I've built up my rod collection quite a bit for this season, and I'm looking for advice on one last upgrade from beginner gear. I currently am using an old Abu Cardinal sx  combo ( 6'6" med ) as my sole spinning setup. While I love it dearly, it's seen better days.

 

I have learned with my last upgrades that better equipment makes fishing a lot more enjoyable and productive. In particular I have taken a liking to the Dobyns Fury series, I have the FR703c and 704c and they are both awesome rods.

 

Is there another brand/series of rods I should consider in that price range?  In particular I'm looking at the 663, I'm worried the 662 would be a bit too light. I'm going to pair it with a new Kastking Mela 2000 I just got and probably some 6 or 8lb. sniper.

I love the Dobyns rods myself.  I also love the G Loomis classic spin jig rods.

You did not mention your budget, but a G Loomis Classic spin jig series SJR782 is an incredible spinning rod.  My wife and I each fish a 721 and a 722 ( the 6 foot versions) and love them.  If I only fished 1 spinning rod the SJR782 in GL3 or IMX would be hard not to go with,  Now these are more expensive. A GL3 will run around $225 and the IMX is around $265.

 

ST Croix makes a couple of nice ones also. Take a look at the Avid X 6'6'  medium/ fast and the 6'8 medium/xf.

Also you could upgrade to a Dobyns Sierra SA 693 SF or 703SF.  All of these are nice options.

I don't think I'd be able to stretch into the G Loomis rods just yet, but the dobyns sierra looks awfully nice. I'm a smaller guy so the 6'9" would be a really comfortable length too. I'll have to do some searching around here and get a feel for those rods in person. I appreciate the input!

Where do you live?  Are you anywhere near MD, PA , DE or VA?

Northern CO

If you want to put one in your hand go to Grand Junction.  I have no idea how far that is from you but if you ship it the trip will not be long.  In Grand Junction there is a Sportsman's Warehouse and that =Sierra SA693 is in stock.

They also have a Powell Inferno 6103 in stock, that is a nice rod too.