I'm curious if Dobyns rods are still considered good since getting bought out by GSM? The most I've been able to find is that warranty issues were more difficult.

Is 35% off retail a good price for them, or is that easily findable? Which rods are worth buying from them? I fish from a kayak, and like to carry 2 spinning, and 3-4 bait cast. I usually have a dropshot, and a ned or neko on the spinning gear. I like to fish jigs, Texas/Carolina rig, and bladed jigs/spinner baits, with a sprinkle of jerk baits and top water.

Never tried one myself, but what i've noticed is that there are no really good looking ones compare to what was in production half a decade plus ago.

Yes the rods are still good. I can only speak to personal experience with the warranty post gsm and it has been positive for me. Needed new tip guides for 2 rods they shipped them no cost within a week, buddy broke a rod and upgraded to another model in the Kaden line also had no issues got his new rod in about a week after they had received the old rod segment.

4 hours ago, ooga0341 said:

I fish from a kayak, and like to carry 2 spinning, and 3-4 bait cast. I usually have a dropshot, and a ned or neko on the spinning gear. I like to fish jigs, Texas/Carolina rig, and bladed jigs/spinner baits, with a sprinkle of jerk baits and top water.

Not sure what you're budget is but the Champion HP 742 is an extremely versatile rod and it's great for Neko, dropshots, shakey, wacky, and small swimbaits. I personally like a little bit lighter rod for Neds but a lot of people use the 742 for Neds. I've never used the XP 732 but I'd bet it would handle those presentations well. Someone else can guide you better on the baitcasting rods. You'll get a real nice rod for 35% off. Good luck.

As far as I know or can tell, they are not any 'worse' than they ever were. That said, I don't know that they are any different or better either. If you prefer old school classic style bass rods, they more or less are what they have been for a long, long time.

If you can get a Dobyn's Champion HP in a style that works for you at a 35% discount, it's more than a solid deal (and not generally easily findable in my experience). That's an absolute bargain. At full MSRP vs the competition at full MSRP, I think it's worth your while to see how the competition stacks up.

Dobyns makes a good rod. You're paying for the replacement program more than in other lines, IMO.

Not that there's necessarily anything wrong with that. Some guys break rods.

I have a few of them in different lines. They are just fine to me. Comfortable and well balanced. Fit and finish is amazing. And there is a lot of information and interview videos with Gary Dobyns on YouTube. Not vids being pushed by sponsored pros. But from the guy who designed the rods. Gary is also still a part of designing rods for them even though gsm bought them out. Across the board in different lines the 734 is a super versatile rod that does a ton of things well. Some guys say they are heavy. But to me they feel more balanced and sturdy then other super light weight rods I’ve fished. And the replacement program is amazing.

6 hours ago, Joedodge said:

I have a few of them in different lines. They are just fine to me. Comfortable and well balanced. Fit and finish is amazing. And there is a lot of information and interview videos with Gary Dobyns on YouTube. Not vids being pushed by sponsored pros. But from the guy who designed the rods. Gary is also still a part of designing rods for them even though gsm bought them out. Across the board in different lines the 734 is a super versatile rod that does a ton of things well. Some guys say they are heavy. But to me they feel more balanced and sturdy then other super light weight rods I’ve fished. And the replacement program is amazing.

Thanks. I think I'm going to give the XP734c, XP732sf, KD713sf, KD713c, and FR705cb a try this year. Do you think this is solid or should I look at other models too? I have a Fury Swimbait rod from several years ago that I still use too.

I've had several people ask for my advice on a rod and reel over the years.

I tell them to get a Fury 703C and throw an SLX on it and go fishing.

Have a couple of Sierra's that have been work horses , very well built rods in there price point.

6 hours ago, ooga0341 said:

Thanks. I think I'm going to give the XP734c, XP732sf, KD713sf, KD713c, and FR705cb a try this year. Do you think this is solid or should I look at other models too? I have a Fury Swimbait rod from several years ago that I still use too.

What are you going to use the the 713sf for?

42 minutes ago, Junk Fisherman said:

What are you going to use the the 713sf for?

Probably wacky rig and finesse jigs.

1 hour ago, Junk Fisherman said:

What are you going to use the the 713sf for?

26 minutes ago, ooga0341 said:

Probably wacky rig and finesse jigs.

Ya - maybe 3/16-1/2 oz shakey, jika or free-rig....I run those on my St Croix 7'1" M/F

My latest warranty replacements were a little time consuming. Took them just shy of a month to contact me after tracking showed they received the broken rod sections I sent in.

Rods are still good.

Dobyns moving bait actions are among the best regardless of price. The 705cb and 734 were always my favs along with the 702 spinning rod.

Back when I had a deal with them I got 50% but that was with Gary. If you get 35% that's a deal.

Personally , I don't think the Xtasy is as good as an NRX or Steeze but at 35% off I would be giving it some thought.

3 hours ago, rangerjockey said:

Dobyns moving bait actions are among the best regardless of price. The 705cb and 734 were always my favs along with the 702 spinning rod.

Back when I had a deal with them I got 50% but that was with Gary. If you get 35% that's a deal.

Personally , I don't think the Xtasy is as good as an NRX or Steeze but at 35% off I would be giving it some thought.

Thanks for the solid info.

On 7/5/2026 at 3:16 AM, ooga0341 said:

Thanks. I think I'm going to give the XP734c, XP732sf, KD713sf, KD713c, and FR705cb a try this year. Do you think this is solid or should I look at other models too? I have a Fury Swimbait rod from several years ago that I still use too.

The Sierra's are a very nice rod. I have a couple of Kaydens and a XP also. The Sierra's do fish lighter then rated IMO. Heavy is more like Medium Heavy on the one I have.

FM

I have over 20 Dobyns rods- mostly Champions, Kadens and Sierras. The rods are as good as they ever were, the customer service has been flushed down the toilet and left a sticky ring around the sides. I have ordered 6 in the past 4 or so months and they changed over from a thick shipping tube and Fed-Ex to a Wrapping paper thin tube and shipping via USPS. My last rod was ordered on 6/16 and I didn't get it until 7/2. Keep in mind the GSM warehouse is less than 3 miles from my office but they do no allow local pickup.

During that waiting period I ordered two Evergreen Combat sticks and a St.Croix rod. All were recvd within 3 days of ordering them. I used to have a 40% discount but they just discontinued it so I will most likely be looking at other Rods in the future. I dont mind paying a premium price but I also expect Premium customer service with that price.

1 hour ago, LGDFW said:

I have over 20 Dobyns rods- mostly Champions, Kadens and Sierras. The rods are as good as they ever were, the customer service has been flushed down the toilet and left a sticky ring around the sides. I have ordered 6 in the past 4 or so months and they changed over from a thick shipping tube and Fed-Ex to a Wrapping paper thin tube and shipping via USPS. My last rod was ordered on 6/16 and I didn't get it until 7/2. Keep in mind the GSM warehouse is less than 3 miles from my office but they do no allow local pickup.

During that waiting period I ordered two Evergreen Combat sticks and a St.Croix rod. All were recvd within 3 days of ordering them. I used to have a 40% discount but they just discontinued it so I will most likely be looking at other Rods in the future. I dont mind paying a premium price but I also expect Premium customer service with that price.

How were the other rods?

I have really liked my Kaden 7’1 heavy. It is very versatile. I weighed my rods at one point and it was one of the heavier ones, especially for its power and length. But it is very well balanced and doesn’t feel heavy when fishing.