Been on the hunt for a really nice flippin' stick for a while. Afer losing a few possible PBs due to my micro guide stick breaking the braid I decided to go non micro and more stout. I looked a lot and narrowed it down between Powell or Dobyns. I went the slightly cheaper route with Powell just because I can't ever justify spending $250 on a rod. Although Dobyns does have a real sweet looking lower end series for $170, I went with the Powell one since all are about that price.

Here's what I did--- ordered the 7 foot 7 inch 775 Endurance Flipping Stick. I was NOT impressed- seemed very tip heavy. So I talked to the guy who runs the shop at Powell and he heard me out and all. He worked with me to try one more rod and 'make things right'. He sent me the Powell MAX 7 foot 6 inch 765 Flippin' Stick. Now based on all the reviews online, I thought for sure- what the heck? If the Endurance was tip heavy then surely the Max will be worse!

Well it turns out the Max balanced PERFECTLY (right below reel set) with my Johnny Morris Signature Series II baitcaster that weighs roughly 8.9 oz or so? It just seems like longer sticks are noticeably more tip heavy. I wonder why manufacturers don't just custom design each specific rod and move the fulcrum/balance point based on the length of the rod.

Long story short- I'm excited to give this new rod a try this week for flipping and pitching into moderate/heavy cover like tulles and reeds. I was also happy with the customer service response from Powell and that's mainly the reason I 'weighed in' on this to let people know the guy made it right after sort of a disappointing start.

I'd be curious to see if anyone else has tried either of these rods and what THEIR thoughts were? Thanks for reading.

I have not fished the Endurance series but I have several Powell Max rods and really like them alot. They are sensitive, they have passed the test of time and they just fish well. If you are ever looking for a dedicated deep crank rod the Powell 806CB is the best I have ever used.

The 765 flipping stick is a good rod for 3/8 to 5/8 jigs. It is rated for up to 1.5oz baits, but anything over 5/8 and the rod does not perform as desired. And it also seems to do better with line 20lb or under. I like flipping 25lb or bigger.

The 765 does make a great carolia rig rod though.

As for flipping sticks try the Castaway Skeleton or American Rodsmiths H3 titanium Ultra. Both can handle light weights and heavy weights with ease.

I'm converting to all Powell Max rods. I've got the 7'3" MH, 2- 7'3" Heavys, the glass spook trap rod and the 7 foot medium cranking rod. These rods are awesome! I've been very pleased and they do have awesome customer service. Very sensitive, well balanced, tough rods. You should be pleased.

-Zach