I've had a custom IMX Loomis MBR 844 for a long time and I've used this rod mostly for jigs between 3/8 and 3/4 oz. and small swimbaits and heavy spinnerbaits, as well as some other tactics.

I'd like to retire this rod and was going to replace it with another IMX 844 but now I'm kinda thinking about trying a Dobyns.

What rod would be the most similar to my 844? The Champion 734 looks pretty good to me. I like the idea of having an extra 3 inches especially when using it for pitching.

I've had that rod in my hands only once about a year ago and I'll probably have to order this rod so I'm just trying to make sure this rod would have all of the attributes I used to have with my 844. Thanks.

844 GLX.

Dont know on the Loomis never used one but the Dobyns rods are awesome rods

Get the 734, great stick and very versatile... Just a fair warning, you may not want to buy a Dobyns though, you might like them too much and swap all of your rods over to Dobyns! I did and haven't looked back...

Jkitchens is right Im slowly starting to convert over.

The Savvy lineup are just as good as the IMX Loomis rods... I have fished both extensively! I used to be a Loomis IMX nut! Those were once my favorite!

Thanks. Appreciate the suggestions. I might just need to get all of those rods in my hands before choosing one. Maybe a trip to LFT's in store... (easier said than done considering the store's 6 hours away!)

Right!Always get the rods in your hands,before you buy. You are the best person to determine your needs.

I had an 844 long ago, but don't remember too well how it felt. My gut says the 735 champion is the best match but I can't say for sure. I have a 734c and 735c if you ever make it up to fort worth give me a shout and you can check them out.

Daren

Thanks! I really appreciate that. I have a 735c on order (thanks ronnie!) and I'm really excited about getting my first dobyns rod to say the least!

I guarantee you , you will be buying more... After my first DObyns, I realized the greatness of them. good luck and stick a toad on it!

Try them both . I went to G-Loomis about 20 yrs ago and have never looked back . I now fish the GLX 853's and 854's . They both are 7'1" as are all 850 rods in the loomis line . If you feel more comfortable with the extra 2 inches then I suggest you look at the Loomis GLX 874 one piece . I have one of these also and they are great . The Dobyn's rods are great rods so I am not knocking them , in fact I started to get one and fish it, The Loomis is lighter and stronger in my opinion . Of course with my opinion and one dollar and 50 cents you can get a cup of coffee in a lot of places . Personally if you like it , then get what you like and spend more time fishing and enjoying it and not reading these messages.I would stay away from the NRX loomis as they are overpriced and have had some problems.

I would also recommend the 734 dobyns champion rod. The thing that I love about Dobyns rods is the tip. It's superb for casting. But that aside I would go with the 734 for your jig applications. I was hoping that Dobyns would release some specific models with extra fast tips for jig/worm fishing techniques.

I finally had the chance to use the 735 today. Here's my honest review comparing the 735 to the IMX 844 I've fished for quite a while.

The IMX 844 seems to be more sensitive and lighter than the 735. With the 844, I can feel every tick. I'm not sure what it was today but I just didn't get that feeling with the dobyns. I had 50 lb. powerpro on that rod and not the invix I usually have on my 844 so I'm withholding final judgment on this area until I string the 735 with fluoro.

HOWEVER, where the 735 really shines is in the area of pitching. I couldn't believe how effortlessly I was pitching/flicking jigs into tight spots... I found I had a lot of accuracy with that rod I never had with the 844 especially when making slightly long pitches. I am really happy with the 735 and even if it doesn't make the grade as my full time jig rod, I can definitely see myself throwing frogs and swimbaits a ton on this rod. It's got such a great tip and terrific backbone.

5-20 Which 735c did you get the Savvy,the Champion.
Also what reel do you have on it?

Champion 735. take that braid off that rod, and use Flouro! no need for braid unless you are pitching in weeds. I just dont like the way braid feels ona rod anymore. flouro is so much more smooth feeling.

my stepdad had his IMX844 up here, and the best we could figure is that the Savvy 705 matches pretty closely.

I'm using a 200e7 on the 735 Champ.

I had the rod in my hands a lot over the weekend and pitched jigs/spinnerbaits (with 20 lb. Invix)... and it's a very nice rod... but I'm not sure what it is. It's just not as sensitive as my IMX 844.