mconn11

The 796 was basically designed as a punker rod, with a shorter handle that makes it easy to walk the bait. It has a quicker tip (i.e. is faster) than the 795. A lot of guys would describe the 795 as a great 68 hudd rod, and both can be used as A-rig rods. I have both, and while I don't use either of them anymore, the 796 felt better for tossing a rat. I think if you're throwing a 3 oz topwater, you'll be fine with either, and if it's a true walking bait, the 796 delivers. If you're throwing baits towards the end of those rod ratings (795 - 1-5, and then the 796 is 2-6 I think), there are better rods. I also would try not to pay retail for dobyns - you can typically find deals/discounts, though their rod pricing has increased pretty significantly over the last few years ($270 msrp now for the champion xp model?). If you decide to go with the 795 and you're on a tight budget, just grab the fury series 795. The rod will have lower quality guides and less of a finish on it (to each their own on the cosmetic value of a painted blank), but the blank will perform. Plenty of guys vouch for the fury series blanks. I will say, I've shifted away from Dobyns because there are smaller swimbait rod makers out there who I'd rather support who make rods that can do what you're asking. Alpha Angler (the Wide Glide specifically, is phenomenal for around that 3 oz range and great handle length for topwater), F5, Leviathan, LDC - all much smaller companies that make (in my opinion) better quality rods than Dobyns. Of those companies, Alpha Angler probably does the best job of keeping their swimbait rod - the wide glide, in stock, F5 offers the lowest priced rod offering of the bunch (depending on model), and LDC is the choice for spiral wraps. There are good blogs on here about Leviathan v LDC depending on technique.