I'm looking for a rod specifically for jig fishing (3/8, 1/2, maybe some 3/4 oz). Not looking for a flippin'/pitchin' rod as I already have this covered. Here is kind of what I've come up with:

 

Dobyn's Champion XP 744C - head nothing but awesome things about this rod. Great customer service. I have all Dobyn's Fury rods right now (I have one Shimano Curado rod as well). 

 

Falcon Cara Amistad - this is only in my list because I've heard really good things for this price point. That said, I'm really hesitant to order from them considering I called them twice, left a voicemail, and never got a call back. This tells me everything I need to know about their customer service, which is that there probably is none. So unless this rod is significantly better than the Dobyn's I'm not sure I'm inclined to go this route

 

Megabass Levante Pitch Perfect - I've heard great things about the Orochi XX, but that is a $350 rod. I know these rods had issues with tips in the past, but it sounds like these issues got fixed during the revamp in 2019. These are supposed to be great rods. Just not sure how they compare to the Falcon or Dobyn's.

 

What do you guys think?

Dobyns without a doubt.

My experience (about 8-10 years ago) was totally different.  Fell face first into a pile of rocks and broke 2 pieces off the tip of an original Expert.  Called Falcon and talked to a nice lady.  Told her exactly what happened.  Sent them $80 and the section of the rod describing its specs and got a new Cara with similar specs.  (Experts were no longer being made.)  Far as I'm concerned Falcon went above and beyond since it was totally my fault and I told her that.

 

I think a lot of the problems we are having these days with customer service is caused by Covid19.

I have the Dobyns Champion XP DC 734 C F/H that I use for jig fishing. It gets the job done. T/W has a 15% discount going on right now, check it out.

I've had that specific Dobyns and the perfect pitch in both Orochi XX and Levante. The 744 has a nice progress bend to it and would make a great jig rod.

The perfect pitch in Orochi feels too bulky to me and it weighs over 6oz. That's too much for me for a rod of that length. 

Out of your options I would definitely go Levante. The craftsmanship and attention to detail on Megabass rods is amazing. The Levante is also slightly less stiff than the Orochi which I like. It also weighs less if I remember correctly from having them. 

And yes they fixed the breakage issues long ago. My son is using the Levante Leviathan to toss huge swimbaits with no issues. 

Not on your list but the Shimano Zodias and Expride 72H are both amazing jig rods as well. 

Falcon has always answered my calls and emails. Recently a 10 year old cara broke and they sent me a brand new one for like $100. Their customer service has always been top notch.  The Amistad is a great rod choice for jigs. 
 

I still own a Champion XP but let’s be honest, it’s nowhere near the caliber rod as Falcon and others at that price point. I can think of a dozen rods I’d rather have for $230. 
 

Never held a Megabass rod. 

10 minutes ago, GReb said:

Falcon has always answered my calls and emails. Recently a 10 year old cara broke and they sent me a brand new one for like $100. Their customer service has always been top notch.  The Amistad is a great rod choice for jigs. 
 

I still own a Champion XP but let’s be honest, it’s nowhere near the caliber rod as Falcon and others at that price point. I can think of a dozen rods I’d rather have for $230. 
 

Never held a Megabass rod. 

I’ve heard great things about Falcon so I may just spring for the Cara Amistad…try something different from Dobyn’s. I wish they had full cork handles though. 

I have the expert amistad and could wholeheartedly recommend it for what you want. You may want to look at the expert over the cara. The recent caras are supposedly stiffer at the tip in the amistad compared to the expert. 

3 hours ago, CC268 said:

I’ve heard great things about Falcon so I may just spring for the Cara Amistad…try something different from Dobyn’s. I wish they had full cork handles though. 

They have a couple models with full grips. The Cara Amistad XH and All Around do I know 

7 hours ago, GReb said:

Falcon has always answered my calls and emails. Recently a 10 year old cara broke and they sent me a brand new one for like $100. Their customer service has always been top notch.  The Amistad is a great rod choice for jigs. 
 

I still own a Champion XP but let’s be honest, it’s nowhere near the caliber rod as Falcon and others at that price point. I can think of a dozen rods I’d rather have for $230. 
 

Never held a Megabass rod. 

Would you go with the Cara Amistad or the Expert Amistad? 

I'm in the Falcon camp.  New Cara FTW.

The Amistad has always been one of my favorite Falcons.  I have both the T7 and the newer, made offshore models and really can't tell much difference. I think 3/4 might be pushing it but for up to 5/8 oz. jigs, 5 inch paddle tails ,spinnerbaits ect. it's a super versatile rod. Falcon's in general fish a touch more moderate .

 Virtus also makes a version of the Amistad. They are made where the USA falcon's were in Harrison AR.  I have their version of the finesse jig or, as it was called back in the day Eakins rod. 

 Super build quality and the blank is plenty sensitive .  

 

 

12 hours ago, CC268 said:

Would you go with the Cara Amistad or the Expert Amistad? 

Probably lean Cara if you are strictly throwing jigs but I don’t own the Amistad in the new Cara. I do have a Expert Amistad that is great. 

Kistler Memorial Day sale puts Helium close to your neighborhood.  

Once I got my Helium, my DX 744 is relegated to spinnerbaits.  

  Admittedly, I have not used XP 744, but neither the Fury, nor the DX ever felt comfortable throwing 3/8-1/2 jigs.  Great for a long spinnerbait rod, however.