Craiger12

If going with the Dobyns I suggest looking at the 4 power rods. A 734 would make a nice jig rod.

Absolutely love my old school Zillions. My favorite reels. I have 5 and will never give them up.

Exactly this.

I hear that. I'm staying as far away as I can.

Another vote for the 743C. That's pretty much exactly what I use mine for.

Another vote for 10-20# braid with a fluoro or copoly leader.

Again, I completely agree. I owned the DX 742SF at one point and I'm thinking about picking up another. That is the rod you want. More power in the mid and butt sections to help move fish as well as more length to help move line when setting the hook, especially in deeper water. Not to mention it will be more sensitive than the Champion series.

I completely agree with the last 2 posts by DTack. Spot on information.

I'm really liking my new 7'6" medium-light HMG, especially for schoolie stripers. A lot of fun.

Completely agree. If you want the lightest then go with the CI4+ 2500. I recently picked up a Stradic FK 2500 and have to admit it is a pretty sweet reel.

100% agree here. Line twist alone is reason enough to go with braid as a mainline and use a fluoro leader.

I was looking at the Silver Hawk online recently. How does it compare to the HMG?

Sounds excellent. I was hoping to be able to launch some 1/8 oz lures as well. I should have it by the end of the week, so I should get a chance to try it out before the end of the season. Thanks.

I apologize for the temporary hijack, but I just purchased the 7'6" ML/F HMG for shore/wading primarily in rivers. I'm wondering what is the lightest weight you are able to cast? I'm hoping to be able to cast 1/4 oz spoons and inline spinners a long distance. Thanks for any help.

Anyone been out on Candlewood lately? How did it go and what have you been getting them on?

Looks like the 736 is in order...

I agree that the 734 and 736 will likely cover all that you need. If you have both, you don't really need the 735 unless you're really looking to specialize in what you want each rod to do. I also own a 736 and that thing has some serious power. I have only used it for very heavy cover situations and actually prefer the tip of the 735 for frogging. I will admit that I don't frog or fish very heavy cover much at all though. The 735 is usually all I need for the cover I typically fish.

Also a great spinnerbait and small swimbait rod. It is a bit heavy (not sure on the exact weight, but I think around 5oz or slightly more) but balances very well.

Where can I purchase the Silver Buddy?

Also, any idea what I'm looking at as far as customs?

I am going to be purchasing a JDP rod in the very near future and was wondering if anyone can give me an idea of how much shipping will be if sent by EMS? It seems that shipping charges for EMS are calculated by just using weight. The rod will be a 2 piece if that helps. Any ideas?

Another vote for the 784 for the reasons stated. That's why I have 2 of them.

x2

I have gotten away from using braid over the past few years and gone with straight fluoro for these exact reasons. Can you give a few examples of sinking braids?

I will admit that I only fish Dobyns when it comes to bass fishing, so it's impossible for me not to be biased. I have no experience with the new IMX series, but it's an easy decision for me. The ACS reel seat on the IMX is a deal breaker. Nice to see they went with a full cork handle as I don't like split grips, but I wouldn't be able to get past the reel seat. Have you fished the ACS before? If not, I suggest you handle one or fish a rod with that reel seat before taking the plunge. When I first got into serious bass fishing and more expensive gear about 5 years ago I started out with G. Loomis. I had a few GLXs and an IMX. After about a year or so I started to switch over to Dobyns and that's all I own now. I just prefer the way they handle. It has been stated many times before, but the balance is better than most production rods out there, which is very pleasant with tip up presentations. The warranty, or more specifically the replacement program, is far better than what you get with Loomis unless this has changed recently. This is a big one for me. I have only broken one rod to date. Complete stupidity on my part, but it was nice to only be out $60 (would be $70 now) for a replacement. Furthermore, Dobyns offers excellent customer service. If you call Dobyns there is a good chance you will get Gary himself or Richard on the phone. They have also been very prompt when responding to emails in my experience. I don't want it to sound like I'm bashing Loomis at all, because that isn't the case. I'm just stating a few of the reasons why I prefer Dobyns. I wish I could offer more of a performance comparison, but I hardly remember fishing my Loomis rods. I'm curious to hear what others say about how the new ones perform. I'm willing to admit that I'm a Dobyns homer, but there's a reason for that. I think the Champion series is a great utility series for someone not looking for the ultimate in feel, though it still provides great sensitivity for it's price point. Also, they are a little cheaper than the IMX as well. I personally wouldn't look any further.