Monkey Strikes Again (and First Impressions)

[BigBassin144]

It's no surprise really that the monkey got me... again... After finding all Dobyns Rods 25% off during our trip to St. Joe, MI., I started looking for a reel for the new rod.

So after watching reel after reel go over my budget on eBay, I finally got a break and picked up a used Daiwa Sol for a great price.

Here's the pics and my first impressions of both the rod and the reel.



First up, the rod. The rod I chose is a Dobyns Champion Extreme DX703C. It's 7' MH XF. I bought the rod as a t-rig rod, and have only thrown t-rigged worms and 1/4oz jigs on it so far.

The rod balanced wonderfully with all of the reels I put on it. In fact, with a Revo STX, it balanced ON the reel seat screw lock thing. Even with the lighter Sol, it balances great.

The rod is built with great craftsmanship, and quality components. I've only the had the rod for a few weeks, but I've experienced no problems with the Kigan Zirconia Guides. (I haven't had any problems with the Kigan SiC guides on my Champion rod either). This is a beautiful rod, with some very unique aspects. The color change paint on the reel seat and logo area of the rod are awesome, especially out in the sun. The cork is top notch as well.

Check out the reel seat, and the checkered pattern that is also visible in between the cork in the split grip.



Sensitivity of this rod is great, I can definitely feel an improvement over my Champion Series rod, as well as the Loomis IMX rods I've fished. I haven't fished one, but I've heard these rods are comparable to the GLX.



I've only had the reel a few days, and haven't tested the limits of the casting abilities, but I don't doubt it is capable of casting lighter lures than most baitcasters.





Spooled up with 12lb mono as a test line, until I choose between fluoro or braid, I was able to cast both 5" senkos and t-rigged power worms nicely. I could even cast a weightless 7" Powerworm a respectable distance.

The reel is light, and palms great. Probably one of the most comfortable reels to palm that I've ever fished with. I wouldn't hesitate to say it rivals the palmability of reels built on Daiwa's TD-Z frame (Zillions and Fuegos).

One thing I was pleasantly surprised about with this reel was how well I could pitch with it. I've never been very good at pitching or flipping, but I increased my pitching distance with a t-rigged, weightless 5" senko by at least 50%.



This reel was used, and had a little boat rash, but nothing I can complain about for what I paid for it.

Overall, it's a great reel, and I wouldn't hesitate to add another, or one of it's Japanese counterparts, the Daiwa Alphas, to my arsenal when I'm in need of a new reel.



Unfortunately, no matter how much I dread it, winter is just around the corner, so a long term review is going to have to wait until next year on both the DX703C and the Sol.

BB

[bamabassman]

Ok anthony....i am willing to help you out here my friend. You just send that wet up to me and i'll try it out for you. Deal?

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Truly I like everything except for the split grips. for some reason I STILL just don't like the feel of it. Sorry.

[Jrob78]

First off, great pictures! That reel looks sweet on that rod, the colors go together really well! I'm sure the combo will perform great on the water too. It makes sense that the Sol would pitch well.

Too bad you won't get to use it much until next spring. I'm predicting 2 more combos for you before it's warm enough to fish next season.

[BigBassin144]

hahaha John. If you put any more combos in your boat, it's gonna sink!

Joe, They do go good together, although the Fuego looked sick on the rod too. Two more would be nice before ice out... and an Alphas R-edition would be nice on that DX784 I wanted... hmm...

BB

[Cavs1123]

Those both look and sound awesome Anthony! Sounds like not the only one who the monkey's got lately. I got a 6'9" MH-F Daiwa Zillion Rod and I absolutely love it! Especially for the price I got it for too! $99.99!!!

Amazing pics btw!!!!

[basshunter21]

Dang that's a sexy combo.

[BigBassin144]

Originally Posted by basshunter21

dang thats a sexy combo

It definitely is.

I tore down the Sol Friday with the plan to build some spool pin pliers and flush the bearings. With no luck on the pliers, I put it back together and fished it a bit today. It is a great reel so far.

I can't wait till I get my spool pliers built, then I'm ordering a pair of Boca Orange Seal ABEC7 bearings for it! The the reel should absolutely kick @ss!

BB

[Bubba_Bruiser]

That is one nice looking combo. One thing you missed though, the handle is on the wrong side of the reel hahahaha. Just playing, nice haul for the treasure chest fo sho tho. I like the carbon weave look on it too.

[islandbass]

As one who normally could care less about color coordination of gear, I will concede that looks incredibly awesome. I will also offer my services in field testing it for you over your winter break.

[keithdog]

Dang BB, that has to be the prettiest combo I've ever seen. The rod is beautiful and sounds like a great performer.

[IowaBasser]

I like how you got the green-tint mono line to match the green flakes in the rod! Awesome looking rod. I must admidt that I do take into consideration how a rod and reel looks before I purchase... For that reason alone I will never own an Ugly-Stick... There's never been a more appropriatly named rod IMHO. (In My Humble Opinion)

Just curious, are you a lefty? I'm a righty and normally use spinning reels, so I'm used to cranking with my left hand. I have a couple bait-casters with reel handles on the right, but have been thinking about getting one with the handle on the left.

[BigBassin144]

Thanks guys! My wallet hopes this is it for the year, but I doubt I can hold out till next year!

Originally Posted by IowaBasser

Just curious, are you a lefty? I'm a righty and normally use spinning reels, so I'm used to cranking with my left hand. I have a couple bait-casters with reel handles on the right, but have been thinking about getting one with the handle on the left.

Nope, I am right handed, but use all LH fishing reels. If you a righty, I'd highly suggest trying a LH baitcasting reel.

BB

[dave0943]

Man, that rig could win a beauty contest. I've been eye balling the Dobyns line for a while now. That may just be the next stick I buy. Awesome.
Dave

[Bassboss]

Holly chit! When did this happen!! I'm gone for a mouth and you go crazy!!!! AWESOME looking combo man, I'm sure you gonna love the heck out of it!

[WaffleJaw]

I missed this as well..Thats a sweet looking combo!
I really like how Dobyns do their hoods on those rods.
Im might have to try and mimic that.

[Raul]

Man, he got you good , however I must say, he got you good with a very fine looking combo. That Sol/Dobyns combo looks absolutely beautiful.

[Imgoodatwhatido]

If it performs as good as it looks it should be AWESOME

[BigBassin144]

Originally Posted by Raul

Man, he got you good , however I must say, he got you good with a very fine looking combo. That Sol/Dobyns combo looks absolutely beautiful.

It is a great looking combo. My Fuego looks great on there too.

Originally Posted by Imgoodatwhatido

If it performs as good as it looks it should be AWESOME

From the little I've used it, it does perform as good as it looks.

BB