I am getting a new rod soon and have been eyeing the Powell Endurance 714-CEF or Dobyns Champion 703C.
This is only my third or fourth year doing serious bass fishing and this will be my first "nicer" setup as I currently own two BPS sticks which were <$100. I plan to put a lot of time on the water this season (in a yak) and really learn to fish and study structure. The Powell is about $50 less than the Dobyns. Unless I can get the Endurance cheaper, I wouldn't mind spending another $50 for a Dobyns. What would you do in my shoes?
Dobyns all the way!! Powell is very good too, cant go wrong either way. Dobyns balance better and are light though.
you can't go wrong with either one. both are great rods, and you will love your purchase!
Dobyns huh? I guess I am trying to come up with reasons for me NOT to get a Dobyns, in light of saving a few bucks. For example I keep telling myself maybe I am still too nooby to be worthy of a Dobyns. :grin:
Champ vs Endurance is pretty even. Now Dx vs Endurance brings some separation.
What are you using the rod for?
I haven't had a chance to own a Dobyns yet. There is a ton of support for them on this board which tells you that they are great rods. I do own some Powell Endurance rods though. For the money it's an awesome rod. The balance is incredible. Doesn't matter if it's a 5.5oz reel or 7.9oz. It still has a neutral balance point. I weighed a 723 the other day and it's 5.5oz on the scale. Either is a good choice.
Dobyns hands down
The rod will be used for t-rigs, spinnerbaits, flukes, maybe jigs. Pretty much looking for a rod that can do multiple techniques.
Also I should state that I have not held either one in my hands. I probably won't be able to as there aren't any stores with like a 80+ mile radius that has Powells or Dobyns Champ series. If I was to get one first, and then the other second, would it be obvious to go with the Powell first and 'upgrade' to the Dobyns afterwards?
On 2/7/2014 at 12:28 PM, iabass8 said:What are you using the rod for?
Fishing.....sorry iabass8, I just couldn't resist...lol.
Hootie
I've owned a powell max and it was a solid rod for for the price no doubt. However at the upper end I do feel dobyns is a nicer stick. If you can get a deal on a champion 734 or 704, I would say start there as this is probably the most versatile rod
i walked into that one. Well played.On 2/7/2014 at 7:09 PM, hootiebenji said:Fishing.....sorry iabass8, I just couldn't resist...lol.
Hootie
Endurance can be had for 150 at a particular website.
Of the rods have been called even or pretty close....the hundred dollar difference would be the deciding factor...
That lab why I have somw
I personally do not feel the Endurance is in the same league as the Champion lineup. It is more on par with the Savvy line of Dobyns rods. The Champions are fantastic rods for the money.
both are sold companies with solid followings .
I use dobyns and see no reason to switch to anything else.
(never used a powell though)
For what you are planning on using the rod for, i'd definitely go with the 704. I bought a 703 and its a lot closer to a medium than medium heavy. I use my 703 for rage rigs and 1/4oz swim jigs and it works well for that, but is a touch light for anything more IMO. Hopefully someone else can chime in.
I own bot h. I have Powell max and endurance rods and dobyns savvy and champions. I feel the endurance 714c is one of the best deals around. If you look, you can find it for <$150. The dobyns are sweet, but I always find myself picking up the endurance 714c
I have both and I don't think you can go wrong with either one. Just depends on what you want to spend and if you want full or split grips.
If I can find an Endurance for $150 that may be the deciding factor. I'll just have to keep shopping around.
Also, I don't like really stout rods. I don't mind going down a power if it means added sensitivity. Is the Powell 714/Dobyns704 pretty stout? Could I get away with using the 723 Powell or 703 Dobyns for 1/2 oz jigs and spinnerbaits? The bass here in the midwest don't get nearly as big as down south or out west...which lets me think I can get away with a 3 power. Thoughts?
personally a 4 power for 1/2oz...also the 4 power help with snapping spinners from veg etc...
You can do a 3 power, but once you add the trailer to the 1/2 oz jig you get close (maybe even to) to the rods max lure weight. A 4 power will load better in that case. Rod power isn't just about the fish size, it's about the lure size one intends to throw too.
On 2/7/2014 at 10:18 PM, WCCT said:I personally do not feel the Endurance is in the same league as the Champion lineup. It is more on par with the Savvy line of Dobyns rods. The Champions are fantastic rods for the money.
Sorry man but the endurance blows the savvy out of the water all day, not even close here. I would take one of the new inferno's over a savvy. If your spending Dobyns money you really ought to just get an Extreme.
The Powell Endurance at $150.00 really can't be beat. It is 10 times the rod the Savvy is. Powell Max is better than the Savvy, Powell Endurance is a better deal that the Champion, you may start to see a little better Rod once you reach the DX but not enough IMO, to pay the extra coin over an Endurance. I would go with Powell
On 2/8/2014 at 7:18 AM, Fattygreens said:Sorry man but the endurance blows the savvy out of the water all day, not even close here. I would take one of the new inferno's over a savvy. If your spending Dobyns money you really ought to just get an Extreme.
Agree to disagree I'm not bashing Powell by any means. I have a trap/ spook rod that I would have a hard time getting rid of for anything. My opinion is just that, an opinion. I probably shouldn't have rated it on the same level as a Savvy, but I don't think it is as good as the Champions. Just my 2 cents.
I've got 4 Endurance rods and love them! Dobyns seems to make great rods, I never held one or fished with one. But, one thing I really enjoy about my Endurance is the backbone. When I set a hook on a bass, he's coming in, unless my line pops.
Endurance for a $150, is a great deal.
Cant go wrong with either. Enjoy the new rod!!
Having used both I would go with the dobyns Champ if money is not an issue. if it is, like others have said, you definitely can't go wrong with the endurance. It's a great rod for the money, especially if you can find it for 150. Again, I would pick the Champ by a small margin though. Both balance well, but the dobyns balances better imo. I'm not sure which one weighs more but the balance is more important to me there. Both rods are also plenty sensitive but I would still give a slight edge to the Champ. And, I really like the way the dobyns looks Haha
If the reel you will be using is sub 7 ounce, go with the Dobyns. Heavier, go with Powell. It's all about the balance of the combo IMO. While both companies build quality products, they actually fish quite different when comparing stated lengths and actions. This has been my experience anyhow.
Check the flea market, I saw there are a couple of Dobyns and Powells in there for sale just now. Not sure what rods they are, but could save you some $$.
Wdy
I felt the new powell TiMax yesterday and it was so far from the a DX it isn't funny. Powell makes decent rods but they are not the same level as Dobyn's.
Yea, I'm not quite sure what Powell was thinking when they designed the new TiMax Rod line. I had waited a long time to see something better than the Endurance line from Powell and then they release the TiMax. IMO, massive Fail.
Thanks for all the help guys. Things are starting to come together and I may have made up my mind. Everyones input definitely helped me. Awesome community on here!
I'm not sure what makes the TiMax an epic fail? Granted the aluminum sleeve is a bit cheesy and pointless, but the blank should hang with the best of them and the guide train is as good as it gets. Some don't like the reel seat and I think it would have been better with a full handle cork grip.
I'm sure the blanks are great but the last thing I want to hold and cast when my hands are either wet or cold (something that happens a lot in the NE) is metal. It may be a balancer but aren't there other ways of getting the correct balance out of a rod?
Again, one of the dobyns strong point is their balance. My new DX 746 is a beast but it balances right above the locked down seat nut