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G Loomis E6X Vs Dobyns Champion 2025


fishing user avatarVavatron reply : 

I have narrowed myself down to these two rod lines for my upcoming purchases. Meaning I will be buying several. I, as of yet, can not seem to make a decision between the two. I have put my hands on both series in a local tackle shop, but I was unable to make a 1-1 comparison on the rods, as one was jig rod and the other was not. I have looked at the warranties, the aesthetics, specs, price, etc.... Does anyone have any "real world" experience fishing both rods? If so, I would love to hear any insights you may have. Thanks.


fishing user avatarbenthinkin reply : 

dobyns champion series 100%


fishing user avatarlmbfisherman reply : 
  On 5/14/2015 at 10:53 AM, benthinkin said:

dobyns champion series 100%

So why 100% over the E6X? 


fishing user avatarrangerjockey reply : 

I used to fish the Champions Series a lot mostly the 703 and 704 as well as the 705 CB.I never thought they were the most sensitive rod out there but well made and great for moving baits. The only e6X I own is the dsr 820..Using that for comparison I think they are close in sensitivity, build quality is close on the ones ive handled.. If I had to choose between the two I would probably go with the loomis But thats based on personal preference not that one is head and shoulders above the other..


fishing user avatarbenthinkin reply : 
  On 5/14/2015 at 11:14 AM, lmbfisherman said:

So why 100% over the E6X? 

With a champion from dobyn's you are getting their flagship model. The E6X from loomis is a new, unproven rod built for a budget. With the E6X loomis had to "cut corners" to lower the price point. Loomis's are made in america and have arguably the best name and warranty in the buisness. You end up paying for American craftmanship costs(which i support 100%). What I dont like about the E6X is that you end up paying alot for the name and warranty. I feel buying a higher end rod in the loomis lineup  would result in getting the full quality loomis has to offer. A dobyns is a tournament proven stick, its been around for awhile and has set a bench mark for the bass fishing world.


fishing user avatarSenkoGuru reply : 

I would go with the EX6


fishing user avatarrangerjockey reply : 

The champion isn't the flagship model. I think saying that saying Dobyns is the benchmark that bass rods are judged aginst is open to debate. ..


fishing user avatardam0007 reply : 

Dobyns without a doubt. Well balanced, sensitive, great build quality, premium cork, and your supporting a family owned business.

I tried a buddies e6x, way too tip heavy, I don't like it. If I were to buy a Loomis it would be a Edge.


fishing user avatarDTack reply : 
  On 5/14/2015 at 12:46 AM, Vavatron said:

I have narrowed myself down to these two rod lines for my upcoming purchases. Meaning I will be buying several. I, as of yet, can not seem to make a decision between the two. I have put my hands on both series in a local tackle shop, but I was unable to make a 1-1 comparison on the rods, as one was jig rod and the other was not. I have looked at the warranties, the aesthetics, specs, price, etc.... Does anyone have any "real world" experience fishing both rods? If so, I would love to hear any insights you may have. Thanks.

I can't help you with experience with the Loomis.  I think the responses you're going to get on this thread will be either leaning heavy one way or the other.  So far you have only been given two answers that covers things about both rods.  You might just have to go off of your own personal feel on this one as it doesn't seem like many people have really used both.  Loomis has built a name in fishing overall and that includes bass fishing.

I hope someone comes along that can give you experiences with both.  


fishing user avatarrobster80 reply : 

d


fishing user avatarrobster80 reply : 

dobyns


fishing user avatarFlipSide reply : 

Its all about personal preference, its hard to go wrong in the $200 range with rods these days. I love my champion, and have fished the hell out of it. Ive only held the e6x in stores with a reel on it, It was the 7'1 heavy or medium heavy jwr, I cant remember off the top of my head. It felt very balanced with the lews tp I put on there, but I cant comment on sensitivity, etc. since I havent fished the rod.

 

Either one I think you will be happy with, as they both come from reputable companies and are in the "high quality" rod category.


fishing user avatarbenthinkin reply : 

Bottom Line your buying from two of the major companies, its hard to go wrong


fishing user avatarbenthinkin reply : 
  On 5/15/2015 at 6:25 PM, rangerjockey said:

The champion isn't the flagship model. I think saying that saying Dobyns is the benchmark that bass rods are judged aginst is open to debate. ..

