Best Frog Rod In $150-$200 Range? Dobyns Vs. Powell Or Neither? 2024
Sheepdog reply :
I was all set to buy a Dobyns Savvy rod on TW's Labor Day sale. Just before, I had a buddy tell me Powell rods are better quality. Now I'm stumped. I just happened upon another post recently with quite a few complaint's about Dobyns finish quality. I'm looking for any suggestions between these two rods, or any others you might recommend over these two. Other considerations are micro guides vs. regular, heavy vs. mag heavy. This will also serve as a flippin' and pitchin' rod for me here in Utah, but mostly frogs. I've been throwing and having success on booyah pad crashers, live target frogs, and the jackall iobee frog, just so you have an idea what I'll be using it for mostly. I'm 5'10", and I'll be fishing from a boat and from shore, so I don't know if a 7'3" would be a bit long? Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated. I'm new to this site, and so far I'm very impressed! I'm also a little sad it took me so long to find!
One other side note, I've been using a 7' MH Fenwick Silverhawk, mod. fast action for frogging. I know whatever I get should be quite an improvement. I'm also using a Lew's Laser Pro reel in a 7.1:1. Thanks in advance for any help!
UKCATSBASSER reply :
I use a diawa tatula frog Rod. I have it spooled with 50 pound braid. I also use the Rod for flipping pitching and Alabama rigs. It's rated 3/8 - 2 ounces. Pretty versatile.
poisonokie reply :
I use the tatula flip rod with great results. It'll throw a 1/2 oz frog across the pond and set both hooks like nothin. I've never used the frog rod, but from what I can gather, they both excel at the same things. I know its my most versatile rod, and that's not what I was expecting.
MidwestF1sh reply :
I have the Powell and love. I'm 5'10" and went from a rod similar to what you're using. It takes a little bit to get used to it but I really like it now. It can handle any cover I throw at it and it walks the frog easy. That was my first Powell rod and now I am switching all my rods to Powell. Its such a light rod so I can throw it all day even though its 7'3" heavy.
Fisher-O-men reply :
I have the Powell and am happy with it. Kinda wish it had more give in the tip to get more distance. I would not recomend mini guides for frogging. The stuff you pick up on the line, when fishing slop, clogs the tiny guides.
MidwestF1sh reply :
I like the guides but agree. A little more tip wouldn't hurt but I got used to it.
NathanW reply :
Be sure to thank your friend for talking you out of the Savvy. That rod is really unimpressive. The Fury is a better rod quite honestly.
I love 13 rods but as of late have been more impressed by the Tatula. That rod has ridiculous power and its unbelievably light. I would definitely pick up more Tatula's over any other rod at any price.
poisonokie reply :
Yup, those tats deserve respect. The naysayers are just jealous.
zeth reply :
I use a Phenix M-1 Heavy. WOrks for me. I got half a foot on you though.
iabass8 reply :
On 9/18/2015 at 5:28 AM, NathanW said:Be sure to thank your friend for talking you out of the Savvy. That rod is really unimpressive. The Fury is a better rod quite honestly.
Weird.
I've been using the 735 for frogs for years without any issues. Perfect tip and tons of backbone for frogs...
kickerfish1 reply :
On 9/18/2015 at 7:56 AM, iabass8 said:Weird.
I've been using the 735 for frogs for years without any issues. Perfect tip and tons of backbone for frogs...
Me too and I don't see any reason to change.
WPCfishing reply :
I bought a Dobyns Savvy from TW and sent it back 1 hour after
It arrived. YUNK!
I ended up buying two Kistlers. A 7' and s 7'3"..
The Magnesium's are Outstanding Quality rods.
The 7' weighs 5.1oz and the 7'3" is 5.4oz. Both rods
are well balanced.
Best deal I've ever gotten on a rod..
bhoff reply :
I would have to say that the Savvy is not renowned as the most sensitive rod but does have certain things going for it (Balance, action, warranty etc.). If you could find a Champion 735 for less than $200 on the flea market or Ebay, that rod is a huge step up from the Savvy and is a very good rod for jigs and frogs.
