Dobyns or Powell?

[js6bubba]

I'm looking at getting either a Dobyns Savvy or a Powell Max or Endurance casting rod. Just wondering if anybody has any experience with these rods or these companies? Thanks.

[RK]

Hiya -

Dobyns has a pretty loyal following out west and they're very nice rods. I fished with a friend that had a couple Powells in the boat last year, tried them and said "where can I get these?" Now have several of them and love the things. I think they make the best glass crankbait rods on the market, especially when you consider the price, and their other rods are great too. They have some models that are exclusive to Tackle Warehouse, and the swim jig rod they make is awesome.

Really hard to beat them for the money, especially the Max series. I have found that in longer rods (over 7'3" or so) the Endurance series is a little better balanced maybe, but even those are only $169.

Anyhow, hard to go wrong either way, but I really like my Powells.

Powell, btw, is not a "new" company. They've been making high end fly rods for almost 100 years, and they are famous for their split bamboo fly rods. A split bamboo Powell STARTS at $1,500...

Cheers,

Rob Kimm

[js6bubba]

Thanks for the input. Do you have their 704, 705, 725, or 734 rods? I'm looking at these for pitching texas rigs and jigs.

[bonebaby0]

I fish Powell rods exclusively .... best bang for the buck IMO. I also agree that they make the best glass crankin' rods on the market. The 703 and 754 Glass rods are also fantastic topwater rods. If you have questions don't hesitate to call them. You will likely talk with Keith who is not only the owner but a first rate guy! Their customer service is second to none!

[RK]

Hiya -

I have the 704, and it's my main jig rod. Great rod for 3/8 to 7/8 oz jigs. Mainly use it casting jigs to weedlines but can definitely pitch with it too - I just like a longer pitching rod. The 5 power Powells have a lot of power - they're really a heavy cover rod. Be more than I'd want Texas rigging personally. The 4-power with an X-Fast tip is really a versatile rod, IMHO.

boneb - I have the 754 glass and love it. Wish I'd bought another one. Use it for lipless cranks and hard swimbaits. Haven't tried it as a topwater rod since I have fluoro on it but I bet it'd be great for that. I think it'll be a good rod for slow rolling spinnerbaits in the fall too. Just never dawned on me to try it last year. I just got the new Composite Deep Cranker they make for TW. Going to try it out this coming week sometime. I like St. Croixs a lot, but for basically the same $, the difference between the Mojo glass rods and the Powell Max glass rods is remarkable. Squarebill rod they have is good too I think although I haven't used it a ton yet. That'll get a workout this coming week for sure.

Cheers,

RK

[YUM]

Havent used a Dobyns but own 4 Powells. In general I like a little longer all around rod... for texas rigging, jigs, etc. So I was looking at brands that made 7'3'' models and Powell was one of the few that offered them for a resonable price. I have two 7'3'' MHs and two 7'3'' Hs and just love them... LOVE! Also, I bought them a few years ago @ 199 a piece so its an even better deal now.

[HellaBass]

I have not fished the Powell or even held one, but can vouch for the Dobyns being a great rod as well. I know Capras has some in the store, not sure if the local Cabela's have then in store, but they are in their catalog

[Slob_Samurai]

I have a lightly used powell max 725 that I would sell. 7'2 mh fast

[olski]

The local Cabela's does have the Savvys and Champions in stock.

Can't speak for the powell's but I can say the Dobyn's rods are awesome.

I would put the Savvy up against any rod in that price point and a few that cost quite a bit more.