MidwestBassAttack

Shimano for me.......although that Lews Hypermag is tempting me

Sounds like the Gen4 STX I had...very temperamental at best.

Check TackleWarehouse. Specs are listed but you need to select each rod length to see the detailed specs.

I don’t have an Expert so I can’t provide a comparison. A good friend of mine down in southern IL swears by Falcon. He’s a tourney guy for upwards of 15 years and swears he can feel a fish inhale his bait. He uses the prior generation of Cara’s. In fact, I just pulled the trigger on another one. That way I have one dedicated to jigs and one dedicated to Texas rigs fully.

Hey gang - Just got my 2021 Falcon Cara model in. I chose the 7’3” Heavy (Amistad) to use as a Texas rig/jig rod. Fit and finish is meticulous and quite honestly impeccable. I’ve gone over the rod from butt to tip numerous times and cannot find any issues whatsoever. Guides are perfectly wrapped and laser straight. Blank is perfectly straight and in a matte black finish. Take note, I also received a Kistler Helium in with NFC blank and I swear that blank has some uneven shapes. Cork split grip contains some of the best quality cork I’ve ever seen. There is absolutely no filler that I can detect. No pits, gouges, etc. Handle has some meat on it as well which I like. Not a fan of those ultra-tapered handles. Seems like a lot of feedback I received from my earlier post mentioned Falcons have a tendency to fish slower than stated. The Amistad has a tip that loads into a solid back bone roughly around the 4th guide from the tip. Almost seems like a borderline extra fast. Similar to a Dobyns 735. That’s a good sign! Color accents are simple, understated, and quite classy. I love that in a rod. No fancy colors, cheesy logos, or poorly chosen fonts. Classy, classy, classy look. I’ll be putting in some time with her over the next several weeks and will post a review then. Until then, this is one sharp looking rod! That alone can build some confidence!

Thanks again for the great feedback. I had some questions on both rods and reached out to Kistler and Falcon. I will say, I received a response back from Trey Kistler himself not more than 10 minutes after I emailed. Had a great dialogue.

Thanks all for the input! Sounds like both companies are held in high regard! On baitcasting gear I usually go no less than 3/8oz weights (bullet and jigs). Anything lighter I throw on a Dobyns 703 spinning outfit.

Hey gang - been a long time Dobyns user (Fury, Sierra, Champ XP, Champ Extreme) with models ranging from 703, 705cb, 734, 744, and 735. I started to explore other rods and have a Kistler Helium 3 direct from Kistler on the way along with the 2021 Falcon Cara from TW. Both are 7’3” and the Kistler is a 4 power and the Falcon is a heavy (I believe the Amistad). I plan on using the Kistler as my Texas rig setup and the Falcon as my jig rod. What might I expect from a sensitivity standpoint when compared to Dobyns? The Kistler is an NFC blank by the way.

Another vote for the 4 power for your needs. Checkout the 734.

I’ve use and have in my arsenal a Sierra 734 and 703. I really love the Sierra lineups. Balanced, lightweight, and pretty darn sensitive. Their price point puts them at a great spot as well I say go Sierra and don’t look back. The build qualities are some of, if not the best I’ve seen. Plus you have the backing of the Dobyns company themselves with their outstanding and personalized service with an awesome warranty to boot should you ever need it.

Dobyns Champion XP 734......DX 744 if your feeling extra saucy

That’s one good looking reel!

I just joined the Shimano Bantam MGL club and boy o boy......what a smooth reel. Now I’m contemplating dumping my three Metaniums for Bantams. Picked up more Buckeye Ballin Out jigs earlier today along with some Invizx, Zoom Super Chunks, and some 3/8 oz shakey head rigs. Once you pop...you can’t stop!

I’d go Dobyns. I’ve got a whole fleet of them! Perfect balance, sensitivity, and weight. Dobyns rods and bass fishing go together like peas and carrots...

Nice pictures and beautiful setting!

Check out the Bantam MGL from Shimano. Super solid reel. Rugged and smooth as silk with a main brass gear. Should handle your needs perfectly.

Check out the Shimano Bantam MGL....thank me later ?

Hey Chicagolandangler - Shoot me a message when you get a chance. Judging by your username you might be in my neck of the woods. If so, I’ve got a Dobyns Sierra Micro 703 casting rod collecting dust. It’s a medium-heavy/fast. It’s yours if you want it! I’d rather see it used and enjoyed by a new angler than propped up in a corner collecting dust.

Thanks for the feedback CC!

Hey all! Have a few Dobyns rods and trying to stick with two core rods for 3/8 jigs plus trailer as well as 1/2 jigs plus trailer. I have a 734 and 735 Champ XP as well as the Champion Extreme 744. im thinking 3/8 plus trailer on the 4 series and 1/2 plus trailer on the 5 series. For Texas rigs, I primarily throw a 3/8 oz bullet pegged with a Zoom Ole Monster 10.5 or Mag plus. Thinking those stay on the 4 series? Any thoughts or feedback on my logic?

I’m out as we speak! Sunny and low 70’s up here in the Chicago suburbs until Tuesday....

My local Bass Pro (Bolingbrook IL) has ALL Seaguar Invizx line on sale. 45% off thru 11/22. Go get em’ boys and girls!

Hey gang, Re-assembling my Metanium and have a question on the star drag nut. How much do you tighten it down before putting the spring, washer, then star drag on? Just hand tighten until tight? Torque it down as far as possible?

Got it all sorted out! Did another breakdown last night and cleaned/soaked everything in alcohol. Looked like I had grease on the main gear from handling. Thanks to everyone for your input, time, and advice.

Make sure you have that parts schematic open while you break it down. I just got done doing my first tear down and it was pretty easy. Take your time, as you take parts out, lay them out in the order you remove them as it makes re-assembly that much easier. Make sure your lighting is good and keep minimal distance between the reel and your work surface to prevent anything from falling and bouncing everywhere. I had fun doing mine and plan on doing more this weekend. Good luck!