Hella really just nailed it in a nutshell. The one thing you have to be careful of on forums when asking for opinions on rods is that there are many "fanboys" for a given rod manufacturer. Loomis is one of those companies that people fawn over like their sticks are simply superior to everyone other stick made, to the point that it is hard to get the question you asked answered. So the question was, why Dobyns and I think Hella did a great job answering the question and was spot on.Originally Posted by HellaBass
I have extensive experience with all the major brands, St Croix (Elites, Avid X & Legend), G Loomis (IMX, GLX & NRX), Shimano (Zodias & Exprides), Daiwa (Tatulas), Megabass (Destroyer & Orochi), Abu (Fantasista), Lew's (custom pro), Falcon (lowrider) and yes, Dobyns (Champion Extreme HP & Xtasy). And let me preface my experience is almost exclusively with spinning rods. I do a ton of clear water smallmouth fishing in the Northeast and my weapon of choice is a spinning rod. Everything from 7'6" medium heavy to 6'10" medium lights and everything in between. I currently own Dobyns Champion Extreme 742, 792, 743, 704 & 764. I also own Xtasy 722, 723 and soon 752.
What I like about the Dobyns line is the action of their rods, as they tend to have softer tips and more parabolic actions, which is really important for keeping fish pinned to the boat. The action of their rods also helps me bomb baits/lures a mile, something very important to me in the bodies of what I fish, as the further away from the boat you get your lure, the most fish you catch. I agree that there may be more sensitive rods on the market, but in my experience that increase in sensitivity comes at a steep price, unless you fish Shimano Exprides, which are as sensitive as I need and at an amazing price point. I don't understand comments on breaking rods. I fish a TON and I have NEVER broken a rod. Never, not once. And aside from breaking a tip due to accidental carelessness, I can't even imagine how one breaks a blank?? All of my Dobyns (and exprides) are as rugged, durable and dependable as you can get.
Oh, and one other thing, the Dobyns HP and Xtasy line are really good looking rods. I know that isn't supposed to matter, but their color schemes and graphics are really sharp! There are tons of great rods on the market and lots of choices that help fit your style of fishing and your budget. I like to experiment with rods, as I am always looking for the perfect rod, whatever that means, but for now I have landed on Dobyns Champion Extremes (moving baits), Dobyns Xtasy (finesse applications) and Shimano Exprides (bottom contact & feel applications).
Good luck and have fun with it. In the end, it is just fishing so enjoy the process. Tight lines!!!
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. The Champion Extreme is low to mid $300's which is priced between a Loomis IMX and GLX models for example. I would say it fits exactly in that slot as far as sensitivity, closer to the GLX IMO. I have found that true across the board, you basically get what you pay for. I have never felt the Extremes were in any way lacking in sensitivity but if you want $600 sensitivity step up to that price range and buy an Xtasy, NRX, Legend Extreme etc. Any of those three will blow your mind. The Xtasy's are one of my favorites and I prefer them over NRX, which is saying a lot.