WPCfishing reply :
On 9/18/2015 at 1:08 PM, bhoff said:I would have to say that the Savvy is not renowned as the most sensitive rod but does have certain things going for it (Balance, action, warranty etc.). If you could find a Champion 735 for less than $200 on the flea market or Ebay, that rod is a huge step up from the Savvy and is a very good rod for jigs and frogs.
That company should be ashamed of themselves
for shipping a rod of such poor workmanship.
I don't think buying a used Dobyns is the answer. Not
when there are other rods available that are of fine quality
for $175.00. Personally I would never consider a Dobyns
again.
BassThumb reply :
I haven't fished with the Savvy 735, but I purchased two Savvy 734 on sale for my dad this spring, sight-unseen.
I'm quite happy with the quality of them. At $125, it's a very good buy. They're significantly better than a St Croix Avid, in my opinion, which is another rod in that class that I've used and owned for years.
However, best bet would be to wait until a sale and get a Dobyns Champion 736 for $200. That's my favorite frog rod. I prefer it over the Champ 735 or 766, two other good frog rods.
WRB reply :
The San Joaquin delta and Clear lake are the 2 venues that test the mettle of frog rods out west.
In the price range you are asking about the IRod Gen 2 Fred's Magic is a popular choice with local tournament anglers. Dobyn's are popular in the Champion price range. I would also add Aaron's Edge Enigma 7'3" heavy if both frog and pitching is your goal.
Tom
WPCfishing reply :
On 9/19/2015 at 10:24 AM, BassThumb said:I haven't fished with the Savvy 735, but I purchased two Savvy 734 on sale for my dad this spring, sight-unseen.
I'm quite happy with the quality of them. At $125, it's a very good buy. They're significantly better than a St Croix Avid, in my opinion, which is another rod in that class that I've used and owned for years.
However, best bet would be to wait until a sale and get a Dobyns Champion 736 for $200. That's my favorite frog rod. I prefer it over the Champ 735 or 766, two other good frog rods.
My Lews rod is a monster on hook sets. It's fine for bombing casts but it suffers in accuracy because I like to throw unweighted double hooks. It keeps the toad up on the surface without the extra weight.
I had the two Kistlers on the lake today. The 7'er is a lot like my Lews so that ones going back. The 7'3 had a little bit of tip but still to heavy.. Again I have the Lews.
As for distance the Lews beat them both hands down, it's also easier to cast and it's definitely a better balanced rod.
I still think the Kristler is a great value... But not the right rods for me at this time. I may give the all purpose a try. It's a 1/4-1oz medium heavy 7' rod.
Or possibly give the Falcon LowRider a try.. I think the blanks are a higher quality and made in the USA.
WPCfishing reply :
Ok so here my latest.. I ordered a Powell Max 3D 734.
I'll have it in hand Tuesday.
MidwestF1sh reply :
I really like that rod along with the 723. Not to get too off topic but lets hear what you think of it when it arrives!On 9/20/2015 at 9:58 AM, WPCfishing said:Ok so here my latest.. I ordered a Powell Max 3D 734.
I'll have it in hand Tuesday.
Alpha Male reply :
I have a dobyns and a pinnacle and like them both.
kickerfish1 reply :
On 9/20/2015 at 9:58 AM, WPCfishing said:Ok so here my latest.. I ordered a Powell Max 3D 734.
I'll have it in hand Tuesday.
I think you have gone through more frog rods in a week than I have in my lifetime.
WPCfishing reply :
On 9/20/2015 at 10:55 AM, kickerfish1 said:I think you have gone through more frog rods in a week than I have in my lifetime.
I'm looking for a Toad rod. Toads are no where near the weight of a frog so I want some tip action for casting accuracy. The Dobyns rod was YUNK out of the tube. The Kistler Magnesium's are a very nice rod, well made and detailed at that. A great buy, but; to heavily tipped actions for toads in my space.
My Lews Rod will do the frogging for me. And for the record it would help if the sales guys at some of the dealers would take the time to school themselves on the different brands and models. Most of them are clueless... whats worse is they don't care.
Big Bait Fishing reply :
On 9/21/2015 at 11:14 AM, WPCfishing said:I'm looking for a Toad rod. Toads are no where near the weight of a frog so I want some tip action for casting accuracy. The Dobyns rod was YUNK out of the tube. The Kistler Magnesium's are a very nice rod, well made and detailed at that. A great buy, but; to heavily tipped actions for toads in my space.
