I got myself a Powell Max from ***.com last August and all I can say about it is that its amazing! First off, I got it in Med/Hvy, Extra Fast 6ft 8in, and I love it. This gives you backbone for hook sets, soft tip for cranks/whatnot, and basically is the most versatile dimensions I've ever seen on a rod. It handles it all, and for guys like me who like to use one rod, that is really handy. If I ever get a better rod I'll be sure to get that type.

Secondly, This rod is super light and sensitive, and handles beautifly. I love the cork set up and with my Abu Garcia SC on it it fits me like a glove.  I've handled alot of other rods in this price range and so far I like how the Powell feels best. Comparing it with the Steez (which I've only ever held) I'd have to say its right up there. I know that Powell rods are not that popular so I'm just giving you guys a heads up. If your looking for a rod in the 200 range I would highly recommend them. Also if you looking for a rod that is very versatile try to get one in Med/Hvy Ex/Fast and ideally in 6'8" or in that near vicinity. I use all sorts of baits, jigs, plastics, topwater, jerkbaits and spinnerbaits mostly , and it hasn't disappointed me once in any of these. When I first got the rod I was so sure but now that I've had it for a considerable amount of time I'm hooked! lol.

heres the first one (of many) I got using the combo:

Just thought I'd throw that info out there. Any comments guys?

Hope its helpful to somebody

~MG

Agreed....I have several Powell rods,  they are very nice rods and a good value.

I purchased a few Powells recently, and they are indeed very surprising.  I didn't intend to buy one, but Cabelas started stocking them.  When I handled one it was all over.  I like them even better than my Carrot sticks.  My BCR's are still on jig and worm duty, but the Powell fishes like a high-end rod versus a model that is at the mid-level price point.  

My next rod is either gonna be a Powell or carrot stick. Are they noticeably different. Also what about Dobyns compared to Powell. Are they the same or what??

My next rod is either gonna be a Powell or carrot stick. Are they noticeably different. Also what about Dobyns compared to Powell. Are they the same or what??

Dobyns rods are made by Gary Dobyns, the same guy who played a large part in making Powell bass rods.

Dobyns are much better balanced. For that reason alone, I have 3 Dobyns and 0 Powells.

The hook keeper on the powells also catches the line sometimes, and can get in the way.

I tried the Dobyns 765 vs the Powell 765 with a Revo STX, the Powell was extremely tip heavy, and balanced quite high.

The dobyns on the other hand, balanced just above the reel, and wasn't tip heavy at all.

Dobyns is just a newer version of the powells pretty much, with a few upgrades  ;D

My next rod is either gonna be a Powell or carrot stick. Are they noticeably different. Also what about Dobyns compared to Powell. Are they the same or what??

Dobyns rods are made by Gary Dobyns, the same guy who played a large part in making Powell bass rods.

Dobyns are much better balanced. For that reason alone, I have 3 Dobyns and 0 Powells.

The hook keeper on the powells also catches the line sometimes, and can get in the way.

I tried the Dobyns 765 vs the Powell 765 with a Revo STX, the Powell was extremely tip heavy, and balanced quite high.

The dobyns on the other hand, balanced just above the reel, and wasn't tip heavy at all.

Dobyns is just a newer version of the powells pretty much, with a few upgrades ;D

Good info man. That really helps with my decision considering im putting an STX on it.

My next rod is either gonna be a Powell or carrot stick. Are they noticeably different. Also what about Dobyns compared to Powell. Are they the same or what??

Dobyns rods are made by Gary Dobyns, the same guy who played a large part in making Powell bass rods.

Dobyns are much better balanced. For that reason alone, I have 3 Dobyns and 0 Powells.

The hook keeper on the powells also catches the line sometimes, and can get in the way.

I tried the Dobyns 765 vs the Powell 765 with a Revo STX, the Powell was extremely tip heavy, and balanced quite high.

The dobyns on the other hand, balanced just above the reel, and wasn't tip heavy at all.

Dobyns is just a newer version of the powells pretty much, with a few upgrades  ;D

Good info man. That really helps with my decision considering im putting an STX on it.

No problem, I already had 2 dobyns rods, so I was leaning that way to start, but after putting the STX on both 765 flipping sticks, the decision became clear as day.

My next rod is either gonna be a Powell or carrot stick. Are they noticeably different. Also what about Dobyns compared to Powell. Are they the same or what??

Dobyns rods are made by Gary Dobyns, the same guy who played a large part in making Powell bass rods.

Dobyns are much better balanced. For that reason alone, I have 3 Dobyns and 0 Powells.

The hook keeper on the powells also catches the line sometimes, and can get in the way.

I tried the Dobyns 765 vs the Powell 765 with a Revo STX, the Powell was extremely tip heavy, and balanced quite high.

The dobyns on the other hand, balanced just above the reel, and wasn't tip heavy at all.

Dobyns is just a newer version of the powells pretty much, with a few upgrades  ;D

Yes, Gary put lead in the butt of the Dobyns rods, which helps balance them but increases the overall weight as well.  Some dig this, some think adding weight to a rod isn't the way to go.  For instance the Dobyns 703 weighs in at a 5.2ozs, with the Powell 703 tipping the scales at 3.85ozs.  For 2008, Powell lengthened the rear grip and repositioned the reel seat to balance out the MAX line; which I prefer versus adding weight.  I'm not a Powell fanboy (I own a lot of rods...mostly Loomis), but wanted to share some facts and why I chose a Powell.  I'm going to get out of here before the Dobyns Calvary comes in!  

The lengthened rear grip seemed to do nothing fo the 765, but maybe it helped with the shorter rods?

Maybe the 6'6 and 7ft rods are a bit better balanced. But the 765 I wouldn't have been able to fish for more then an hour without it getting to be too much.

This has been the discussion sense the dobyns rods came out  ;D Like I said, the only reason I got them is because of the weight in the butt, to me, the rod feels lighter if it's balanced properly, as opposed to a lighter rod, that's poorly balanced.

Great comparisons here.  Great example of comparisons versus criticismns.  Kept it simple - good choices either way, but purchasers considers weight advantage vs. balance.  Also described why there was a difference (lead in butt).  Thanks!!

Take Powell over Dobyns any time.

thanks for the info and the powell vs dobyns helps out for descion I am going to make later this year

--btw nice lookin fish you got there seems like a sweet combo

The lengthened rear grip seemed to do nothing fo the 765, but maybe it helped with the shorter rods?

Maybe the 6'6 and 7ft rods are a bit better balanced. But the 765 I wouldn't have been able to fish for more then an hour without it getting to be too much.

This has been the discussion sense the dobyns rods came out  ;D Like I said, the only reason I got them is because of the weight in the butt, to me, the rod feels lighter if it's balanced properly, as opposed to a lighter rod, that's poorly balanced.

I agree with the balance being one of my biggest issues with split grips.  I purchased a few Steez rods to try out due to the fact they balanced well.  I wasn't looking for a Powell, and read a time or two that they were tip-heavy, but when I ran into the redesigned series at Cabelas...it seemed that the tip-heaviness was gone.  Anyway...people will never have the same preferences in fishing rods, and hence why the market can support so many product lines.  Cheers...