Dobyns savvy ssm734c or ssm735c for 1/2-3/4 ounce football jigs, Carolina-rig, deep Texas-rig 3/8-3/4 ounce, hollowed-body and swimming frogs/toads?

I've heard the action is not entirely accurate and that the 4 or heavy power is really like a 3 medium heavy, etc.

Also, I read it's not super sensitive? I would listen to some other comparable rods in this price range. ($150-$200). Thanks.

I have used almost all models of Dobyns. I would recommend a 5 power for what you want to do. I had a Champion 734 that was a little strained when throwing 3/4 oz jigs or c-rigs. The Dobyns Savvy isn't as sensitive as the other Dobyns lines, but it's nothing to snarl your nose at too bad. I have a buddy that throws wobble heads on a Savvy and he loves it. I throw all custom rods and I can get you one in that price range. The customs I use are made on Rainshadow Blanks and I put them above a Champion sensitivity wise and pretty darn close to the DX. But, I think you would be very happy with the Dobyns Savvy if you want to go that route. Great rods for the money and the tapers on them are awesome!

I love my savvy.. The 735 is pretty versatile, for most people it's their frog rod. If I were you I would go with that one and use it for several techniques until you can afford a champ or extreme, when that day comes keep the 735 for frogs and look into a 745.

The 745 is the perfect stick for pitching jigs, casting football jigs, larger Texas rigs and Carolina rigs too. Wouldn't use it for frogs though, I have a 745 it's one of my favourite rods.

Two great replies. Thanks guys. Exactly what I was looking for. One last question on the return policy... Does the $60 hassle-free include shipping at least one way (back to me) or perhaps both?

Take a look at Ducketts I have 4 and have been really impressed with them they are super light and super sensitive and a 20 year warranty.  

Already ordered a 734 and am sending it back to exchange it for a 735c savvy. I looked at them. There are so many choices

I honestly wouldn't get a Duckett. I have broken numerous Ducketts and quality control is pretty much non existent. Got tired of sending rods back cause of manufacturer defects. You know you shouldn't send that 734 back. You should keep it AND get the 735. Then buy another reel for the 734! 

 

EDIT: And I don't know about the warranty, I never had one break.

Another really good rod in the 150 -200 range is the fenwick aetos. It is a really nice, light, super sensative rod. Take this from a guy that owns an NRX, the Aetos is worth checking out

The exchange doesn't include shipping. Add 20$ for shipping. The Savvy isn't a very sensitive rod. i do love the few savvys i do own but they are dedicated to moving baits. I use the DX for bottom contact baits. If you're staying in savvy series, go /w the 735.

Don't have the $ for the Dx right now. Unless I try to find one used. But sensitivity is pretty important. Is a receipt needed in the 'hassle-free' 60 dollar charge?

I agree with iabass, I think in general Dobyns makes a nice rod but the saavy wouldn't be my first choice for bottom contact .. There are a lot of good rods in the sub 200 range. The KLX  comes to mind.

Didn't care for mine. The build quality and balance was good - typical Dobyns, but the blank was pretty sub par in my hands. Lacked a certain crisp liveliness. Made a good moving bait rod though.

Don't have the $ for the Dx right now. Unless I try to find one used. But sensitivity is pretty important. Is a receipt needed in the 'hassle-free' 60 dollar charge?

No you don't need a receipt. Its a very simple and fast process. Send in the rod, they send you another.

If sensitivity is of the utmost importance and you have the budget you want to stay at (sub200$), i would look very hard at the kistler KLX.

What about a used st croix 7'3" heavy legend tournament big jig rod? My last few rods have all been used - I wanted to buy new just for warranty , but I might not need it

Thats a great rod if you can get it under 200$.

Klx my friend, Klx

You don't even have to send in the full rod, you just need to send in a specific small section of the rod, costs just a few dollars to mail the section, then they send you a new one.

 

 ALSO KEEP IN MIND, that $60 hassle free is if it is YOUR fault... If the rod TRULY breaks and it's a faulty rod, the $60 hassle free may  not be needed. You can opt to send the full rod to have it looked at, and if determined to be a faulty rod and not your own personal fault, then they will go another route to help you out.

Having second thoughts about keeping the 734c for throwing heavy 1/2 ounce jighead 4.8 keitechs (swing impact fat ) in deep water

Here's my thoughts on perception of the savvy not being very sensitive.  The tapers on the rods are a bit slower than most other rods out there including the other lines of Dobyns.  I think that with the slower actions people feel that the rod isn't as "sensitive" or "responsive" since it doesn't bounce back immediately with an extra fast tip.  The savvy for me are very versatile rods that can be used for multiple techniques with great success.  When it comes to getting a rod for a specific technique I tend to lean towards a Champion or an Extreme.  For your technique I don't think you'd be upset with the extra power of the 735 for your main use.