The Champion Extreme rods are not nearly as sensitive as a GLX or NRX. I have a DX 742 casting and had a 703 casting and sold the 703. ALX rods like the Zolo B series are great but again not on the same level as a NRX or GLX. I am not sponsored or brand loyal at all. Just my $.02 based off of fishing a lot of mid to high end rods.

 

If I was looking to buy a sensitive bottom contact rod for around $400 or less when on sale my list would look something like:

NRX, GLX, MB Destroyer, Kistler Z-Bone, Custom built rod utilizing a NFC HM or Phenix K2 blank.

 

If I was looking to save more coin I would strongly consider the Helium 3 or the ALX Zolo B Series.

While I agree that ALX rods are excellent, Dobyns current generation Champ Extreme is a good choice for the reasons given.

Alex at ALX made my custom jig & worm rods that IMO exceed NRX, lighter weight, perfect balance and set up to my specs. The down side is resale, ALX rods don't have the name recognition, definately have the performance.

Flipping/pitching with high modulus thin wall light weight sensitive state of the art blanks isn't a good idea if you high stick rods or tend to over stress them by bouncing big bass.

Tom