Your signature says your a denali prostaffer. How do like those rods?


fishing user avatarlmbfisherman reply : 
  On 5/15/2015 at 1:13 PM, benthinkin said:

With a champion from dobyn's you are getting their flagship model. The E6X from loomis is a new, unproven rod built for a budget. With the E6X loomis had to "cut corners" to lower the price point. Loomis's are made in america and have arguably the best name and warranty in the buisness. You end up paying for American craftmanship costs(which i support 100%). What I dont like about the E6X is that you end up paying alot for the name and warranty. I feel buying a higher end rod in the loomis lineup  would result in getting the full quality loomis has to offer. A dobyns is a tournament proven stick, its been around for awhile and has set a bench mark for the bass fishing world.

What I was trying to get at, is he posted he wanted guys who "fished" both rods.  It sounds like you haven't.  All you're stating are talking points. 


fishing user avatarbenthinkin reply : 
  On 5/16/2015 at 11:51 AM, lmbfisherman said:

What I was trying to get at, is he posted he wanted guys who "fished" both rods.  It sounds like you haven't.  All you're stating are talking points. 

I have fished both rods. only fished with the E6X briefly since not many people have it and its recently came out. I  have more experience with the dobyns which is why i lean toward it. Just my opinion. 


fishing user avatarDeputy Dave reply : 

I have 11 Champion rods and like each of them a lot. Sorry, no fishing experience with the E6X. I've held several in tackle shops. A couple of times with reels mounted. IMHO the balance isn't even close to the Champion, or any Dobyns rod for that matter. Weight felt about the same. (7'MH E6X vs 703C Champ) I know I didn't answer your question but maybe something that you haven't thought of.....There are over 50 models in the Champion series to choose from and not half that with the Loomis series. 

 

I switched from much higher end, or the highest end in some cases, Loomis rods and went to Dobyns a couple of years ago. I'm not impressed with the E6X probably because of this. It is in fact their lowest end economy rod. As already stated, that's not the case with the Champion Series. My choice would be Dobyns. 


fishing user avatarBigchunk reply : 

Dobyns are awesome and you cant beat the 70$ no hassel warranty


fishing user avatar*Hank reply : 

Another vote for Dobyns.


fishing user avatardam0007 reply : 
  On 5/15/2015 at 10:42 PM, DTack said:

I can't help you with experience with the Loomis. I think the responses you're going to get on this thread will be either leaning heavy one way or the other. So far you have only been given two answers that covers things about both rods. You might just have to go off of your own personal feel on this one as it doesn't seem like many people have really used both. Loomis has built a name in fishing overall and that includes bass fishing.

I hope someone comes along that can give you experiences with both.

As I stated...

I've fished both. Own several Dobyns and fished a e6x for a good portion of a day. Rod was tip heavy. Lol that's all I have to say negative.

OP you want more detail. I caught a few smallies on it throwing Keitechs. It's sensitivity is decent, Dobyns comparable i own is the 703, Dobyns wins. Otherwise it's a nice rod but it's not balanced well. Very very "average" would be the word. If it were my money I wouldn't buy it. The Champ isn't the greatest rod by any means but they balance extremely well which is one thing I'm picky about and all the other talking points I mentioned.

Rod is new on the market, to hear more feedback from various anglers is just gonna be something to wait for over the next year or so.


fishing user avatarDTack reply : 
  On 5/20/2015 at 3:07 AM, dam0007 said:

As I stated...

I've fished both. Own several Dobyns and fished a e6x for a good portion of a day. Rod was tip heavy. Lol that's all I have to say negative.

OP you want more detail. I caught a few smallies on it throwing Keitechs. It's sensitivity is decent, Dobyns comparable i own is the 703, Dobyns wins. Otherwise it's a nice rod but it's not balanced well. Very very "average" would be the word. If it were my money I wouldn't buy it. The Champ isn't the greatest rod by any means but they balance extremely well which is one thing I'm picky about and all the other talking points I mentioned.

