Powell vs Dobyns....??? 2024
Carrot_Stix reply :
I need some advice as to which brand angler's here might favor a little more.
I currently use E21 Carrot Stixs but want to change now. I am looking at changing my arsenal to ALL Powell or Dobyns.
Many good reviews for both so I need some input.
The only difference I see is:
1) Price. I might lean more towards the powell cuz it is a lil cheaper.
2) All of the Powell rod lineups seem to have extra fast actions.
I have never fished a extra fast. What are the pros and cons for a extra fast"?
Hope you guys can help me out. Thanks.
DRhodes reply :
David P. is a Dobyns guy so PM him and he can give you a lot of info. I'm a St Croix Legend guy, and David said he knows some guys who switched from Legends and loved the Dobyns.
David P reply :
I've tried Powells back in the day, and have had many friends / tournament partners that used to use Powells. They have all switched to Dobyns once the G2 rods came out. The G2 Dobyns although more expensive, are FAR superior. More sensitive, better balanced, smaller guides, and if you really want to spend the money the extremes are just incredible.
Balance is a BIG deal that many guys don't pay attention to, and ones that haven't held a Dobyns don't know what they're missing. Powells are tip heavy rods, 7'3 rods and longer especially feel much heavier then they really are in reality. Dobyns balance extremely well, causing them to feel even lighter then they are. Powells flipping sticks for me were a pain to fish all day, Dobyns I can fish them all day long with no effort.
Gary now released a Savvy Series in the same price range as the Powells. Although there are only a limited models available, they are still very well balanced, and feel awesome. I'd lean towards the Champions if money isn't an issue, but if it is, you are definitely still upgrading with the Savvy's.
KYntucky Warmouth reply :
Are you thinking the savvy series or champions in the dobyns? I have two of the savvy rods and really like them. I would put them above the powells, which I also have two of as well. The XF action of the Powell rods is nice, gives a little extra on hook sets. The dobyns rods balance a bit better but it's all about what reel you put on them.
DRhodes reply :
David replys 5 min after me ^^
Glad these guys could give you some advice.
SoFlaBassAddict reply :
David loves those Dobyns. I'd buy myself some if I wanted to make the jump to the upper echelon gear. Those Dobyns rods are beautiful.
David P reply :
QuoteAre you thinking the savvy series or champions in the dobyns? I have two of the savvy rods and really like them. I would put them above the powells, which I also have two of as well. The XF action of the Powell rods is nice, gives a little extra on hook sets. The dobyns rods balance a bit better but it's all about what reel you put on them.
Some guys love XF rods, others hate them. A lot of it is personal preference. I like a little give and bend, especially because I use braid a good amount. Not to mention, I think they're a bit better for baits like spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, and such, where you can easily rip the hook away from them too quickly. Both work, just depends on what you like.
For anyone reading or that are ever in California on vacation, never hesitate to shoot me a PM. Glad to meet up with anyone interested and let you mess around with whatever rods you'd like.
Carrot, I'm not sure where you live, but if you're in Northern Cali PM me, I'm glad to meet up with you with several rods that you may be interested in purchasing, and allow you to handle and fish them to see how you like them. Rods are a big expense, and by all means, it's tough to make decisions over night. Research is good, but handling them yourself is the biggest deal. If you go into a local store, MAKE SURE to mount the reel on both a Powell and Dobyns of equal length and power, that's the only way you'll feel the true difference in feel and balance.
Always glad to show anyone on BR rods if they live or ever travel to Nor Cal, just shoot me a PM.
Big Tom reply :
I am a Powell user. I love mine (704C, 766). I have fished the Dobyns Savvy and they do seem to balance a little better (especially the 7' MH) and look really great.
The actual performance differences between the Powell and the Savvy are pretty minimal as far as I could tell. I don't think the Powell rods are crazily unbalanced and they definitely balance out with the correct reel. I don't feel like I am ever fighting either of my Powell's.
It may all come down to your aesthetic tastes. Powell offers a minimalist rod while the Dobyns Savvy rods implement a flashier design.
