Both are very good. I have several of each brand. The Kistler LTA feels lighter than the Dobyns Extremes in my opinion.

Dobyns rods have a replacement fee also. They are not a lifetime warranty unless they changed their policy. Last time I had an Extreme replaced it cost me $80.00 and that was a couple of years ago.

+1
I really like Z-bones for any bottom-contact fishing. Or anywhere you like a lot of feedback on what your lures doing.
KLX or FeelnReel rods for moving lures.

I have never fished a Dobyns rod but I have been fishing Kistler rods exclusively since 2009. Trey Kistler has always treated me right if I have any issues and that I return the loyalty! I have fished with all of the different Kistler models, Z-bone, Helium, Magnesium, KLX and even the older Carbon Steel rods. Like all rod companies you have different grades rods and prices. Like others have said you get what you pay for. My favorite Kistler rods are the Helium 3 and the KLX. Z-bones are top of the line and I would have more if I could afford them. If it were me I would fish with some of my buddies rods before making a decision. Just like buying a truck or boat, it is what you like not what we like.....

Oh yea... it did cost me $75 at Sun and Fun to have a replacement last time... but a two month old cost me nothing....

But then again Trey is an awesome person and takes care of you as well. I just wouldn't trade my CG nor my heliums either! I never fished with a z-bone, but i imagine it feels like my extreme..... Either rod company and you won't go wrong....

In all honesty, the Z-Bone feels completely different from the Extreme. Lighter, more sensitive, and more balanced.

I am biased, of course. Most of us are to some degree. In 2009 I began to upgrade all of my rods. I tried many different rods and finally settled on Kistler. Between my son and I, we are up to 59 Kistlers. We have a little more than 100 rods total. We kept looking for different rods until going exclusive Kistler 3 years ago.

Go to Kistler website, see my link below, and sign up for the email list. Every so often Kistler runs a sale to people on email list.

For when sensitivity is important, get a ZBone or Helium 3. For everything else, you'd like the KLX. Try some Feel N Reel for moving baits.

Lots of guys like the Mag 2 series, but I'm not a fan of that color scheme.

Savy can't go wrong!

Dobyn's Champion or Sierra series...

I have a mix of both. Where I live any kistler I get is online which is not my preferred way of picking rods.

I have a bunch of kistlers, this is my number one gripe with them other than the pos guides I get fixed regular. I would much rather be able to pick one up and look at it, feel it, etc before purchase.he should get a couple dealers around. I think he would sell a lot more rods. I have a couple dobyns still and there is no comparison side by side. Kistler hands down.

I used Dobyns for 2 solid years and have used Kistler the past 4 years. I would rather spend my money on a rod made in America than overseas. I live about an hour away from the Kistler office and have visited with them, great experience. Ive had positive customer service from both companies, no complaints there. Whoever makes the rod for Dobyns does a great job, but I feel Kistler is a superior product made in America.

You won't be disappointed with your choice. I have fished with all 4 models of Dobyns and have nothing but good comments.

The Savvy isn't all that sensitive not compared to the Champion, Extreme, LTA or the KLX. They are better for moving baits.

I just left south La red fishing. We caught over 120 bull reds from 18-30 pounds. I used my Dobyns Extreme 743 rods against the big bulls. I had a 27 pound bull that just would not quit make long runs. I finally got him coming toward the boat so I got ready, he made another run under the boat and around the trolling motor. The guide ran to the trolling motor and lift it up as I was pushing the button on my reel to give him some slack and to get the line over the trolling motor. The big bull decided to make one more long run about 30 yards. The sudden run pulled my Dobyns Extreme rod around the shaft of the trolling motor like a spiral ring before I could get him enough slack. I did quickly give him more line and got the rod un coiled from around the shaft before the rod broke. We then got the line off the trolling motor and finally got the big red in the boat he weighed 27 pounds. I fished with the rod today and caught another 20 big reds and the rod is fine unbelievable that rod didn't break being wrapped around the shaft with a 27 pound red pulling out line. I know I was a bit lucky but the fact is the rod didn't break. The top one is the red that was on the line when the rod went around the trolling motor shaft. The other two pictures were a few of the 120 bulls we caught the last three days in Venice, LA.

I know their are a lot of good rods out there but Dobyns is one of the best and you won't go wrong buying Dobyns rods.