If the reel you will be using is sub 7 ounce, go with the Dobyns. Heavier, go with Powell. It's all about the balance of the combo IMO. While both companies build quality products, they actually fish quite different when comparing stated lengths and actions. This has been my experience anyhow.

Check the flea market, I saw there are a couple of Dobyns and Powells in there for sale just now.  Not sure what rods they are, but could save you some $$.

 

Wdy

I felt the new powell TiMax yesterday and it was so far from the a DX it isn't funny. Powell makes decent rods but they are not the same level as Dobyn's. 

 Yea, I'm not quite sure what Powell was thinking when they designed the new TiMax Rod line. I had waited a long time to see something better than the Endurance line from Powell and then they release the TiMax. IMO, massive Fail.

Thanks for all the help guys. Things are starting to come together and I may have made up my mind. Everyones input definitely helped me. Awesome community on here!

I'm not sure what makes the TiMax an epic fail? Granted the aluminum sleeve is a bit cheesy and pointless, but the blank should hang with the best of them and the guide train is as good as it gets. Some don't like the reel seat and I think it would have been better with a full handle cork grip.

I'm sure the blanks are great but the last thing I want to hold and cast when my hands are either wet or cold (something that happens a lot in the NE) is metal. It may be a balancer but aren't there other ways of getting the correct balance out of a rod?

Again, one of the dobyns strong point is their balance. My new DX 746 is a beast but it balances right above the locked down seat nut