As far as the actions of the Powell, I prefer those extra fast actions for all of my contact bait fishing. It seems to make the rod a lot more responsive between feeling the bite and driving the hook home.
They are both really great buys for their price point and I don't think you will be disappointed by either rod.
grimlin reply :
QuoteI am a Powell user. I love mine (704C, 766). I have fished the Dobyns Savvy and they do seem to balance a little better (especially the 7' MH) and look really great.The actual performance differences between the Powell and the Savvy are pretty minimal as far as I could tell. I don't think the Powell rods are crazily unbalanced and they definitely balance out with the correct reel. I don't feel like I am ever fighting either of my Powell's.
It may all come down to your aesthetic tastes. Powell offers a minimalist rod while the Dobyns Savvy rods implement a flashier design.
As far as the actions of the Powell, I prefer those extra fast actions for all of my contact bait fishing. It seems to make the rod a lot more responsive between feeling the bite and driving the hook home.
They are both really great buys for their price point and I don't think you will be disappointed by either rod.
Thanks Tom. I was beginning to wonder if Powell rods were really that bad.I have a 6'8" Spinning reel and mine doesn't feel tip heavy to me at all.It's my favorite rod right now to be honest.
David P,you got me real curious about getting a Dobyn rod now though.
David P reply :
QuoteQuoteI am a Powell user. I love mine (704C, 766). I have fished the Dobyns Savvy and they do seem to balance a little better (especially the 7' MH) and look really great.The actual performance differences between the Powell and the Savvy are pretty minimal as far as I could tell. I don't think the Powell rods are crazily unbalanced and they definitely balance out with the correct reel. I don't feel like I am ever fighting either of my Powell's.
It may all come down to your aesthetic tastes. Powell offers a minimalist rod while the Dobyns Savvy rods implement a flashier design.
As far as the actions of the Powell, I prefer those extra fast actions for all of my contact bait fishing. It seems to make the rod a lot more responsive between feeling the bite and driving the hook home.
They are both really great buys for their price point and I don't think you will be disappointed by either rod.
Thanks Tom. I was beginning to wonder if Powell rods were really that bad.I have a 6'8" Spinning reel and mine doesn't feel tip heavy to me at all.It's my favorite rod right now to be honest.
David P,you got me real curious about getting a Dobyn rod now though.
Powells under 7ft don't balance all too bad. I like long rods, most of my rods are 7'3-8ft. This is where the better balanced rods really shine and the tip heavy ones fail. The difference in balance between the 766 Powell vs 766 Savvy or Champion is quite noticeable.
Incheon Basser reply :
hey david is it just me or is that handle on the champion series cranking rods about three inches to short... great rod... love it.. just wish the 705 had a bit more handle... I wish it had the handle of the 8'er
David P reply :
Quotehey david is it just me or is that handle on the champion series cranking rods about three inches to short... great rod... love it.. just wish the 705 had a bit more handle... I wish it had the handle of the 8'er
Randy McAbee designed the 8ft cranking rod, he's a deep cranking mad man. He designed it to have a slightly longer handle. Not sure if it's a full 3" difference, but I do know it's a bit longer. I just checked my 705 and 765 CB Rods and they have the same length handle. So it's just the 805 that's slightly longer.
I use my 705CB for ripbaits, so the longer handle would probably do more harm then good for me.
SoFlaBassAddict reply :
QuoteAlways glad to show anyone on BR rods if they live or ever travel to Nor Cal, just shoot me a PM.
I may just have to take you up on that next time I'm out on the West Coast. Those rods are really nice, I just have a hard time justifying spending that much on a single stick sometimes.
David P reply :
QuoteQuoteAlways glad to show anyone on BR rods if they live or ever travel to Nor Cal, just shoot me a PM.
I may just have to take you up on that next time I'm out on the West Coast. Those rods are really nice, I just have a hard time justifying spending that much on a single stick sometimes.
