him to compare with my Powell's. I matched up a Dobyns 735c with my Powell 735c, both mounted with an STX-HS, along with a Powell 704c and a Dobyns 704c both mounted with an STX. I then headed out for the frog fields. Both rods behaved so similarly it was insane. Both were extremely sensitive, performed their specified tasks perfectly.

I knew these two manufacturers rods are very similar. I would like to see some constructive comparison of these two types of rods. What the main differences are (besides cosmetics).

Upon investigation into this I found out that Gary Dobyns actually helped create the Powell MAX line of rods. Powell was originally a fly fishing rod company and Dobyns presented it to the Bass world.

Here are a few quotes I found interesting:

Keith Bryan "I had some help from Gary Dobyns adding a few bass rods in the current product line but mainly, he helped us get into a few stores in the west and one or two stores out of state. In 2005 Powell attended the ICAST show to launch the new bass rod line into the market."

"Published on: 3/29/2006 Last Visited: 2/11/2009

Gary Dobyns involvement in Powell's Max Bass Rods help create a bona fide hit for bassers "

This all being said I honestly feel both of these rods are spectacular. I am curious how Dobyns customer support is? I had an issue with one of my Powells, I called the customer service number listed on their website and talked to none other than Keith Bryan himself. My problem was resolved within 3 business days.

[CHEVYRIDAZ]

Same quality from Powell but for a WHOLE LOT LESS!!!!!

[KYntucky Warmouth]

I only have experience with the Dobyns Mike Long Swimbait Rod 7'9''MH and the Powel 704c, 705c, and 766c, none to actually compare similarities BUT the Mike Long rod is extremely light, lighter than the 766c and close to if not lighter than the 705c. Just my little bit of input.

[fishinflip415]

The dobyns helping Powell thing is old news. I have a question though because I do think that the gen1 dobyns feel similar to Powell rods but the gen2 are lighter and the actions are a little different than the first. So which ones were u comparing? I pesonally think that the new dobyns rods are way better than the Powell rods. And for the record i do own both brands.   8-)

[Koop]

The dobyns helping Powell thing is old news. I have a question though because I do think that the gen1 dobyns feel similar to Powell rods but the gen2 are lighter and the actions are a little different than the first. So which ones were u comparing? I pesonally think that the new dobyns rods are way better than the Powell rods. And for the record i do own both brands. 8-)

To get into small details, the Dobyns g2 felt slightly lighter, I think this is most likely do to a slightly different balancing point.  The Powell is slightly heavier on the tip but the Powell seemed was more powerful as well.

[David P]

The G1 Dobyns rods and the Powell rods were similar. The new G2 Dobyns rods though feel nothing like the Powells, and are leaps and bounds ahead of them.

 Next time you get a Powell in your hand with a Dobyns G2, put the same reel on each rod, and balance the rod above the reel seat on your finger tip. You'll see a MAJOR difference in balance alone.

Also  the Dobyns rods have a thinner blank and smaller guides.

[21farms]

i've had 'em all. as others have said, the first-gen dobyns and powells were similar. however, the G2 dobyns are in a different ballpark. of course, there's a $80 difference between the two so they better be. the powells may be a better value but the G2 dobyns are a better rod.

[CHEVYRIDAZ]

How exactly are they "better"? I have used them all and don't find the Dobyns to be worth the extra $................................just my thoughts though!

[petervd]

The G2 rods are more than twice as much as a powell rod. How can you even compare those?

[The_Natural]

This has been argued quite a bit, but there is no way to know the technical data of the blanks. However, Dobyns does offset the blank weight of their rods by putting lead in the end of the trigger handle. It increases overall weight, but offers better balance. Some prefer this....some don't.  

[Andy C.]

This has been argued quite a bit, but there is no way to know the technical data of the blanks. However, Dobyns does offset the blank weight of their rods by putting lead in the end of the trigger handle. It increases overall weight, but offers better balance. Some prefer this....some don't.

More of your "untruths." We do not add "lead" to balance our rods and if you'll check the weights of both rods you'll find that they are not heavier, at least not enough to be noticable. Again I ask, What is your agenda?

[Koop]

Guys I am actually trying to figure out an honest comparison between these two rods.

The Powell MAX and the Dobyns Gen 2. I have quite a few Powell's and a few Kistlers, I had never fished a Dobyn's until recently.

I did like them but honestly couldn't tell a huge difference. Lets keep this to factual differences, I am curious about the difference in the blanks and actual measured weights.

I am taking the Dobyn's into consideration for my next few set ups, but will fish it a few more times first and do some more research.  I'm interested in the factual differences so next time I take one out I can say "oh yeah I do notice that" lets not continue this down the road its going...

[Andy C.]

If you want to compare the two, find a staffer in your area and borrow a couple of the Gen 2 Dobyns and see for yourself. If you'll pm me your city and state I'll see if we have anybody close enough to help. The Gen 2 Dobyns are not in the same class as the Gen 1, hence the higher price. While the Gen 1 Dobyns and the Powell's were similar in action and price, the Gen 2 eods are on a different level. Sorry about the side track, but wanted to correct the mis-information.

