Looking to purchase a new rod, either another flipping stick (?) or a rod to use for bottom contact baits like football jigs and worms. 

 

Which rod in the $250-300 range is most sensitive and balanced? Dobyns champ, Loomis imx, others??

Dobyns has great balance, but not especially sensitive.  I have 3 and would say to also consider Kistler Helium, Daiwa Tatula, and Megabass Orochi.  Have not owned a Loomis in a while to have an opinion there.  Hope that helps ..

Hard to beat the Orochi XX in that price range. Megabass Orochi XX rods rival rods in terms of craftsmanship and sensitivity that cost much more than them.

I have the kistler helium and a loomis imx pro. Both are excellent rods! Both I highly recommened. Both I will purchase again in the future without a doubt. The kistler is a little harder to get my hands on before purchasing as they aren’t in any shops local to me. The loomis on the other hand is. Once if fishes my imx pro I was sold on the loomis rods and will be stepping up to glx and/or nrx very shortly! 

 

Id love to try the mega bass rods as well as I’ve heard nothing but great things

I must admit I’ve always been a Loomis guy for any contact presentations, but I do own many dobyns champs for throwing reaction baits. I’ve heard great reviews on the megabass rods, but the warranty is lacking a bit imo for a $300 rod. 

Could also look at the ALX rods.

Just now, new2BC4bass said:

Could also look at the ALX rods.

Was about to mention them as well. ?

 

Hands down the Kistler Helium 3 MOD rod is the best flipping stick available

I have an older G. Loomis IMX and love it.  I have not fished the new ones but if they have improved them, that would be the way I would go.

The Megabass Orochi XX Aklys is a phenomenal flipping stick as well. The balance is perfection with outstanding sensitivity. 

Kistler Helium and KLX use the same graphite, but the actions are different. I know guys who swear by the KLX. 

 

Both are in your price range. 

 

Sign up for email alerts on their website and buy when they offer sales.

 

if you want a real treat, get a 2019 Zbone. Trust me.

Good god... I wish I had a $250-300 price range on a rod... I can't even fathom that.

The Kistlers are on sale right now at 11% off. They are hard to beat for bottom contact applications. 

 

I would deffinlty recommend you a kistler rod I own a kistler helium which is my jig and worm rod and the sensitivity is phenomenal. Id deffinlty look into kistler rods 

I'm also in the Kistler Helium camp.  The warranty is lacking for sure, but when they do some of their sales, they're WELL worth it.  I ordered 3 Helium 3s and a new Mag late last year during a 40% off $1000 deal.  That's hard to beat for some pretty incredible rods.  I'm pitching jigs with the 7'0 H XF Helium 3 and it's crazy sensitive.

You can get an edge first strike for $225 direct from the factory. Spend an extra 50 on your max and get a black widow($350). These rods are hard to beat in the sensitivity department. 

This is blasphemy I know...

 

I love my Orochi 7’-2” Heavy “Perfect Pitch.”  Might be my favorite rod.  But I also have a Tatula 7’-2” Heavy.  Same length, power, color, etc.  In fact, they both lay on my front deck and I have picked up the wrong one more than once.  I have to be honest, they both function as premium rods and if my eyes were closed, I don’t think I could tell them apart.  

 

The Tatula is a great, well-balance, strong and sensitive rod... and half the price of the Orochi.  

 

...I’ll probably get struck by lightning next time I’m out fishing for just saying this..

3 minutes ago, FryDog62 said:

 I’ll probably get struck by lightning next time I’m out fishing for just saying this..

And you should. Ahaha. Just kidding. Both are great rods. ?