Okay, still doing some homework after my last post asking about Powell rods. In my first post I was specifically asking about the Diesel 765 for frogging. Seemed very reasonable price wise, almost too much so, and looked to be what I would need. But I was clicking around online and found a video of this rod being used and it really appeard that this rod has too much tip before it loads for what I was looking for in a frog rod. I fish some relatively thick soup when I frog so too much load time kind of turns me off to it. Like I said in my last post, my local shops aren't Powell dealers so I'm running off your thoughts and things I watch/read online. Definitley not the best way to purchase, I know....
I know that Gary Dobyns had his hand in designing most of the Max series rods that Powell makes and what I was wondering is how much the Powells compare to the Dobyns in terms of balance and action since they share many of the same model numbers? For example, Powell advertises that the 735 is there frog rod with an Mag heavy rating and extra fast tip. Dobyns also carrys a 735 series rod in serveral of there lines with similar specs and every review you read on these for frog fishing is awesome. Any body held or fished both of these to compare? I would assume the Dobyns would be a little lighter, but what about in terms of action and load?

I've read a few complaints the newer 735 Powells lacked tip, any truth for those familar with these? I'm aware that if you asking 5 folks about a particular rod, you will often get 5 different answers but as I'm kind of flying blind here trying to aviod buying another Loomis, I'm just looking for general opinions. The things anglers do to try to save a buck!!! LOL!

Thanks guys

You can't get an idea of the action of a rod by watching a video of it. Find someone with the rod you want to try and meet them at the lake for a test run with an offer for some beers. Problem solved.

I hear man. Believe me, I've exhausted all my fishing buddies and everyone they know and nobody we know really throws Powells in my "fishing world" so to speak.

Very sound advise!

That might tell you something (although I own 706/755 crank rods and love them)...

Good luck with your search.

So does anybody have any take on the actions of the Powells vs. the actions of the Dobyns? Not trying to compare sensitivity or start the "which rod is better" debate, just curious about the actions since they share model numbers and same guy had a hand in the creation of both lines. Anyone else?

Thanks

All west coast rods run an action light. Lamiglass, Powell... they're all going to be one action down from what you think of with a traditional MH, H, HX. My favorite weightless worm and finesse jig rod they make is the 734. That's supposed to be a heavy action but fishes way more like a medium heavy.
From what I can gather on those rods, the tip is built to absorb the shock of braid and heavy hooksets. Wish I could be of more help.

Yes I have both brands of rods in several models. I have the 735 Powell Max rod and the Dobyns Champion 736. The Dobyns 736 has a better tip than the 735 Powell Max. in my opinion. Both are pretty stout rods.

I also have a 704 Powell and it has a little less tip action compared to the 705 Champion. I also have several other models of both rods and it seems that this holds true through the line of both rods, one higher # in the Dobyns still has a better tip action than the lower # Powell.
The Dobyns are better balanced than the Powells also.

I have never had a problem out of either of the two brands.
Both are good rods, but I like the Dobyns better.

If you are anywhere close to the Metroplex area I could show you both rods, the 735 Powell and the 736 Dobyns.

Powells I have a 683,684,703,704,705,735
Dobyns I have a Champion 705,736,764,805 CBRM
Dobyns Savvy 734
Dobyns Extreme 703,744,745,784
Dobyns 795 and 806 swim bait rods.

I don't have a Dobyns Champion 735 but I would have to agree with what you have read about it being a good frog rod. I base my assumption on the other Dobyns rods that I do have which includes the 736.

Thanks guys. That was pretty much what I was needing to know. I appreciate it. It's good to hear a fishermens take on stuff like this.
Thanks