Dobyns vs Powell

[bounder5150]

I am looking at getting a Dobyns 703C or a Powell 703CEF rod. Is the Dobyns worth another $100.00. Both feel good in my hand, the only real difference is the Dobyns seems a little lighter, but not convinced its $100 lighter. Thoughts?

[David P]

If the money is available, it's definitely a great step up from the Powell rods. The other option is the Dobyns Savvy Series which is close to the Powell Pricing.

Having said that, the Dobyns Champion series is well worth the extra $100. It's not JUST lighter, they balance better, and are also more sensitive.

[lapieza]

Both are exellent rods with exellent customer service and warranties. I'm not really sure what to tell you as far as if Dobyns Champions are worth 100 dollars more. I own both and really like them. Precisely yesterday i was comparing those two weight wise and balance wise and i think the Dobyns felt better balanced. I really think you will be very happy with either.

[KYntucky Warmouth]

I like the Powell Max rods but the Dobyns Savvy rods are better.  Just think of it this way, Gary was in on the development of the Max series, I feel like he took that and developed the Savvy series to be better.  They are lighter and balance better than the Powells, both are great sticks but the Savvy is better.

As for the Champion, If it's in your price range, there's no doubt in my mind that it's gonna preform better than the Powell rods.  They are lighter and balance better than the Powell, I've not fished one so can't comment on sensitivity.

[Dan-K]

FWIW, I used to fish with a Powell 704C and have given it to my wife. I now use Dobyns in all three series. The Savvy is a much better rod than the Powell, and the Champions are leaps and bounds beyond them. The sensitivity of the Champions could compare somewhere between an IMX and GLX. if you are looking at a Powell, do yourself a favor and check out a Savvy!!!

[bounder5150]

Thanks guys for the response, I will take alook at the Savvy too.

[SeanW]

I like the Powell Max rods but the Dobyns Savvy rods are better. Just think of it this way, Gary was in on the development of the Max series, I feel like he took that and developed the Savvy series to be better. They are lighter and balance better than the Powells, both are great sticks but the Savvy is better.

As for the Champion, If it's in your price range, there's no doubt in my mind that it's gonna preform better than the Powell rods. They are lighter and balance better than the Powell, I've not fished one so can't comment on sensitivity.

  Lets get the facts straight. Both are great rods and you cant go wrong with either. The Savy series was the latest rod by Dobyns, and was brought about to compete in the price range of the Powell and others. It is not as good as the Powell rods. The other Dobyns rods are great rods and priced higher, and they are lighter. However this does not mean better, that really comes down to personal preference, as do all rods.

   Also comparing thse lines to GLX or IMX and saying they are equal is true in some ways. I dumped all of my Loomis rods and went over to Powell and Abu rods. To me they (including Dobyns) are better then those loomis rods. Warranty is part of being a great rod, and Im sorry to say Loomis has fallen way behind in that area.

    TO answer the original question, both are great rods. You really need to try em out and find out what you prefer. In my area we have demo rods available so you can actually fish them.

[David P]

I like the Powell Max rods but the Dobyns Savvy rods are better. Just think of it this way, Gary was in on the development of the Max series, I feel like he took that and developed the Savvy series to be better. They are lighter and balance better than the Powells, both are great sticks but the Savvy is better.

As for the Champion, If it's in your price range, there's no doubt in my mind that it's gonna preform better than the Powell rods. They are lighter and balance better than the Powell, I've not fished one so can't comment on sensitivity.

Lets get the facts straight. Both are great rods and you cant go wrong with either. The Savy series was the latest rod by Dobyns, and was brought about to compete in the price range of the Powell and others. It is not as good as the Powell rods. The other Dobyns rods are great rods and priced higher, and they are lighter. However this does not mean better, that really comes down to personal preference, as do all rods.

Also comparing thse lines to GLX or IMX and saying they are equal is true in some ways. I dumped all of my Loomis rods and went over to Powell and Abu rods. To me they (including Dobyns) are better then those loomis rods. Warranty is part of being a great rod, and Im sorry to say Loomis has fallen way behind in that area.