[Triton_Mike]

Guys I am actually trying to figure out an honest comparison between these two rods.

The Powell MAX and the Dobyns Gen 2. I have quite a few Powell's and a few Kistlers, I had never fished a Dobyn's until recently.

I did like them but honestly couldn't tell a huge difference. Lets keep this to factual differences, I am curious about the difference in the blanks and actual measured weights.

I am taking the Dobyn's into consideration for my next few set ups, but will fish it a few more times first and do some more research. I'm interested in the factual differences so next time I take one out I can say "oh yeah I do notice that" lets not continue this down the road its going...

TONS of differences.  Lighter, better balance, cork quality, cheaper warranty $20 vs $40 and a Tackle Tour Editors award in the Cranking Wars lineup.  If you call or email You will talk with Gary or Richard Dobyns (Gary's son) and they will handle your warranty needs both are very well known fishing pro's out west (Gary just won the US Open and his 40th boat) and not only know the lineups but can give detailed applications on what rod is used for what and under what conditions..

Gary uses a high end Korean company to manufactur his rods.  This company makes JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) type rods for the Japanese Market and last I know Gary is the only company that they make rods for sale here in the US??

Mr. Splash is correct there is NO lead added to the butt end of the rods for counter balancing in the G2 Series that I am aware of.  Gen 1 there was counter balancing on some of the rods and was more inline at the Powell level.  

[gatrboy53]

there is a lot that goes into a better built blank.and there are only a "few" who have got it right.loomis being the leader.it seems that gary understands what is necessary for a exceptional blank which translates into a quality fishin pole.with that comes a price tag.the gen.2 rods are w/o a doubt one of the best constructed poles on the market today w/ a price point below the leader.the most glaring asset of a gen2 is balance.yes it takes the right reel but it can accomodate more reels and maintain the balance .the powells are made of lesser quality components and put together differnt but imo for the money are some of the best rods on the market.again the glaring difference will be in balance and feel.they just dont match up as well as the balnce is farther up the blank.

to me its all about what you can afford.if you want the best buy a gen.2 or a loomis or even a phenix.if you want quality and the best bang for the buck buy a powell...which is what i have.

[petervd]

Guys I am actually trying to figure out an honest comparison between these two rods.

The Powell MAX and the Dobyns Gen 2. I have quite a few Powell's and a few Kistlers, I had never fished a Dobyn's until recently.

I did like them but honestly couldn't tell a huge difference. Lets keep this to factual differences, I am curious about the difference in the blanks and actual measured weights.

I am taking the Dobyn's into consideration for my next few set ups, but will fish it a few more times first and do some more research. I'm interested in the factual differences so next time I take one out I can say "oh yeah I do notice that" lets not continue this down the road its going...

TONS of differences. Lighter, better balance, cork quality, cheaper warranty $20 vs $40 and a Tackle Tour Editors award in the Cranking Wars lineup. If you call or email You will talk with Gary or Richard Dobyns (Gary's son) and they will handle your warranty needs both are very well known fishing pro's out west (Gary just won the US Open and his 40th boat) and not only know the lineups but can give detailed applications on what rod is used for what and under what conditions..

Gary uses a high end Korean company to manufactur his rods. This company makes JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) type rods for the Japanese Market and last I know Gary is the only company that they make rods for sale here in the US??

Mr. Splash is correct there is NO lead added to the butt end of the rods for counter balancing in the G2 Series that I am aware of. Gen 1 there was counter balancing on some of the rods and was more inline at the Powell level.

Hope your talking about the G1 rods..

[Triton_Mike]

Guys I am actually trying to figure out an honest comparison between these two rods.

The Powell MAX and the Dobyns Gen 2. I have quite a few Powell's and a few Kistlers, I had never fished a Dobyn's until recently.

I did like them but honestly couldn't tell a huge difference. Lets keep this to factual differences, I am curious about the difference in the blanks and actual measured weights.

I am taking the Dobyn's into consideration for my next few set ups, but will fish it a few more times first and do some more research. I'm interested in the factual differences so next time I take one out I can say "oh yeah I do notice that" lets not continue this down the road its going...

TONS of differences. Lighter, better balance, cork quality, cheaper warranty $20 vs $40 and a Tackle Tour Editors award in the Cranking Wars lineup. If you call or email You will talk with Gary or Richard Dobyns (Gary's son) and they will handle your warranty needs both are very well known fishing pro's out west (Gary just won the US Open and his 40th boat) and not only know the lineups but can give detailed applications on what rod is used for what and under what conditions..

Gary uses a high end Korean company to manufactur his rods. This company makes JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) type rods for the Japanese Market and last I know Gary is the only company that they make rods for sale here in the US??

Mr. Splash is correct there is NO lead added to the butt end of the rods for counter balancing in the G2 Series that I am aware of. Gen 1 there was counter balancing on some of the rods and was more inline at the Powell level.

Hope your talking about the G1 rods..

Nope gen 2....  Or maybe I am misunderstanding what you are saying?

[petervd]

Sounded like you were saying how much better G2 rods are better than Powell max rods. If you were saying all those things about how G2 are better than G1 then I happily agree. I'm looking to getting a G2 rod this winter.