Wanted to ask a question. Like I said, I love my champion extreme, but there are times when I wonder “did my bait just fall off some grass? Or was that a bite?” 
 

Combine that with seeing people on various online platforms claim rods like the NRX+, conquest, steez ags and similar are in a “different galaxy” compared to the champion extreme, I’d like to hear from people who have used the champion extreme and rods like the NRX, conquest, steez ags etc.

 

How much more sensitivity can be had going from a champion extreme to one of the “super rods” listed above? Would it really make a big difference in feeling bites for someone like me who keeps the line on my finger?

 

 

28 minutes ago, woolleyfooley said:

Wanted to ask a question. Like I said, I love my champion extreme, but there are times when I wonder “did my bait just fall off some grass? Or was that a bite?” 
 

Combine that with seeing people on various online platforms claim rods like the NRX+, conquest, steez ags and similar are in a “different galaxy” compared to the champion extreme, I’d like to hear from people who have used the champion extreme and rods like the NRX, conquest, steez ags etc.

 

How much more sensitivity can be had going from a champion extreme to one of the “super rods” listed above? Would it really make a big difference in feeling bites for someone like me who keeps the line on my finger?

 

 

I can tell you that you will ask yourself the same questions with a NRX, Steeze ect.

I will say Dobyns has a more muted feel in terms of sensitivity to me.  Ultimately, I don't think there is a discernible difference once you learn the rod and I agree with @rangerjockey. But if you're going for sensitivity skip the conquest series.  Nothing wrong with them, just think steez ags is above it.  I haven't done an nrx+ but most others still hold it as the production rod standard and that's probably worth a try.  Good luck!

 

scott

Thank you both! I’d really love to try an NRX+ or a steez ags to feel the difference for myself. I wish I could find someone local with one so I didn’t have to shell out the big bucks just to try it.

 

Anyone else with opinions like these would be much appreciated! 

You could pick up a used one from ALF.  Talk to Brian and see what he has or check the used section on the web site.

On 11/8/2024 at 6:01 PM, rangerjockey said:

You could pick up a used one from ALF.  Talk to Brian and see what he has or check the used section on the web site.

Yeah that’s a good suggestion. I’d still love to hear more opinions on this and I’d especially love to hear from people who have used dobyns champion extreme rods and other higher end rods like the NRX or steez ags.

For this dumb Coonass there's more to it than just sensitivity. 

 

Ergonomics, it has to feel comfortable with a reel attached & a lure hanging off of it. The more exposed rod at the reel seat is a huge plus. You cannot run fast enough to give me a rod with EVA grips.

 

I can not explain why but can not get comfortable with any Dobyns.

 

As for G. Loomis, in my hands my Kistler Helium is just as sensitive. 

 

My worm rod is a $99 Powell Inferno, below is the reel seat. 

 

For me it is really important, Even for other application because ill make sure my lure having a right action by feeling the vibration.

The Rod & the way you use it is just fine. It's the set up I use for my bottom fishing, It works great. Why spend more money?

I think, if I’m really being honest with myself, that “sensitivity” depends on the angler as much, if not more so, than the rod. An experienced angler may detect strikes vs. wood, rocks, grass, etc. with twine on a broomstick vs an inexperienced angler with a high-end rig. As I’ve gained more experience on the water, I’ve come to discover that I can detect the differences better now working a Texas rig on one of my older Aird-X rods then I could 2-3 years ago. 
 

Yeah, my Kistler Helium is more sensitive, but how much more does it make me a better angler? I’m sure a little, but maybe not as much as I (did) think it does. 

For the sake of discussion let’s assume there is a “sensitivity” meter to measure casting rods on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being the most sensitive.

To make this meter we must first define what sensitivity is.

Transmitting line movement going through the rod tip and rod tip movement traveling down the rod blank to the reel seat. 
We need to include a meter setting for line type, mono having the highest setting and braid a lower setting to compensate line stretch since most of you believe mono stretches.

We also need to factor in rod weight and balance with the reel mounted. Lighter weight and perfect balance is entered into meter. Perfect balance to weight scored 0, tip heavy is 1 over 4 oz is rate 1 for each 1/2 oz. The total subtracted from the total score.

Casting performance is another factor to enter into the meter. Subtracting 0 to 3 points O being excellent, 3 being satisfactory.

Bottom lure contact rods we want the meter to read 9 to 10.

Using your sensitivity meter located between your ears how does bottom contact rate?

Tom

5 hours ago, scbassin said:

The Rod & the way you use it is just fine. It's the set up I use for my bottom fishing, It works great. Why spend more money?

Good question. I absolutely love my champion extreme. It’s the most sensitive rod I’ve ever fished. I can feel what’s going on down there very well. The only “issue” I have is from time to time I’ll be working a Texas rig and I’ll feel something that makes me think “was that a bite? Or was that my bait falling over some grass?”
 

With all that said, I can’t help but wonder how much more I would feel with one of the ultra sensitive rods, like the steez ags or nrx+. Would I be able to tell “yes, that was a bite” or “no, that was just the bait coming over grass”. I’m sure a lot of it is a “the grass is always greener” mentality. Realistically, I’m just curious if more sensitivity would help me detect more bites. 

Take 1/2 of the amount you are ready to spend on a NRX+ and budget it to an experienced custom rod builder...

I have never used a rod over 100 dollars. My worm/jig rod right now is a seven foot Okuma Inshore  rod , heavy action. I  like the way it feels and fishes. I have three more in medium heavy action.  I hold the line between my index finger and thumb    WRB style.

On 11/26/2024 at 3:46 PM, OkobojiEagle said:

Take 1/2 of the amount you are ready to spend on a NRX+ and budget it to an experienced custom rod builder...

I’ve definitely thought about that. I’m curious how that process works. 

On 11/7/2024 at 5:11 PM, woolleyfooley said:

Wanted to ask a question. Like I said, I love my champion extreme, but there are times when I wonder “did my bait just fall off some grass? Or was that a bite?” 
 

Combine that with seeing people on various online platforms claim rods like the NRX+, conquest, steez ags and similar are in a “different galaxy” compared to the champion extreme, I’d like to hear from people who have used the champion extreme and rods like the NRX, conquest, steez ags etc.

 

How much more sensitivity can be had going from a champion extreme to one of the “super rods” listed above? Would it really make a big difference in feeling bites for someone like me who keeps the line on my finger?

 

 

For me I think the next level of sensitivity is not feeling the bumps and thumps differently, but feeling of sudden changes in tension more often. Sure I could feel it every once in awhile. But with a more expensive rod I feel it more. 

I picked up an ALX Enox Aura a year or so ago and was disappointed at first. Bumps and thumps didn't feel any different. But with bottom contact I could feel when the fish just held on to the lure. Or when I was fishing for crappie I could feel them just swim with the lure in their mouth. 

I would take balance over sensitivity, but its important.

2 hours ago, ABU is overpriced said:

I would take balance over sensitivity, but its important.

Interesting. I love the way the Dobyn’s champion extreme balances. I’ve heard the NRX doesn’t balance that well. I’m really interested in the steez ags. I wonder which model steez ags would be a good replacement for a champion extreme 745? How well do the steez ags balance?