TO answer the original question, both are great rods. You really need to try em out and find out what you prefer. In my area we have demo rods available so you can actually fish them.

Sean, not to argue with you, but it's more than just personal preference... Is the difference between an ugly stick and a steez just personal preference? Given that the gap between a Powell and Champion isn't as large as that comparison, there is still a noticeable difference between a Powell and a Champion Series rods... The Savvy and Powell on the other hand are a closer comparison. The "Not as good as a Powell remark" is your personal preference, not a fact. I've seen and heard numerous guys selling off their Powells to purchase Savvy rods.

[SeanW]

I like the Powell Max rods but the Dobyns Savvy rods are better. Just think of it this way, Gary was in on the development of the Max series, I feel like he took that and developed the Savvy series to be better. They are lighter and balance better than the Powells, both are great sticks but the Savvy is better.

As for the Champion, If it's in your price range, there's no doubt in my mind that it's gonna preform better than the Powell rods. They are lighter and balance better than the Powell, I've not fished one so can't comment on sensitivity.

Lets get the facts straight. Both are great rods and you cant go wrong with either. The Savy series was the latest rod by Dobyns, and was brought about to compete in the price range of the Powell and others. It is not as good as the Powell rods. The other Dobyns rods are great rods and priced higher, and they are lighter. However this does not mean better, that really comes down to personal preference, as do all rods.

Also comparing thse lines to GLX or IMX and saying they are equal is true in some ways. I dumped all of my Loomis rods and went over to Powell and Abu rods. To me they (including Dobyns) are better then those loomis rods. Warranty is part of being a great rod, and Im sorry to say Loomis has fallen way behind in that area.

TO answer the original question, both are great rods. You really need to try em out and find out what you prefer. In my area we have demo rods available so you can actually fish them.

Sean, not to argue with you, but it's more than just personal preference... Is the difference between an ugly stick and a steez just personal preference? Given that the gap between a Powell and Champion isn't as large as that comparison, there is still a noticeable difference between a Powell and a Champion Series rods... The Savvy and Powell on the other hand are a closer comparison. The "Not as good as a Powell remark" is your personal preference, not a fact. I've seen and heard numerous guys selling off their Powells to purchase Savvy rods.

  Guess we will have to agree to disagree. It is personal preference. Unless you believe that you need that expensive rod to catch more fish. It is always preference my friend, its called a choice. Some folks fish 10 different brands of rods. Its what works for them.

  So you mentioned proof, yet you made claims of one being better then the other. Show me some proof and I will change to Dobyns. See there is no proof. I can catch the same fish with a $79 Abu Vendetta that you can with a $250 Dobyns. You fish them because you like them. I fish Powell because I like them. I feel they are of equal quality. However I like the keepers better on the Powell.

   There is a point where the weight thing is a dead issue to me. I mean just about all quality rods are fairly light. Balance is really about what reel you use on the rod. Its not automatically balanced with all reels. Its very easy to balance a rod with butt weight, or not quite as easy with different reels.  Like I said Ive owned several Dobyns rods, I really liked em. However I dont feel I am a better fisherman then I am with an Abu Garcia Veritas rod.

   

   

[David P]

You clearly stated that Powell rods are better than Savvy rods, yet you also claim that it is always personal preference. Maybe you should have said that you prefer the Powells over Savvys, not made a factual statement.

Reel weight is only minimal when it comes to the balance... I've had 6oz reels and 8.8oz reels on my rods, all of which balance incredibly well, and the balance point only changes slightly. I have also had the same reels on Powells, and it's a major difference.

It is a fact that Dobyns balance better than Powells. I personally feel as though I can notice a difference in sensitivity between the two rods as well. Sure, that's not as easy to prove as balance, but the majority of guys that have used both, say the same thing.