Rod is new on the market, to hear more feedback from various anglers is just gonna be something to wait for over the next year or so.

Sorry man, my last line of my post was a bit misleading.  You were one of the two responses I was trying to refer to that had used both.  Thanks for making the post for the OP, that's what keeps this board going!


fishing user avatardam0007 reply : 
  On 5/20/2015 at 5:13 AM, DTack said:

Sorry man, my last line of my post was a bit misleading. You were one of the two responses I was trying to refer to that had used both. Thanks for making the post for the OP, that's what keeps this board going!

no prob lol
fishing user avatardam0007 reply : 

OP you check out the St. Croix Avid X yet?


fishing user avatarVavatron reply : 
  On 5/20/2015 at 12:29 PM, dam0007 said:

OP you check out the St. Croix Avid X yet?

 

I have not. I will check it out before purchasing.

 

That being said, after spending more time with them in a tackle store, the feedback of some of the posters, and the fact that I started out originally wanting Dobyns; that is the winner between the current two brands. I like all of the choices with Dobyns (including full cork handles),the Dobyns rods were better balanced in my hand, and I prefer their aesthetics. Hopefully they have the sensitivity everyone claims.

 

I am planning on starting with 3 rods. One M/H for single hook baits, plastics and jigs mostly. One M rod for treble hook baits, square-bills, jerk baits, and topwater for the most part. One ML for Ned Rigs and other finesse applications. I figure that lets me get a feel for their line-up before I buy more. Now, I just have to narrow down the possibilities.

 


fishing user avatardam0007 reply : 
  On 5/20/2015 at 9:36 PM, Vavatron said:

I have not. I will check it out before purchasing.

That being said, after spending more time with them in a tackle store, the feedback of some of the posters, and the fact that I started out originally wanting Dobyns; that is the winner between the current two brands. I like all of the choices with Dobyns (including full cork handles),the Dobyns rods were better balanced in my hand, and I prefer their aesthetics. Hopefully they have the sensitivity everyone claims.

I am planning on starting with 3 rods. One M/H for single hook baits, plastics and jigs mostly. One M rod for treble hook baits, square-bills, jerk baits, and topwater for the most part. One ML for Ned Rigs and other finesse applications. I figure that lets me get a feel for their line-up before I buy more. Now, I just have to narrow down the possibilities.

Advice on jerkbaits. Go with the 5power 685cb or 705cb. The power ratings are different in each line up so a 5 isn't a 5 in flipping category. I own the 684 and ^ 2. The 5 is way better for 110-120 size jerks and squares, even shallow - medium cranks. The 4 is better for much smaller stuff.


fishing user avatarrangerjockey reply : 

If you are entertaining other options I would recomend looking at the zodias or KLX , both are more sensitive than the other 2 imho and in the same price range or less..

 You metioned the ned rig ,I throw it a bunch here on Table Rock and the 7ft.ML Zodias is the best I've tried and I have been through a few .. Also the 6ft 10 medium casting rod is a great fluke,weightless worm, and spook rod. I also throw 3/8 oz. spinnerbaits on it.. I imagine it will make a good jerkbait rod when that times come back around....just food for thought..


fishing user avatarHogsticker reply : 

I won't tell you what to get but offer some thoughts. I have owned and used Champions but do the custom thing now. Went out this past weekend with the old man who just picked up 2 EX6 sticks. It felt pretty good throwing some jerkbaits and light jigs. A little tip heavy and sensitive enough. Full cork handle, the only way to go. The guides are a big turn off for me. This is a brand new blank and being a Loomis your not gonna get great guides on it. What can anyone tell me about Dobyns blanks other than being made in China. That's also a big one for me. The Champions fish nice and you'll be hard pressed to find a more balanced rod off the racks.


fishing user avatarDTack reply : 
  On 5/21/2015 at 2:27 AM, Hogsticker said:

What can anyone tell me about Dobyns blanks other than being made in China. That's also a big one for me. The Champions fish nice and you'll be hard pressed to find a more balanced rod off the racks.

