Megabass p5 x bites vs Dobyn’s champ extreme hp 743

[Aimless]

Hey everyone. I’m looking to get a rod dedicated to mostly throwing weightless 5 inch senkos, flukes and other weightless plastics. Maybe once in a while a 3/16-1/4oz t rigged trick worm or finesse worm, but 90% will be a weightless senko or similar.

I’m really curious how these two rods compare as far as sensitivity is concerned. I’m also really interested in how well both of these rods will cast/fish the baits I’m talking about. I wasn’t considering the p5 x bites due to it being a heavy extra fast, but I’ve had a few people suggest it as an option for weightless plastics which really surprised me.

I’m not concerned about the price difference. Like I said, I’m mainly interested in how these two compare in sensitivity and also how well they cast/fish what I plan on throwing. I’d really appreciate any input, especially from people with experience with both rods.

Thanks!

[chris c]

Xtasy 723 or 753 are both KILLER weightless senko rods. They are so sensitive you can feel the line touch the bottom. I mainly use the 723 for target casting on 20lb sniper. Sorry I’m no help on Megabass. Good luck

[UmairF]

Had the XBites and it’s THE rod for what you’re looking to use it for. Surprisingly super accurate as well. You will not be disappointed!

[JordanC]

The x bites is way more sensitive than the 743 by a mile. I bought an x bites last year specifically to replace the 743, the rod is much lighter, balances just as well but really shines on slack line sensitivity. I use mine primarily for finesse jigs and have been very happy with it so far. I also have never thrown anything below 3/8 on it so I can’t tell you how it would do with 3/16 oz, with 3/8 and 1/2 oz the rod loads very well on the cast and is very accurate. No regrets with this rod so far and when you’re not throwing weightless senkos this rod will shine on anything bottom contact.

[coreynov902]

X-Bites all the way for me. And even though the X-Bites might be a “heavy”, I assure you it’s not. Fishes much more like a MH. And even though it’s an extra fast, all of the P5 rods I have fished have that magical dual taper action where the rod may initially feel like an extra fast, but once you hook a fish the rod loads deeper into the blank to help control and keep the fish pinned. It fishes a weightless senko great and any bottom contact up to 1/2 oz. Super sensitive, extremely light, and balanced very well.

[NewRangerMan]

Another x bites fan here.
not even close on sensitivity between the 2!
and as already stated the bites is really a MH rod.
its weightless senko perfection that doubles as an amazing light T rig and finesse jig rod.

[JJohnSind]

No Dobyns will ever be in the same category as the Megabass P5. It’s funny, because Dobyns is an exceptional value on their low end (Fury), but the gap closes, and surpassed by many, on their high end.

[Aimless]

Thanks for all of the replies so far! Seems like the p5 x-bites is the consensus so far! Any other opinions would still be appreciated.

Right now I’m still contemplating whether it’s worth giving up sensitivity for a lifetime warranty (Dobyn’s) or giving up the warranty to have more sensitivity (megabass). Right now I’m leaning megabass!

Might as well ask, are there any other rods I should consider?

[lakesareabassin]

I'll add another vote to the X-Bites. I will say this, the Steez "The Sensor" is just as good and definitely in the P5 weightclass. Splitting hairs between them for me, but since you asked for another recommendation I went there. But you would not be disappointed in the X-Bites I love min. I can't speak to Dobyns however, so take it for what it's worth as I have not used the 743 Dobyns.

[Redog]

So this may be a little longer then you want but it is a lower cost rod. The Cory Johnson 7’5” Elite AGS rod would be really good at this! It’s very balanced and sensitive. You should give Gary a call at the Tackle Trap. He would know about the P5 and the elite rod. They give great advice.

[dragon1]

So this may be a little longer then you want but it is a lower cost rod. The Cory Johnson 7’5” Elite AGS rod would be really good at this! It’s very balanced and sensitive. You should give Gary a call at the Tackle Trap. He would know about the P5 and the elite rod. They give great advice.

And probably lighter and more sensitive than the Dobyns Champ Extreme.

[townsend266]

So this may be a little longer then you want but it is a lower cost rod. The Cory Johnson 7’5” Elite AGS rod would be really good at this! It’s very balanced and sensitive. You should give Gary a call at the Tackle Trap. He would know about the P5 and the elite rod. They give great advice.

He did not give me any advice when I asked about a rod

[Bronzefly]

The X-Bites is amazing, so is the Steez AGS Sensor. Both are far superior to the Dobyns rod in terms of sensitivity as most everyone else on the thread has already stated. You'll be very happy with either rod for your applications.

He did not give me any advice when I asked about a rod

I'm farm full time in addition to many other activities that occupy my time, plus fishing is really good right now... just because I haven't prioritized answering your question doesn't mean that I won't, but maybe not now...

[dragon1]

The X-Bites is amazing, so is the Steez AGS Sensor. Both are far superior to the Dobyns rod in terms of sensitivity as most everyone else on the thread has already stated. You'll be very happy with either rod for your applications.



I'm farm full time in addition to many other activities that occupy my time, plus fishing is really good right now... just because I haven't prioritized answering your question doesn't mean that I won't, but maybe not now...

Lol... yeppers.

[Aimless]

Thanks everyone. The steez ags was something I looked into but I like the fact that I can get the megabass from Japan and save quite a bit.

What is the Cory Johnson elite ags 7’5? What brand specifically?

Oh, does anyone know anything about the new Okuma x series rods? I’ve been reading that they’re very sensitive and very light. I doubt it would compete with the p5 or steez ags, but just figured I’d ask. Maybe @Bronzefly has some insight?

[Redog]

The Cory Johnson rod is a Daiwa Tatula elite rod. This one has a full cork handle and the AGS guides on it. He also has them in regular guides. I believe he has 2 rods in that series. A MH and a H.

[PHolmes]

I had an x bites. Agree with others it’s way more sensitive than the Dobyns.

I ended up letting the rod go because i found the part of the handle seat directly under the reel to be uncomfortable for me. It’s really small.

[Aimless]

I had an x bites. Agree with others it’s way more sensitive than the Dobyns.

I ended up letting the rod go because i found the part of the handle seat directly under the reel to be uncomfortable for me. It’s really small.

The trigger? I noticed in pictures it looked a bit small but I can’t really find any photos that do a good job showing the full trigger.

[ThomasD]

Dobyns look pretty, they balance well, actions are good. One thing they ain't though is sensitive.

[dragon1]

Thanks everyone. The steez ags was something I looked into but I like the fact that I can get the megabass from Japan and save quite a bit.

What is the Cory Johnson elite ags 7’5? What brand specifically?

Oh, does anyone know anything about the new Okuma x series rods? I’ve been reading that they’re very sensitive and very light. I doubt it would compete with the p5 or steez ags, but just figured I’d ask. Maybe @Bronzefly has some insight?

I won't say with any certainty that the Okuma X-Series is on par with a P5 or Steez AGS, but it's probably not far off the Tatula Elite AGS and Zillion rods. I would go with an X-Series before an Expride or Dobyns Champion XP (maybe not an Xtasy), so long as the rod length/power/action matched up for what I wanted.

My nickel's worth.