Personal preference definitely does play a large part in picking a rod, but there are characteristics of rods that make one superior to another. I agree, one can go out and catch fish on a $79 rod as well as a $500 rod, that doesn't mean they are equal.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

One thing you need to remember David is that your balance preference may be different than the next persons. If you're going to tell him not to make a factual statement, you probably shouldn't do the same. Some people may like a rod that balances right on the seat. Some may prefer a rod that is a little bit butt heavy or tip heavy. All that matters is your comfort level with the tool in your hands.

This is why we, as anglers, have such a broad range of products to choose from.  Everybody has their certain likes and dislikes, whether it's a rod, reel, or lure.

[David P]

One thing you need to remember David is that your balance preference may be different than the next persons. If you're going to tell him not to make a factual statement, you probably shouldn't do the same. Some people may like a rod that balances right on the seat. Some may prefer a rod that is a little bit butt heavy or tip heavy. All that matters is your comfort level with the tool in your hands.

I only said not to make factual statements based on the previous statements made about , "It's all preference". I'm totally fine with factual statements, but not when they're in the same paragraph as, it's all preference.

As you said, balance points can be preference, but I've yet to meet someone that has said they specifically want a tip heavy rod. Most people can agree upon a relatively "good" balance point.

My intentions are not to start any type of arguments, it's honestly not what I'm here to do. I just noticed a contraction between statements, and wanted to clarify.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

One thing you need to remember David is that your balance preference may be different than the next persons. If you're going to tell him not to make a factual statement, you probably shouldn't do the same. Some people may like a rod that balances right on the seat. Some may prefer a rod that is a little bit butt heavy or tip heavy. All that matters is your comfort level with the tool in your hands.

I only said not to make factual statements based on the previous statements made about , "It's all preference". I'm totally fine with factual statements, but not when they're in the same paragraph as, it's all preference.

As you said, balance points can be preference, but I've yet to meet someone that has said they specifically want a tip heavy rod. Most people can agree upon a relatively "good" balance point.

Well, I threw in the tip heavy as just another choice. I've never met anybody either, but I'm sure there is somebody out there that likes a rod heavier out front. I personally feel more comfortable with a rod thats a little heavier in the butt.

The few times that I've been able to fish a Dobyns and a Powell side by side, the Dobyns seemed like the better rod to me. They just felt like a more refined rod.

My intentions are not to start any type of arguments, it's honestly not what I'm here to do. I just noticed a contraction between statements, and wanted to clarify.

No worries. Just a friendly conversation

[bandsr4me20]

this is off topic but ive got to know how much that bass weights in your pic david.

[SeanW]

You clearly stated that Powell rods are better than Savvy rods, yet you also claim that it is always personal preference. Maybe you should have said that you prefer the Powells over Savvys, not made a factual statement.

Reel weight is only minimal when it comes to the balance... I've had 6oz reels and 8.8oz reels on my rods, all of which balance incredibly well, and the balance point only changes slightly. I have also had the same reels on Powells, and it's a major difference.

It is a fact that Dobyns balance better than Powells. I personally feel as though I can notice a difference in sensitivity between the two rods as well. Sure, that's not as easy to prove as balance, but the majority of guys that have used both, say the same thing.

Personal preference definitely does play a large part in picking a rod, but there are characteristics of rods that make one superior to another. I agree, one can go out and catch fish on a $79 rod as well as a $500 rod, that doesn't mean they are equal.

  The best rod is the one the fisherman feels comfortable with. Personally I dont require the most sensitive rod, but then I have a hair trigger and feel my baits well. Everybody is different in that aspect. I believe line is just as if not more important.

    Balance is over rated. Just ask the worlds best tournament anglers.

[SeanW]

Well, I threw in the tip heavy as just another choice. I've never met anybody either, but I'm sure there is somebody out there that likes a rod heavier out front. I personally feel more comfortable with a rod thats a little heavier in the butt.

The few times that I've been able to fish a Dobyns and a Powell side by side, the Dobyns seemed like the better rod to me. They just felt like a more refined rod.

   I believe the tip heavy guys can be seen a mile away. Its very bright yellow. Ive tried em and they are decent rods, but a tad tip heavy for my liking.