My Lews Rod will do the frogging for me. And for the record it would help if the sales guys at some of the dealers would take the time to school themselves on the different brands and models. Most of them are clueless... whats worse is they don't care.
what toads are you talking about that are '' no where near the weight of a frog ''
WPCfishing reply :
On 9/21/2015 at 11:40 AM, pgersumky said:what toads are you talking about that are '' no where near the weight of a frog ''
I like the Gambler Cane Toads best. The Stanley Ribbit is good but not anywhere near as good as the Gambler.
I like the Ribbit hollow body Toads a lot. It's like a frog but they're heavier and have the same legs as there toad. Very versatile.
Lunker Hunt and Terminator Frogs are decent, just add water... I like the Stanley hollow body toad better than all the hollow body frogs.
Big Bait Fishing reply :
You need to try a Canyon Plastics 4.5" frog , they have a hollow cavity that makes for excellent hook ups , they weigh 3/4 oz. With a Owner Beast 6/0 Unweighted hook , they are easy to cast far !
WPCfishing reply :
I'll check them out. Thx for the tip.
Cgrinder reply :
Zodias 7'2" H. Extremely nice rods for the price.
Primus reply :
anybody have any experience with this rod line from Cabela's, I noticed they offer a 7' 3" frog rod ?
http://www.cabelas.com/product/fishing/fishing-rods/casting-rods%7C/pc/104793480/c/104764680/sc/104823180/cabela-s-tournament-zx-bass-casting-rods/1619298.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fcasting-rods%2Fcabelas%2F_%2FN-1102351%2B1000002949%2FNe-1000002949%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104823180%3FWTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU
WPCfishing reply :
On 9/25/2015 at 8:22 PM, Primus said:anybody have any experience with this rod line from Cabela's, I noticed they offer a 7' 3" frog rod ?
http://www.cabelas.com/product/fishing/fishing-rods/casting-rods%7C/pc/104793480/c/104764680/sc/104823180/cabela-s-tournament-zx-bass-casting-rods/1619298.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Fcasting-rods%2Fcabelas%2F_%2FN-1102351%2B1000002949%2FNe-1000002949%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_104823180%3FWTz_st%3DGuidedNav%26WTz_stype%3DGNU
I haven't seen that one but I can tell you a bit about my new 764 Mag. I weighed the rod, right out of the plastic. I remove the hang tag and hung it. 5.4oz.. Not bad for a 7'6"
Magnum rod. It's balanced well for its length. The military green color is very cool and tough looking. Fugi guides are lined up perfectly with the spit K2 reel seat and the cork is very very nice... You can visually see the quality of the rod at a first look.
So I went fishing with it today.. First thing I noticed and felt was the tip of the rod. It will work with you while remaining at ready. It's not a broom stick tip. The rod easily casts accurately because of it.
Distance was very good with a toad great with a Ribbit frog.
I caught my first bass about 30 minutes in. A 5 plus..
The rod was right on par with what Keith had told me, so excellent. I nailed the hook set and battled him through some heavy junk while reeling him in. The reel I had on it was a Lews Tourney Pro with carbonex drag washers and 65lb Power Pro. My only concern is the SK2 reel seat and the narrow cork grip.. Fatigue.
MidwestF1sh reply :
Good to hear you like you're new rod! Powell is a very impressive company and I feel like they don't get as much attention as they deserve. Next spring I plan on picking up another 723,734,775 and maybe try the 714. The mag rods have such a strong backbones but like you mentioned still have the tip to cast and work the bait.
WPCfishing reply :
On 9/26/2015 at 8:46 AM, MidwestF1sh said:Good to hear you like you're new rod! Powell is a very impressive company and I feel like they don't get as much attention as they deserve. Next spring I plan on picking up another 723,734,775 and maybe try the 714. The mag rods have such a strong backbones but like you mentioned still have the tip to cast and work the bait.
