What rod do you recommend for the same price range as a Sierra or Champion XP?

I really like my Sierra rods, but I'm looking for a good TX rig rod. I keep reading how Dobyns aren't sensitive enough for bottom baits. So, what would you buy for around $200?

Gloomis E6X

X2

No idea how a Dobyns rod isn’t sensitive enough...May look at the Legend Series from St Croix and see if that fits your eye.

Tackle Tour reviewed the Ecstasy series and kinda bashed on Dobyns lacking sensitivity and their heavy measured like a medium to medium/heavy. They did compare it to an NRX though, so the Dobyns really was dead before it started. Lol.

I’d recommend Falcon Experts at the $200 price point.

I follow tackletour as well and it cracked me up how they tried to sugar coat the issue. Having 2 Extreme HP's myself and tried a friends Xtasy I have to say when it comes to bottom contact rods at full retail price they are no match against Loomis. Thankfully we got them during the 40% off sale but even then I wished I got another Loomis instead.

and I would still buy a Dobyns XP....

I use both Falcon Cara and Kistler Magnesium for Trig. Never used a Dobyns so I can't compare them but I give a nod to my Cara over the two I use.

*Falcon is bringing the Cara line back at some point soon but you can still find some out there.

I posted a reply earlier to similar question-bought two Champion Extremes for moving baits (one square bill rod and one for chatterbaits) and they are awesome. I've tried 6-7 squarebill rods and the Dobyns is the best of the bunch. (at the $200+/- price point) So I went and got a Dobyns Champion (I think it's a 704) for trigs. It's a nice rod BUT not as sensitive or light as my similarly priced ALX (Dragger) or my older Shimano Cumaras. I was going back and forth between the Dobyns and ALX and opted for the Dobyns. I will use the Dobyns plenty but regret that I didn't get the ALX.

I use both Power Tackle Rods and Falcon Cara's.

Not a Dobyns hater at all! I think Gary makes great rods as well.

I have IMX, GLX Loomis rods, Dobyns Sierra and Champion, Megabass, and Falcon. To me, the G Loomis are too nose heavy and not really any more sensitive than the others. The Dobyns and Falcons are very well balanced. Balance to me is a big deal in sensitivity. If I could only use one it would be Falcon. I am anxious to fish the new Cara models.

I have no qualms with the sensitivity of any of my Champion XP rods. I feel everything. I will say, I’m glad my only Xtasy was 40% off because I can’t say that I was blown away by it. Really nice rod but I wouldn’t pay full price for it.

I think that applies to just about all makers really. I fished with a Kistler ZBone and really could not tell any difference in any other good rod. I think guys that fish a lot can probably tell a difference versus someone like myself that can't put a lot of time on the water so for me it would just be wasted money.

ALX

For around $200 bucks I'd try to find a used Power Tackle PG104.