[David P]

this is off topic but ive got to know how much that bass weights in your pic david.

13lbs3oz... on a Dobyns ;D

[Mike Z]

I have a Powell rod and have also held the Dobyns rods. If I were buying again I would go with the Dobyns. The balance is far better IMHO.

[small_limit]

... Balance is over rated.  Just ask the worlds best tournament anglers.

Well this in itself is a very personal statement regarding balance. I personally CANNOT fish with a rod that's overly tip heavy. I have personally told Keith at Powell this. Personally, for me, it's a comfort thing. If you're 20 something, then it's not an issue. If you're 50-60 years old like some of us are, the arm muscles are a bit old and tired to begin with, balance can make or break a fishing day.

The second part of your statement is what I have stated. If you're younger, no issues. Those young studs on the BASS tour can beat you with a broomstick ... been there done that; getting beat that is.

[RussBert]

I have a Powell rod and have also held the Dobyns rods. If I were buying again I would go with the Dobyns. The balance is far better IMHO.

Sorry to pick on you, but it's statements like this that just throw common sense out the window.

There are MANY Dobyns rods, around 60 bait cast rods in three distinct series.

The Powell MAX and Endurance rods are priced in the Savvy series range.

So when you make a claim like that, back it up with some particulars.

rant mode off   

[BASSclary]

After fishing a friend's Powell and my Uncle's Saavy,

I like the Saavy more. The balance suited me a tad more, but that could've just been the different reel weights. The sensitivity felt about the same to me, also. And Dobyns wins in the looks category to IMO.

[David P]

... Balance is over rated. Just ask the worlds best tournament anglers.

Well this in itself is a very personal statement regarding balance. I personally CANNOT fish with a rod that's overly tip heavy. I have personally told Keith at Powell this. Personally, for me, it's a comfort thing. If you're 20 something, then it's not an issue. If you're 50-60 years old like some of us are, the arm muscles are a bit old and tired to begin with, balance can make or break a fishing day.

The second part of your statement is what I have stated. If you're younger, no issues. Those young studs on the BASS tour can beat you with a broomstick ... been there done that; getting beat that is.

I'm 23 years old, and find it difficult fishing tip heavy rods. Sure... I CAN do it if needed, but it's a major pain in the butt for me, and makes fishing much less enjoyable.

[SeanW]

... Balance is over rated. Just ask the worlds best tournament anglers.

Well this in itself is a very personal statement regarding balance. I personally CANNOT fish with a rod that's overly tip heavy. I have personally told Keith at Powell this. Personally, for me, it's a comfort thing. If you're 20 something, then it's not an issue. If you're 50-60 years old like some of us are, the arm muscles are a bit old and tired to begin with, balance can make or break a fishing day.

The second part of your statement is what I have stated. If you're younger, no issues. Those young studs on the BASS tour can beat you with a broomstick ... been there done that; getting beat that is.

    LOL! You guys amaze me, now Ive heard it all. How did you guys ever fish prior to the Dobyns rod? I fish with a 70 year old retired Navy guy that smokes like a choo choo train. He cant stand and fish for a day, yet he has no problem fishing any kind of rod. Between you and David and your outlandish claims Im roflmao. Its no wonder more people fish now. It must be the great balance in the Dobyns rods. Not sayin Dobyns rods are not good, they are great rods. However both of you claims are hog wash. Someone asks for advice and you post a bunch of crap. If you can hold a Powell rod and fish for the day then there is another issue.. Im sure a Steez or new Loomis NRX would be even better.

    Its a fricking fishing rod. I know David is too young to know, but your claims are outlandish at best. My guess is you would catch just as many fish with a Berkley Lightening rod. Its just a tool, wake up!

[BASSclary]

... Balance is over rated. Just ask the worlds best tournament anglers.