Here's a close up pic...I put my Lews Mag reel on it. I'm going to give it a go tomorrow. It feels a lot different with the Mag reel on it. The reel seat is very small....
massrob reply :
I use a tatula frog rod and I love it. The only thing I don't like about it is in front of the reel seat. I have a couple rods that have a fore grip in front and I really like having that much more comfortable. And it gives me a reason to buy another frog rod haha. It seems to me anything in this price range is generally good quality.
WPCfishing reply :
The 734 will see some use tomorrow.
WPCfishing reply :
On 9/26/2015 at 8:46 AM, MidwestF1sh said:Good to hear you like you're new rod! Powell is a very impressive company and I feel like they don't get as much attention as they deserve. Next spring I plan on picking up another 723,734,775 and maybe try the 714. The mag rods have such a strong backbones but like you mentioned still have the tip to cast and work the bait.
A lot of the guys in the forum are Dobyns fans. Of course
that's subject to change. I'm not sure if any of them have
handled a Powell.
DTack reply :
On 9/26/2015 at 10:17 AM, WPCfishing said:A lot of the guys in the forum are Dobyns fans. Of course
that's subject to change. I'm not sure if any of them have
handled a Powell.
Actually was on staff with Powell for about 3 years. They were just fine, I guess we all want different things.
MidwestF1sh reply :
On 9/26/2015 at 11:17 AM, DTack said:Actually was on staff with Powell for about 3 years. They were just fine, I guess we all want different things.
How'd you land that gig?? Just curious what rods you use now?
DTack reply :
On 9/27/2015 at 8:15 AM, MidwestF1sh said:How'd you land that gig?? Just curious what rods you use now?
Through mutual friends. I use Dobyns rods now.
WPCfishing reply :
Ok so here's an update. I've been using the 76M Mag for a of couple days. It's a fine rod but.... The sk2 reel seat is small and the grip diameter is narrow. Its just to refined for a long Mag Rod. It will wear you out after a while. "It's tough to be using a 76 mag rod with that tiny reel seat". I think Powell needs to look for a more conventional offering. The SK2 is fine on the smaller lighter rods like the 683. As of now it looks to me on paper and in pic the ALX is really the way to go at the $200.00 +- price range. Plus, I like the idea of an American Made Blank. I'm going to order one and see how it feels and acts.
kickerfish1 reply :
Just in this thread alone you have seem to have bought Dobyns, Kistlers, and Powell's. For one reason or another the rods weren't the right fit or not what you are looking for. Now you feel that the ALX rod is the answer. Do you realize the grade of cork used in their rods is very average at best? Also the blanks are slightly slower as well. It isn't a bad thing but something to think about. I would say order one and see what you think. I have an ALX maestro spinning rod that was purchased as an all around spinning rod. I like it even though the action is a bit slower and the cork seems to have more pits in it. Only fished the rod about 6 times but have landed over 100 bass on it up to 6 pounds.
You can search high and low for a frog rod that is "perfect" and probably never find one for under $200. It almost sounds like a custom rod may be the only way to accomplish what you want considering build quality and handle design seems to be your biggest gripes.
WPCfishing reply :
On 9/27/2015 at 11:50 PM, kickerfish1 said:Just in this thread alone you have seem to have bought Dobyns, Kistlers, and Powell's. For one reason or another the rods weren't the right fit or not what you are looking for. Now you feel that the ALX rod is the answer. Do you realize the grade of cork used in their rods is very average at best? Also the blanks are slightly slower as well. It isn't a bad thing but something to think about. I would say order one and see what you think. I have an ALX maestro spinning rod that was purchased as an all around spinning rod. I like it even though the action is a bit slower and the cork seems to have more pits in it. Only fished the rod about 6 times but have landed over 100 bass on it up to 6 pounds.
You can search high and low for a frog rod that is "perfect" and probably never find one for under $200. It almost sounds like a custom rod may be the only way to accomplish what you want considering build quality and handle design seems to be your biggest gripes.
I'd hardly call them gripes. I know I'm not 100% satisfied thus far. I'm also having a rod built so you're right on, Ralph Craft and I are working on one. I may even start the rod shop I've been thinking about.
I've never just settled for anything.. and it doesn't mean a higher price tag is the answer.
Yes, I did order a Toad Face rod. No way to look at anything around here. We don't have any other choice do we.. Some folks will settle for pictures, specs and verbal gymnastics if they want to. I won't.
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