 

http://www.insideline.net/index.php/equipment/628-gary-dobyns-making-the-perfect-rod-part-i

This article gives some info on the materials used.  If what you're looking for is the "modulus rating" I'm not sure where that may be found.  Also, the manufacturing takes place in Korea.  


fishing user avataronetime reply : 
  On 5/20/2015 at 9:36 PM, Vavatron said:
Vavatron, on 20 May 2015 - 08:36 AM, said:

I have not. I will check it out before purchasing.

 

That being said, after spending more time with them in a tackle store, the feedback of some of the posters, and the fact that I started out originally wanting Dobyns; that is the winner between the current two brands. I like all of the choices with Dobyns (including full cork handles),the Dobyns rods were better balanced in my hand, and I prefer their aesthetics. Hopefully they have the sensitivity everyone claims.

 

I am planning on starting with 3 rods. One M/H for single hook baits, plastics and jigs mostly. One M rod for treble hook baits, square-bills, jerk baits, and topwater for the most part. One ML for Ned Rigs and other finesse applications. I figure that lets me get a feel for their line-up before I buy more. Now, I just have to narrow down the possibilities.

 

I'm a Dobyns fan boy myself, I have fished with the E6X  buddy has, nice rod, but I don't like them better than the Champ series. Here are my recommendations for your three rods. Memorial Day sales begin in a couple days!

Champ 734 or 704 plastics/jigs/bottom contact

Champ 705cbmf for treble baits (actually lots of options here)

Champ 702 for finesse applications

Obviously lots of options on length and power depending on your needs, good luck!


fishing user avatarHogsticker reply : 

I don't know. For blank, components, and build quality my money would go towards a Klx at that price point.


fishing user avatarPrimus reply : 

 I own rods by both Loomis and Dobyn's though I do not have an E6X . Dobyn's  makes great rods for swimbaits, crankbaits  etc as their blanks seem to have the ideal flex and power when fishing those type of baits . Regarding applications where sensitivity is important such as jig/ worm rods Dobyn's are average   in my opinion . Based on what Loomis offers these days I would not get a rod by them unless you are looking at a GLX or NRX which is  well past your stated price range and I mainly would consider them for jig/ worm applications . 

 

  My recommendation based on what I have used would be would be a Dobyns for reaction baits and as a few have suggested go with Kistler KLX  for jig/ worm rods as they are going to  more sensitive than the E6X or Dobyn's Champion in my opinion . The KLX  is a fantastic rod for the $ 200 price range and built in the USA which is an added plus over the Dobyns . If you sign up for Kistler's newsletter they will offer discounts on occasion for buying direct . 


fishing user avatardam0007 reply : 
  On 5/21/2015 at 8:31 PM, Primus said:

I own rods by both Loomis and Dobyn's though I do not have an E6X . Dobyn's makes great rods for swimbaits, crankbaits etc as their blanks seem to have the ideal flex and power when fishing those type of baits . Regarding applications where sensitivity is important such as jig/ worm rods Dobyn's are average in my opinion . Based on what Loomis offers these days I would not get a rod by them unless you are looking at a GLX or NRX which is well past your stated price range and I mainly would consider them for jig/ worm applications .

My recommendation based on what I have used would be would be a Dobyns for reaction baits and as a few have suggested go with Kistler KLX for jig/ worm rods as they are going to more sensitive than the E6X or Dobyn's Champion in my opinion . The KLX is a fantastic rod for the $ 200 price range and built in the USA which is an added plus over the Dobyns . If you sign up for Kistler's newsletter they will offer discounts on occasion for buying direct .

Basically what I did^ Dobyns for reaction baits but 13s for all sensitivity applications. Dobyns 735C is a killer rod though!!


fishing user avatarPrimus reply : 

I've heard the 735 makes a killer frog rod, it's on my wish list . 


fishing user avatarbass1980 reply : 

Yup I used to own a 735c champ, what a nice frog rod. Balances great and a very nice tip for casting that sucker a mile. It was a good jig rod too.

With that said, Dobyns Champ aren't the most sensitive rods in their price point. Balance and overall feel is what makes them Great. Fishing a buddies E6 for an outing....I'd pass that for a Zodias any day if I wanted a "shimano" rod.




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