David P

Well...you aren't going to break off running that setup. Thanks for bringing that up, I lost two good fish the other day with 20lb cxx leader. Twas a bad day.

I like 50lb braid / 15 and 20 lb CXX leader. No memory to deal with, strong as hell, and sensitive.

Braid to leader. I love using 50-65lb braid / 15-20lb P-Line CXX leader.

Powells may statistically be light, but any rod over 7ft is extremely tip heavy giving it the effect of feeling extra heavy. Thus not feeling as light, nor are they as sensitive as the new Dobyns Rods. I can't speak on the Fenwicks, never used one. Sorry

Dobyns hands down. Last year I was in the same boat. I was debating between Dobyns, Powell, St Croix, Loomis, and Kistler. Powells were tip heavy, especially the rods over 7'6. I also didn't like that ALL of their rods were split grip, I love split grip, but not on every rod, only specific rods. The G2 Dobyns, have so many lengths, and rods like the 733 or 734 you can pick if you want a split grip or full grip. Kistler, couldn't get myself to like them, and I can't put my finger on exactly why, they just didn't do it for me. If I recall correctly, they also don't have all the options of lengths, which for me is nice, I love 7'3, 7'6, 7'8, 7'9, 8ft rods. I have only Dobyns rods now, over 10 of them, and continue to get more. They're awesome rods, the G1 were great rods, the G2 are incredible. For what you're looking for, I highly suggest: For the T-Rig / Light Jig rod, the 733 and 734 are both great rods, deciding between those two is really based on what you really look for, the 733 is a little more fun, the 734 has a little more power. Crankin rod, I don't crank much, I use a 705 Glass , but a lot of guys like the 805 for deep cranking. This is one rod I haven't used so can't lend you too much info on. You can throw spinnerbaits with ease on a 734, it's the most versatile rod I've used. Spinnerbaits, chatter baits, T-Rig, Jigs, Senkos, RatLTraps, Buzzbaits, the options go on and on. Heavy Jig Rod - 765, best flipping stick I have ever used. It was my first Dobyns, and the G2 ones are even better!

I don't use spinning reels much, only own one, but it's a Tierra. I got it for $96 new off ebay and love it. Sorry can't say anything about the Soron.

Daiwa Advantage Super Tuned, Retail is $180 I believe, but they're all over ebay for $130 shipped to your door.

Greatest thing ever. I have them on ALL of my rods, would put my rods in the boat without them.

My boat, 10-13 all Dobyns Rods Shore, 2-5 depending on where .

Some guys think line diameter bothers fish more then line visibility, meaning the thickness of the line bothers them more then being able to see it. 20-25lb fluoro also has a LOT more memory then even 65lb braid, some guys hate dealing with memory. Braid cuts through weeds and other underwater vegetation, fluoro doesn't do this nearly as well. and last but not least, 20-25lb fluoro breaks easier then 65lb braid, some of the stuff I throw my junk in, I wouldn't get back with 20lb fluoro. ....just a few things that came to mind. You obviously have not seen the stuff we throw our "junk" into here in FL, LOL! I have never had a problem with even the 20lb fluoro. Besides, when flippin/pitchin there is not enough line out to even notice the memory! If they can't see fluoro than why would the diameter bother them? Did you mean because it effects the action of the lure? Maybe your junk isn't nearly the stuff I throw my junk into, being as I have snapped 20 and 25lb 100% flouro and Pline fluoro. Not to mention braid makes it a hell of a lot easier to cut through that junk when pulling the fish in. I pitch a distance away and notice every bit of memory, flipping on the other hand, that is true. Nothing to do with the action of the lure, fish can feel the line, it's an object in the water that isn't natural, 25lb fluoro doesn't feel much like a weed. Many smaller lakes I fish, I can many more bites with 10lb braid no leader then I do with 15lb fluoro.

Some guys think line diameter bothers fish more then line visibility, meaning the thickness of the line bothers them more then being able to see it. 20-25lb fluoro also has a LOT more memory then even 65lb braid, some guys hate dealing with memory. Braid cuts through weeds and other underwater vegetation, fluoro doesn't do this nearly as well. and last but not least, 20-25lb fluoro breaks easier then 65lb braid, some of the stuff I throw my junk in, I wouldn't get back with 20lb fluoro. ....just a few things that came to mind.

