I was just wondering how the champion xp compares to the sierra line specifically the 704c ? I have a sierra 704c that i absolutely love for a do it all rod but want something with a little bit more tip and backbone for pitching . How do the blanks compare??? Thank you 

In my opinion, the Champion is a little faster action than the Sierra. 

 

I liked the Sierra for things like a swim jig, chatterbait, maybe even a whopper plopper. I currently have a swim jig on my Sierra 734.

 

My Champion 734 currently is set up for texas rigged worms.

I also have both the Champ XP 734 and Sierra 734. Frnk hit it right on the spot, the champion has a faster blank that is better for texas rigs and bottom contact baits. Sierra has slower/more moderate action that is better suited to moving baits. Not saying you can't fish bottom contact stuff on the Sierra, but it just comes down to personal preference. If you're looking for something with more backbone, go with the Champ 744, it's their jig/texas rig-specific rod in the Champ line.

27 minutes ago, NYBasser said:

I also have both the Champ XP 734 and Sierra 734. Frnk hit it right on the spot, the champion has a faster blank that is better for texas rigs and bottom contact baits. Sierra has slower/more moderate action that is better suited to moving baits. Not saying you can't fish bottom contact stuff on the Sierra, but it just comes down to personal preference. If you're looking for something with more backbone, go with the Champ 744, it's their jig/texas rig-specific rod in the Champ line.

Have you ever weighed the XP 734 by any chance? I have the Sierra 734 that I LOVE. It is a little hefty at 4.91 oz. But it balances so well it's not even noticeable. Curious how much the XP weighs, if you've ever weighed it. 

If you want to stay at a lower price point the Kaden series has a fast action and was designed for such. Otherwise maybe bump up to the Extreme. 

On 4/21/2023 at 12:10 PM, NorthernBasser said:

Have you ever weighed the XP 734 by any chance? I have the Sierra 734 that I LOVE. It is a little hefty at 4.91 oz. But it balances so well it's not even noticeable. Curious how much the XP weighs, if you've ever weighed it. 

I haven't weighed any of my rods. I can tell you that they both feel great in the hand and are very similar in weight. Off the top of my head, I want to say that the champ xp is slightly lighter but I couldn't tell you for sure unless I hold both of them at the same time. I also run different reels on the rods so there's that as well.

I have the Sierra 704 and upgraded my Champ 704 for a Extreme 704 recently. The Sierra is the slowest action of the three. I mostly use it for single hook moving baits and sometimes topwaters. The Champ is faster and I believe more versatile. I used it mostly for 1/4oz texas rigs and 3/8 jigs. The Extreme is faster and replaced the Champ. 

 

I'd suggest you also look at the Kaden line. My 715 is one of my favorite rods.

 If you want a rod for flipping & Pitching Get the Dobyns Champion XP DC 736 C FH. That is what that rod is designed for. It works great. I like it for frog fishing also. I have 3 of them & at least keep 2 on deck when fishing

The Sierra is typically slower than the Champion but there is not that much of a difference between both. The Kaden line was designed to have a faster tip than the other lines.

 

If you are looking for something to pitch into heavy cover, you will want to go right up to the 735C. If you are looking for something that you can pitch into lighter cover and use as a bottom contact rod, the DC 744C is the rod to get. It has a little more backbone and a significantly faster tip than a 704C or 734C would.  The DC610-4C should also fit the bill if you prefer a shorter rod, although I have no  experience with that rod I'm just going from what people have told me.

On 4/21/2023 at 1:10 PM, NorthernBasser said:

Have you ever weighed the XP 734 by any chance? I have the Sierra 734 that I LOVE. It is a little hefty at 4.91 oz. But it balances so well it's not even noticeable. Curious how much the XP weighs, if you've ever weighed it. 

My kid has a DC 744C and I think that probably weighs at least as much as his old Sierra 704C, definitely no lighter.

On 4/21/2023 at 11:28 AM, FrnkNsteen said:

In my opinion, the Champion is a little faster action than the Sierra. 

 

I liked the Sierra for things like a swim jig, chatterbait, maybe even a whopper plopper. I currently have a swim jig on my Sierra 734.

 

My Champion 734 currently is set up for texas rigged worms.

This ^^^ , I'm a Siera 734 owner and FrnkNsteen is correct ... I especially like a Sierra with braid as the slightly slower tip action works in your favor .