It's tough, no doubt about it. If money is tight, the best thing to do (if you can) is just buy them for your bottom bouncing baits. The baits you need the most sensitivity for like jigs, t-rigs, etc..
Just shoot me a PM, always glad to show some rods off.
Incheon Basser reply :
QuoteQuotehey david is it just me or is that handle on the champion series cranking rods about three inches to short... great rod... love it.. just wish the 705 had a bit more handle... I wish it had the handle of the 8'erRandy McAbee designed the 8ft cranking rod, he's a deep cranking mad man. He designed it to have a slightly longer handle. Not sure if it's a full 3" difference, but I do know it's a bit longer. I just checked my 705 and 765 CB Rods and they have the same length handle. So it's just the 805 that's slightly longer.
I use my 705CB for ripbaits, so the longer handle would probably do more harm then good for me.
I got monkey arms so maybe thats it... I think 16" from nut to butt would be a great all around leangth for just about anything on a moving bait rod ... but hey a rod can't be 100% perfect now can it ;D
fourbizz reply :
Powell.
Hornytoad 10 reply :
POWELL!!!!
David P reply :
QuotePowell.
We're not talking fly rods for trout fishing here !
andamtoft reply :
Dobyns!!
I have powell rods and don't get me wrong they are great. But Dobyns are even better.
I was in the same situation as you looking for a flipping stick and it was between the powell and the dobyns. After a few weeks of research and comparison, David P convinced me to go with the dobyns (Savvy Series) and I'm so glad I did. At 7'6" the rod is superlight, impressively balanced, And extremely sensitive. Go Dobyns you wont be sorry... Enjoy!
rumbal reply :
I don't know why, but my DX704C rod is rated 1/4-1oz. heavy and EXTRA FAST action. ???
David P reply :
QuoteI don't know why, but my DX704C rod is rated 1/4-1oz. heavy and EXTRA FAST action. ???
Sounds like you have a Generation 1 Dobyns maybe...?
Mike Z reply :
I was reading some reviews and found that Dobyns designed the Powell Max rods and selected the factory and QC procedures for them. I have a 702 Powell rod an it is not tip heavy and in fact balances just in front of the reel.
Perhaps the Dobyns rods are better, but the ones I have seen are also quite a bit more expensive with the better line costing $100 more.
I just know I like my Powell 702 and when the next sale rolls around I am grabbing a 704.
fishinflip415 reply :
I have 9 dobyns rods and 2 Powell rods. I have a Powell 734&735 and they are really not even close to as balanced as the dobyns rods. I purchased a savvy 766 and it is noticably more balanced than the powells. I am like David and prefer rods that are longer. You will definately appreciate a balanced rod when you use a 7'3"+ rod with the tip up all day. Plus it helps in the sensativity department. Not trying to rain on Powell they are a good rod for the money but when you want a little more step up to a dobyns 8-)
David P reply :
QuoteI was reading some reviews and found that Dobyns designed the Powell Max rods and selected the factory and QC procedures for them. I have a 702 Powell rod an it is not tip heavy and in fact balances just in front of the reel.Perhaps the Dobyns rods are better, but the ones I have seen are also quite a bit more expensive with the better line costing $100 more.
I just know I like my Powell 702 and when the next sale rolls around I am grabbing a 704.
Yes, Gary was on board with Powell and designed the bass rods, then left to start a new rod company and improve on the rods. Your 702 is not as tip heavy for a few reasons. One it's only a 7ft rod, the rods I'm talking most about are 7'3-8ft rods, especially 7'6+. Also, it's a lighter rod, only a 2 power, and spinning reels weigh more then most bait casting reels these days, helping balance the rod as it is.
Dobyns now has a Savvy series that's right at the same price point as Powell.
BassThumb reply :
I can't comment on Powell rods. I have never fished with them.
Dobyns are really nice rods, and they give you the best bang for your buck of any rods I've tried or owned. I'm very impressed with the balance, weight, and sensitivity as well. The ones I've tried have a good combo of strength and tip softness, which make them versatile. I do like the Loomis and St. Croix lines a lot, but they don't offer the value that Dobyns does, nor are they as well balanced. I'll likely explore more rods in the Dobyns line before I buy any other rods form GL or SC, except for maybe a used MBR893 GLX.
