| P R O D U C TT P R E V I E W |
PRODUCTTPREVIEW : Dobyns Rods New Savvy Series
| Date: |
1/5/10 |
| Tackle type: |
Rods |
| Manufacturer: |
Dobyns Rods |
| Reviewer: |
Cal |
Introduction: Last year, when Gary Dobyns debuted the second generation version of his bass rods, they were received with great fanfare from tournament anglers all around. However, the increase in the rods’ price points was a difficult pill for many to swallow during these tough economic times even though the components for these reincarnated rods were upgraded (the baseline Champion series especially with the Gen 2 rods featuring SiC guide inserts compared to the original Champion series that featured guides with alconite inserts).
Introducing the new Dobyns Rods Savvy Series
For 2010, Dobyns is addressing this criticism with the reintroduction of an alconite outfitted rod at an even lower price point than the original Champion Series. Expected to arrive in stores at the end of January 2010, the new Dobyns Savvy series of rods are priced between $149.99 - $169.99, and feature Kigan guides with stainless steel frames and alconite inserts.
The Savvy Series reminds us of an updated Gen 1 Xtreme rod
But at a more friendly price point
Cosmetically, these rods are like a reincarnated version of the first generation Champion Xtremes with their red and silver highlight threads, split rear grip, and no foregrip design. In fact, update the original Champion Xtremes with the second generation logo, paint the reel seat glossy black, and tack on the second generation butt design and you have the cosmetic design of the new Savvy series.
Make no mistake about it though, these are Gen 2 Dobyns Rods
Dobyns Rods Savvy Series Spinning Rods |
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SS692SF |
6’9” |
Med-Light |
Fast |
6-12lb |
1/8-1/2 oz |
149.99 |
SS693SF |
6’9” |
Medium |
Fast |
8-17lb |
3/16 – 5/8 oz |
149.99 |
SS702SF |
7’0” |
Med-Light |
Fast |
6-12lb |
1/8-1/2 oz |
159.99 |
SS703SF |
7’0” |
Medium |
Fast |
8-17lb |
3/16 – 5/8 oz |
159.99 |
And feature more sophisticated cosmetics
Like this painted reel seat
Dobyns Rods Savvy Series Casting Rods |
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SS663C |
6’6” |
Med/Hvy |
Fast |
10-17lb |
¼-3/4oz |
149.99 |
SS664C |
6’6” |
Heavy |
Fast |
10-20lb |
¼-1oz |
149.99 |
SS703C |
7’0” |
Med/Hvy |
Fast |
10-17lb |
¼-3/4oz |
159.99 |
SS704C |
7’0” |
Heavy |
Fast |
10-20lb |
¼-1oz |
159.99 |
SS705C |
7’0” |
Mag/Hvy |
Fast |
12-25lb |
3/8-1 1/2oz |
159.99 |
SS733C |
7’3” |
Med/Hvy |
Fast |
10-17lb |
¼-3/4oz |
169.99 |
SS734C |
7’3” |
Heavy |
Fast |
10-20lb |
¼-1oz |
169.99 |
SS735C |
7’3” |
Med/Hvy |
ExFast |
12-25lb |
3/8-1 1/2oz |
169.99 |
SS766FLIP |
7’6” |
Heavy |
Fast |
14-30lb |
¼-2oz |
169.99 |
Complete with the Dobyns Rods logo
And of course an exposed blank
This new series will feature four spinning rods, six standard casting models, and two heavier duty casting sticks for pitching and flipping. All but one of these rods will feature the split rear grip treatment with the SS766 FLIP, a seven foot six inch rod rated up to two ounces in lure weight, coming with a full rear grip design.
The rod itself is finished with a satin black paint on top (right side) and a weave of some sort at the back end (left side)
Thread wraps are black with red and silver highlights
The reel seat locking mechanism is standard Fuji
Guides are Kigan Paradigm series guides
Featuring stainless steel frames
And alconite inserts
Finishing touches on the back side of the grip
And on the butt end itself
Dobyns Rods Savvy Series will hit store shelves at the end of January.
Conclusion: Official ship date from the factory in Korea was January 5, 2010, so you can expect these rods to be in store shelves by the end of the month. Will these sticks be sufficient to answer those clamoring for a more affordable stick from Dobyns Rods? Only time will tell, but you can bet at least one of these rods has been submitted for inclusion in our Search For One all purpose bass rod shootout this year.
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