I am looking to pick up a Dobyns Champion Extreme spinning rod.  I already have a custom lighter rod that I use only for Neko, another that I only use for dropshot, and I have a NRX 852s that I use for a little heavier stuff.  I'm just looking for something in the middle for an extra rod. 

 

Uses:

Ned rig

Neko rig

Shakeyheads

Split shot plastics

Finesse swimbaits (ex. 1/8oz 3.8" Keitech)

 

(I don't really want the extra length of the 742)

 

I'm leaning towards the 703, but is it capable of throwing the lighter stuff (Ned rigs, etc)?

 

 

703 will do all you have listed and some applications you haven't. 

I throw ned rigs on a 702

All of those will be thrown on my Dobyns 702, with the Neds also being tossed on my UL rig.

Dx 703

Absolutely love my 742 for those applications. A little extra distance with the length as well.

2 hours ago, Columbia Craw said:

703 will do all you have listed and some applications you haven't. 

I agree with this opinion on all techniques listed with the exception of using a 703 Ned Rigging. However I only throw the 1/15 oz Ned head.

After watching Bob Izumi drop shot with a 7' 6" rod, all I want are longer rods, but I kayak a lot - so I've maxed out at 7' 3".

 

Back to Bob, he was sight fishing clear water conditions and was detecting bites with how fast the rod loading up. Fishing light braid to a 6lb fluoro leader, the longer rod acted as a massive cushion to keep that bass pinned.

 

My ned rig is a Dobyns Fury 703sf witha 2500 Sedona reel - 12lb braid to 8lb test fluoro or I move up to 12lb coploy if I'm around heavy cover/docks.

I have a 702 Extreme and I throw all that you listed on it. I'd feel that a power up would be a little too stout. Just my opinion. I usually throw up to 1/4 ounce weights. 

1 hour ago, bunz559 said:

I have a 702 Extreme and I throw all that you listed on it. I'd feel that a power up would be a little too stout. Just my opinion. I usually throw up to 1/4 ounce weights. 

Agreed, I've handled a 703s compared to my 702s and would for sure choose the 702 for your needs.

I think you could get away with a 703 better with a Sierra or Champion XP, but the Extremes are faster, so my vote would be for the Extreme 702sf. I use the Extreme HP 702c for 1/5 and 1/6 oz Ned Rigs. The 702sf will be more technique specific and the 703sf will be more versatile and still do a decent job at those applications.