Well this in itself is a very personal statement regarding balance. I personally CANNOT fish with a rod that's overly tip heavy. I have personally told Keith at Powell this. Personally, for me, it's a comfort thing. If you're 20 something, then it's not an issue. If you're 50-60 years old like some of us are, the arm muscles are a bit old and tired to begin with, balance can make or break a fishing day.

The second part of your statement is what I have stated. If you're younger, no issues. Those young studs on the BASS tour can beat you with a broomstick ... been there done that; getting beat that is.

LOL! You guys amaze me, now Ive heard it all. How did you guys ever fish prior to the Dobyns rod? I fish with a 70 year old retired Navy guy that smokes like a choo choo train. He cant stand and fish for a day, yet he has no problem fishing any kind of rod. Between you and David and your outlandish claims Im roflmao. Its no wonder more people fish now. It must be the great balance in the Dobyns rods. Not sayin Dobyns rods are not good, they are great rods. However both of you claims are hog wash. Someone asks for advice and you post a bunch of crap. If you can hold a Powell rod and fish for the day then there is another issue.. Im sure a Steez or new Loomis NRX would be even better.

Its a fricking fishing rod. I know David is too young to know, but your claims are outlandish at best. My guess is you would catch just as many fish with a Berkley Lightening rod. Its just a tool, wake up!

So what your saying is, in a different circumstance, but same principles apply, is that if you told a 5 year old to pound nails all day with a hammer, and you gave him a 24 oz hammer, that he could swing it just as long as a 16 oz hammer? Pshh, yeah right.

And we all know we all can catch fish with any friggin' rod. Yes we can. I think what we're all trying to say is that a better more balanced rod is more ENJOYABLE to fish. We're NOT saying you cant catch fish with it. Would you rather fish with a uber light, sensitive, and cool looking Steez, or would you rather fish an heavier, unbalanced, not so sensitive Ugly Stik? Most will answer the Steez because it makes it more enjoyable. Nobody wants to be uncomfortable.

But you can use whatever you like SeanW

[David P]

... Balance is over rated. Just ask the worlds best tournament anglers.

Well this in itself is a very personal statement regarding balance. I personally CANNOT fish with a rod that's overly tip heavy. I have personally told Keith at Powell this. Personally, for me, it's a comfort thing. If you're 20 something, then it's not an issue. If you're 50-60 years old like some of us are, the arm muscles are a bit old and tired to begin with, balance can make or break a fishing day.

The second part of your statement is what I have stated. If you're younger, no issues. Those young studs on the BASS tour can beat you with a broomstick ... been there done that; getting beat that is.

LOL! You guys amaze me, now Ive heard it all. How did you guys ever fish prior to the Dobyns rod? I fish with a 70 year old retired Navy guy that smokes like a choo choo train. He cant stand and fish for a day, yet he has no problem fishing any kind of rod. Between you and David and your outlandish claims Im roflmao. Its no wonder more people fish now. It must be the great balance in the Dobyns rods. Not sayin Dobyns rods are not good, they are great rods. However both of you claims are hog wash. Someone asks for advice and you post a bunch of crap. If you can hold a Powell rod and fish for the day then there is another issue.. Im sure a Steez or new Loomis NRX would be even better.

Its a fricking fishing rod. I know David is too young to know, but your claims are outlandish at best. My guess is you would catch just as many fish with a Berkley Lightening rod. Its just a tool, wake up!

Not sure how my age has anything to do with any of this... Having said that, you're more than welcome to fish a heavier, less comfortable rod if that's what makes you happy. When you fish 10 hour days, a few days a week, any advantage enabling you to fish longer and more effortlessly is well worth it in my books.

My tournament partner fishes Lamiglass rods, the older cert pro ones. They're very tip heavy, and when putting down a Dobyns to pick it up, it's not too pleasant fishing with. He does fine with them, but even he too appreciates the better balance of a Dobyns Rod.

Not sure why you're calling these claims outlandish. Balance matters to most, and when you can fish more comfortably, most will choose to do so.

I personally have issues with my shoulder, and back. I go to a chiropractor weekly. I also use 7'6-8ft rods more than anything, making balance even more important for me.