Dobyns Rods Cranks It Up with a Search For One Candidate!
Introduction: It's been five short years since we've taken a look at a Dobyns Rods cranking stick. Five long years, since Zander made away with my 704CB Glass. So when I recently heard about a new stick in this sub-lineup within the Champion series, a 7'6" medium heavy powered graphite cranking rod, I was intrigued. Dobyns has had a glass rod with these same specifications in the lineup for some time now, but to make one in graphite suggests the stick will have greater versatility than just a cranking stick. Time to take a look. Here is our review of Dobyns Rods' Champion Series 765CB.
I've questioned the rating system used here before and the Dobyns 765CB review further reinforces my misgivings.
Disregarding the color/graphics rating the rod scores 10/15 (66%) for ergonomics (grip, balance and weight), 92% for performance and 100% for bass rod application!!!
How does this work? To my mind grip, balance and rod weight are fundamental to how a rod feels and performs. A rod that scores below-par for ergonomics shouldn't score 92%-plus in application and performance metrics.
Also, I understand how the grip, reel-seat and guides should be scored out of 5 as they have a direct effect on the on-water performance of the rod. What I don't agree with is scoring of the hook-keeper and rod-sleeve out of 5.
The hook-keeper is not something that's going to be a deal-breaker when buying a rod, nor the rod sleeve. Yet they rate just as highly as the other features. Also, could someone explain the difference between a 1/5 hook-keeper and one that scores 5/5. Similarly what sets a 1/5 sleeve apart from a 5/5 sleeve.
I read the review twice, quick like, came across as plain English to me. Numbers are what they are.
Truth is I also have reservation in hard numbers with respect to finite detail they represent. The results can be harsh. They can be misleading. However, they do lend credence, they do matter, though not as much as the 'this rod can do it all and do it all very well' portion that matters most.
It's a matter of opinion, but I'd say Cal has earned benefit of doubt. His review here ties to all other reviews performed for our benefit and I also figure he ranks with on the water skills, but not looks, which I own. Give the man a break, zatoad.
I have been fishing this rod for about a year now.
After trying multiple reels on it, I like my Z on it, and use it for small a rigs. Definitely a versatile rod, and a balanced setup.
I 'd say it's weight ratings are pretty spot on as well, which is stated in this review.
zodiak311 wrote:I have been fishing this rod for about a year now.
After trying multiple reels on it, I like my Z on it, and use it for small a rigs. Definitely a versatile rod, and a balanced setup.
I 'd say it's weight ratings are pretty spot on as well, which is stated in this review.
I've had mine for two years and its the only non megabass or nrx still in my lineup. 1oz is max, but it throws it. I use it mainly for 5xd, 6xd, or lv-500 when i want to cast a mile. I used it for 5" senkos before i got my emtf. Its a bit too soft for thicker hooks so paddletail swimbaits on owner beast hooks is out. The smallie in my avatar came on this rod with a 5xd.