I really recommend that people give a Dobyns Champion 735C rod a shot. This is probably the best multi-purpose bassing rod I've used. I frog with one, and pitch with another, but I think it would work well for tossing light swimbaits, heavy spinnerbaits, buzzbaits in slop, spooks, prop baits, floating worms, toads, and larger Senkos, too.
rumbal reply :
QuoteQuoteI don't know why, but my DX704C rod is rated 1/4-1oz. heavy and EXTRA FAST action. ???Sounds like you have a Generation 1 Dobyns maybe...?
But it was bought 25 February 2010 at Tackle warehouse. 
???
David P reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteI don't know why, but my DX704C rod is rated 1/4-1oz. heavy and EXTRA FAST action. ???Sounds like you have a Generation 1 Dobyns maybe...?
But it was bought 25 February 2010 at Tackle warehouse.
???
Sending you a PM.
Primus reply :
This year I added a Dobyn's DX 742 SF Champion Extreme spinning rod which is a 7'4" ML which I use to throw senko's and small light finesse plastics with 6 lb. florocarbon. This rod has been a joy to fish with and I would highly reccomend this rod to anyone who might be interested and I'll definetely consider Dobyn's for future rod purchases.
DINK WHISPERER reply :
I use almost all Powell rods and love them. There is no way that the extra price on the Dobyns is justified! The difference is minimal to me. And yes i have used the Gen II Dobyns.
David P reply :
QuoteI use almost all Powell rods and love them. There is no way that the extra price on the Dobyns is justified! The difference is minimal to me. And yes i have used the Gen II Dobyns.
The Dobyns Savvy Series is the same price as the Powell rods, so there's no extra price...
fishinflip415 reply :
QuoteI use almost all Powell rods and love them. There is no way that the extra price on the Dobyns is justified! The difference is minimal to me. And yes i have used the Gen II Dobyns.
Everyone has ther opinion. I own not just tried both and the dobyns are a better all around rod. No one said that powell were bad rods, just tip heavy. They are a good rod for the price, but for those who are little bit more picky about performance Dobyns is where it's at. 8-)
senile1 reply :
QuoteDobyns now has a Savvy series that's right at the same price point as Powell.
Just to clarify, the Savvy rods that are 7'3" and longer are the same price as the Powell rods at $169.99. The 7'0" rods and shorter are $139.99 for Powell while Dobyns rods are $149.99 - 159.99 in those lengths.
I like Powell rods and have been using them since Gary Dobyns first designed them. Having said that, he did raise the bar when he started his own company. As David P. stated, you won't notice a tremendous balance issue with the Powell rods that are 7 feet and shorter. Powells are very good rods. Dobyns rods are just slightly better. Otherwise, Gary would be a fool to start his own company and not make any improvements on the designs he created at PowellCo in order to differentiate his products.
dman reply :
QuoteQuoteDobyns now has a Savvy series that's right at the same price point as Powell.I As David P. stated, you won't notice a tremendous balance issue with the Powell rods that are 7 feet and shorter.
Since this was brought up...I have 7' powell casting and a spinning rods , and the frog rod...I like them and picked up a 6'8 spinning rod that i think is just awefull...Very tip heavy
senile1 reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteDobyns now has a Savvy series that's right at the same price point as Powell.I As David P. stated, you won't notice a tremendous balance issue with the Powell rods that are 7 feet and shorter.
Since this was brought up...I have 7' powell casting and a spinning rods , and the frog rod...I like them and picked up a 6'8 spinning rod that i think is just awefull...Very tip heavy
I own the following Powell rods and all are 7' or less.
684CEF Baitcasting
683CEF Baitcasting
684CB Baitcasting
703 MEF Spinning
702 MLEF Spinning
I notice no extreme heaviness in the tips. I haven't used the 6'8" spinning rods though.
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