30lb braid digs into itself easier when you get caught up and trying to pull out a snag, or even when you get a decent fish. Not to mention, I have seen 30lb braid snap on a few occasions, and when 50lb braid is equivalent to 12lb mono, and 65 to 17, it's nice to know you have that added strength.

15-20lbs of drag for most of my fishing, but 6-8 is fine for some.

Here's your chance to finally try a Dobyns rod RW! I have a 702C that I use for drop shotting and shaking heading. Love it. Or if you really want to have some fun, the 701 is a blast. I know you love your St Croix and Loomis, just thought I'd throw it out there

That LB test is the "breaking strength". I put quotes because some breaks at a higher pressure and some line occasionally isn't as strong as it says. Different techniques are better suited with certain types of line and pound test.

Dobyns 705 Glass rod. Awesome crankin rod. Lightest glass rod I've ever held, lighter then most regular crankin rods. I throw cranks and ripbaits with it.

I prefer shaking heading with a baitcaster, I use a Dobyns 702C. But, when I first started shaking heading, I used a Dobyns 702S (spinning rod) and it worked great. I just don't like using spinning rods unless I really need to.

7'3 - 7'6 Rod HEAVY Power, don't play around with them if you're fishing heavy cover. Especially from shore. The longer the rod, the longer the casts and more leverage you have over the fish. 7.1:1 Reel, throwing it with a high speed reel has more then doubled my hook ups. and Last 65lb braid. This is if you're throwing hollow body frogs.

Hold on now. I own a couple of these rods, but I given the choice I would rather have my GLXs. I do love the Dobyns rods, and use them to fill the gap in the Loomis lineup (frog, deep cranker). I can't wait to get my hands on the mag topwater and the ML jig rod. As for sensitivity I would put them on par with an IMX, not that I can feel that much difference b/n the IMX or GLX. They are great rods no doubt, but stating they are the best rods ever made is a quite a statement. Lets give them a few years. I have the ML Jig rod and the Mag Top water, both great rods, and in my opinion one of a kind rods. Not many companies have such a large selection of lengths and powers. More sensitive then a GLX? I couldn't tell to be honest. I've fished both. I honestly could not tell the difference in sensitivity with a GLX vs a G2 Extreme rod. I dont' think there's many people out there that can honestly tell the difference in sensitivity between an IMX and GLX. They are priced very competitively and fairly with the Loomis rods, but in my mind, aside from sensitivity, there are a few things I like much more about them then the Loomis rods. I love no front grip, it gives me more confidence having my finger on the blank. Might sound very silly, but style and look give me confidence as well. Last but not least, the large amount of models (lengths and powers) is VERY NICE. You can have rods at 6'8, 7ft, 7'3, 7'4, 7'6, 7'8, 7'9, 8ft. How many companies have that many options and many powers in some sizes.

I'm in the same situation with my STXs, I have two now just laying around and 3 on rods, I decided just to keep them as back up, who knows when you'll need a back up reel. Unless you really need the money, hold on to it. They're selling for $60-$70 new on ebay, you wouldn't get a whole lot for it anyway. Not worth it IMO.

Dobyns 706 / Daiwa Supertuned Advantage / 50lb braid Dobyns 705 Glass / Daiwa SOL / 12lb CXX

There's definitely two sides to every story. I have played with them a few times. Not nearly as sensitive as people made them out to be, just right on par with a $150 rod. But the guides were awful, felt like they were going to cut my line. No $150 rod should have those guides, maybe $100. Not a terrible rod, but definitely not the FOR SURE best rod in the price range.

I've fished with Revo S's, I sold my Citica E, and I currently have an HSTA along with many other reels. The HSTA is the best of the 3 in my opinion, however the Citica E fit better in my hand. I'm not a huge fan of Left hand reels, it depends on preference, but keep that in mind before you buy it. I have 8 Daiwas and love them all, although the HSTA is the cheapest of all the ones I own. If it was a tad smaller I'd have several more.

Palomar, just make sure you keep the tag end a little longer then normal.

Get a new Revo S off of Ebay. Can be found for $60-$70 and it's worth every bit of $110 .