Looking for opinions from anyone that has handled both Dobyns Extreme HP and Shimano Expride Spinning rods. I'm specifically trying to decide between an Extreme HP 742 and an Expride 7'2 ML. Anyone think one is more sensitive than the other? Is one more powerful than the other?

 

I had an Expride 7' M but I sold it off since I dont use spinning too often. It was very versatile but I think I want to be more specific with my spinning gear's use when I do need it. I will mostly throw dropshots (mosquito and light-wire EWG) and light t-rigs and jigs, 1/4oz and less.

 

It will be paired with a Stradic 2500FL if that matters.

I’m surprised no one has used both rods and added some insight. 
 

I’ve been contemplating the same purchase. 
 

I’m leaning towards expride B due to weight and rumored sensitivity. 
 

I have other dobyns and I like them overall.  With sales coming up for dobyns. Those two rods are basically the same price. 
 

maybe the dobyns FB group has opinions on this. 

I don't have either, so nothing really to offer.

 

I happen to really like Dobyns casting rods and have numerous models from the Fury up to the Extreme, but I don't like their spinning rods.

 

I hold my spinning rods with three fingers in front of the stem and hate spinning rods with threads at the front of the reel seat. I prefer a foregrip with either hidden threads or threads at the bottom of the reel seat.

 

Lot's of other comment on both, so I'm sure someone will have a comparison.

I am also a Dobyns fanboy but I was super impressed with the sensitivity and balance on an Expride when I had one.

 

The handle thread issue irks me as well. I choke up when I hold spinning rods and have 3 fingers in front of the stem also. I dont mind holding onto a rod blank, and actually prefer that versus having a handle possibly muting any sensitivity, but I dont want to feel threads.

 

I mounted a Stradic to a Champion XP 732 and it was ok, but I dont recall if there were any threads exposed when it was locked down. If anything, there was probably some exposed threads in front of the lock. I should have paid better attention, but I was impressed with the balance of the Stradic on a cheaper Phenix Feather that I was testing at the same time so I kinda ignored the Champ XP.

 

I scoured google images to find a picture of a Extreme HP locked down on a Stradic but come up short. This is the closest I could find, a Tatula mounted to a DX703SF in Punch Fishing's video review. It doesnt look like there are any exposed threads and I assume the reel seat is the same on the full handle 7'4.

 

 

I really want the Extreme HP 742SF to be comparable to the Expride 7'2 ML, but if the Expride is a lot better, then Expride it is, cork foregrip and all.

Dobyns fanboy here too. I really like Dobyns casting rods from Extreme even to the Fury. Once I handled both the NRX+ 852S and the Expride 7'2" Medium Light spinning rods, there’s is just no contest with the Extreme. It's a very good rod, love the casting version, but I just feel the Extreme doesn't have the sensitivity that the NRX+ has, and the Expride is a steal at that price. Maybe comparing the NRX+ to the Extreme isn't fair, but the Expride is everything you want in a finesse rod. Best value for what rod is light, sensitive,  and way under priced.  

Sorry to revive such an old thread, but I thought it would be better than to make a whole new thread. I’ve been using champ extremes for over a decade and love them but lately I’ve been reading/hearing that they just don’t have the sensitivity of competing rods. 
 

I’m very curious about the Expride b vs the champ extreme. I’m more interested in casting rods though.

 

Has anyone owned or used both the Expride b and the champ extreme? How do they compare as far as sensitivity is concerned? 
 

 

 

On 3/11/2024 at 12:42 AM, lunkerboss923 said:

Dobyns fanboy here too. I really like Dobyns casting rods from Extreme even to the Fury. Once I handled both the NRX+ 852S and the Expride 7'2" Medium Light spinning rods, theirs is just no contest with the Extreme. It's a very good rod, love the casting version, but I just feel the Extreme doesn't have the sensitivity that the NRX+ has, and the Expride is a steal at that price. Maybe comparing the NRX+ to the Extreme isn't fair, but the Expride is everything you want in a finesse rod. Best value for what rod is light, sensitive,  and way under priced.  

 I know you say the extreme doesn’t have the sensitivity of the NRX+ but what about the Expride b? How does the extreme compare to it?

13 hours ago, woolleyfooley said:

Sorry to revive such an old thread, but I thought it would be better than to make a whole new thread. I’ve been using champ extremes for over a decade and love them but lately I’ve been reading/hearing that they just don’t have the sensitivity of competing rods. 

I can't comment about the Expride but I can tell you that the Steez rod most comparable to the 742 (761 MML) is a level or 2 higher than the Champ HP in all respects.  Granted, it was $200 more but that is money I am willing to spend for a much superior rod.  Don't get me wrong, I like my 742 but it has become a rod I use for fast moving baits (swimbaits) or all-around while my Steez rods are for dedicated finesse, bottom contact baits (Neds, Nekos, tubes, shakey) in which I want max sensitivity.  I would assume a NRX+ would outshine the Champ HP in the same manner.  

 

14 hours ago, woolleyfooley said:

Sorry to revive such an old thread, but I thought it would be better than to make a whole new thread. I’ve been using champ extremes for over a decade and love them but lately I’ve been reading/hearing that they just don’t have the sensitivity of competing rods. 
 

I’m very curious about the Expride b vs the champ extreme. I’m more interested in casting rods though.

 

Has anyone owned or used both the Expride b and the champ extreme? How do they compare as far as sensitivity is concerned? 
 

 

 

 I know you say the extreme doesn’t have the sensitivity of the NRX+ but what about the Expride b? How does the extreme compare to it?

I think the Expride B and the Champ extreme are comparable sensitivity wise. I only have one Expride B (7’3 xtra heavy) so the only thing I can compare it to is my mag heavy champ extreme 705. But, like wine tasting, I lack the skills to decipher subtle differences in products.

From what I’ve heard about the NRX+, neither rod will compare to it in the sensitivity department. 

10 hours ago, Junk Fisherman said:

I can't comment about the Expride but I can tell you that the Steez rod most comparable to the 742 (761 MML) is a level or 2 higher than the Champ HP in all respects.  Granted, it was $200 more but that is money I am willing to spend for a much superior rod.  Don't get me wrong, I like my 742 but it has become a rod I use for fast moving baits (swimbaits) or all-around while my Steez rods are for dedicated finesse, bottom contact baits (Neds, Nekos, tubes, shakey) in which I want max sensitivity.  I would assume a NRX+ would outshine the Champ HP in the same manner.  

 

Not really interested in the steez AGS now that it costs $670. I’m really just curious if the Expride b casting rod is more sensitive than a champ extreme. Looking to possibly try something new without breaking the bank. Thanks for the reply!