David P

They've always been nothing but spectacular with their customer service with myself, and everyone else I know. UPS has damaged a few packages of mine, and they've sent out the new item the very same day, no questions asked.

I really like the Dobyns 733 Champion and 743 for 1/8oz bullet weights and t-rigged worms, brushhogs, etc... The 733 is rated 1/4oz and above, but with the weight of the plastic, I've had absolutely no problems casting 1/8oz t-rigs. Sensitive, light, all around very nice rod for that price point. As Craiger said below, you can also opt for the 702, great for 1/8oz baits also. It's a little softer tip and lighter, little less versatile, but definitely good for light baits as well.

I use Dichoso Baits exclusively. They definitely have a tendency to boost my confidence knowing that no one else is throwing the same thing. Getting to pick your own colors, flakes, and how soft the bait will be is always nice. I've never used those NastyBaits specifically, but hand pours are great.

I use a DichosoBaits Flat Belly Boa, it's very similar to the Zoom trick worm, but having it hand poured enables me to order it in a much softer plastic, as well as a more buoyant plastic when desired.

Anytime, just shoot me a PM!

I didnt miss quote you, you wrote it. It says just above. Im not arguing anyway. However you are stating your opinion, and I respect that. I punch alot to, I live very close to you. I have no problem punching all day. I also use an Irod in certain applications because it is better suited for certain circumstances. Its a heavy rod, but it serves the purpose well. I also have a Lamiglas 806 certified pro, your right tip heavy. However it is one of the best rods Ive fished for big top water wake baits and swim baits, hence I keep it. See ya on the river.

It feels better and less tip heavy than a poor balanced rod with that additional half ounce weight.... I punch a LOT and am constantly flipping and pitching a 1.5oz weight with an 8ft rod. The better balanced rods help keep me from getting fatigued throwing a bait like that all day. I never suggested that I you or anyone else cannot fish all day without a Dobyns, I also never told you that your rods are uncomfortable to you. I said they are uncomfortable, that's my personal opinion based on my experiences, not trying to force anything on you. There's a handful of other brands that balance well, and I could fish all day, Powell is not one of them. The discussion was about Dobyns vs Powell, not about the 20 other companies produced rods. I don't want to continue on arguing, I just don't like being misquoted, or misinterpreted as saying something I did not say.

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.

I have a buddy that just ordered them, said they're great. I too haven't gotten around to ordering them for this very same reason! I keep meaning to pick some up when I go into San Francisco, but continue to forget.

Same here Vinny. Bought a Dobyns Extreme DX 743C. Glad to see everyone is stocking up on some Dobyns Rods, sure is the perfect time! ;D Thanks David for all your help, I just ordered another Dobyns Extreme DX744C from Tackle Warehouse for about 30% off. That's a killer deal, at that price you might want to buy 2! Haha, only kidding... partly. Glad to help out any time, as I've said before, feel free to PM me with any questions! Always glad to help out!

Snag Proof Bobby's Perfect Frogs! I really like their new Sexy Shad color, but Freds Frog and Tweety are classics!

Same here Vinny. Bought a Dobyns Extreme DX 743C. Glad to see everyone is stocking up on some Dobyns Rods, sure is the perfect time! ;D

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.

Give them a call, they may be able to help.. They're awesome with customer service.

Said your second setup would be for heavy gear, and cranks? I'd personally do as OHIO said, use the rod you have now for cranks, and get a nicer setup for jigs and plastics. A Dobyns Savvy Series 734 with a Revo STX or Curado E7 would be a great multi purpose setup for everything from Buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs, plastics, senkos, jigs, spooks, and more. With Tackle Warehouse's sale coming up, you should be able to get it for right about $300 shipped.

How do you like the split-grip on the Savvy? I've never fished with that style grip. The grip was one thing that impressed me with the Wreckin' Stix. I wish the Savvy 735 was like the Champion with the full grip; I'd feel more confident with the purchase. Honestly, it's not all too noticeable. I think people put a lot more thought into the split grip than what is needed. I agree, for those types of baits, generally I would pick a full grip if given the choice, but I really never thought about it while using it. Another huge factor for me personally is customer service and warranty, I'm not sure how American Rodsmith's customer service is, but Dobyns is certainly top notch.

I haven't used the Wreckin Stix, so I'm sorry that I'm unable to comment on them. I've fished a LOT with a 735 Savvy and Champion. Perfect rod for what you're looking to do. Pitching jigs, dragging jigs, throwing soft swimbaits, swim jigs, chatterbaits, buzzbaits, frogs, that rod can do it all. Extremely versatile. With that Tackle Warehouse sale, definitely can't go wrong.

Don't always worry about what baits were "designed for". We catch largemouth on Pike baits, trout baits, crappie baits, salt water baits, a title means nothing.

13lbs3oz... on a Dobyns ;D

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.

Tackle Warehouse should have a sale coming up here soon, you'll be able to pick up a Dobyns Savvy Series for a great price, and well worth it. Great rod, and very versatile. Can be a great back up frog rod or swimbait rod if need be.

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.

Darter heads can be used for all species, definitely not limited to just smallies. I catch more spotted bass on them than anything. Soft plastic worms work great, I use a Dichoso Baits nightcrawler worm with them the majority of the time. I know some guys use grubs and other plastics on them as well. It's a fun finesse technique that definitely can catch good numbers of fish.

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.

Is either handle longer than one on most regular fishing rods? The SBMT was designed with a shorter then "normal" handle to keep it from getting in the way when walking top water baits and such. I also like it cause it allows for easy pitching of baits. The Mike Long model was designed with a longer than normal handle. Some guys like this for better leverage when casting, reeling, and the ability to fit it under your arm easier. It's hard to say compared to a "normal" rod though as all companies differ slightly in handle lengths. Check Tackle Warehouse as they have the exact lengths listed, and you can go measure rods you already have to figure out which you would prefer.