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Hi guys, happy holidays to everybody. I'm having trouble finding what I'm looking for regarding information on a large soft swimbait rod and what I should purchase. This rod will be used for the sole purpose of large soft jig hook/beast hook style baits and I'm looking for its sweet spot to be around 6oz give or take. E.G. Nate's 12", battles 9.0, defiant 247, magdraft 10", etc. Any info or insight pertaining to anything I've said here or below would be greatly appreciated, thank you. What I know, or think I know at least.... -The dobyns 807 is the all around general consensus as far as production rods. I have however been told that baits at that 6oz are where it starts to be a bit much. Is the 867 the better/correct production rod? -LDC 8½' Xh/XXH custom is one of the best custom rods for this application, it's known to be a slightly stiffer rod in general. These are unavailable for obvious reasons however. -The Onager, Orochi, Leviathan, TS King of Baccarat have all been recommended, but none of them have a fast action. I don't have experience with these Megabass rods and their actions, but I would think I would want something stiffer and/or longer than these. Am I a little on the heavy side for these rods or am I mistaken? -The Leviathan Omega XXH has been recommended with it's fast taper in comparison to the moderate fast XH. But is XXH rated 6-16oz too much? I love my Omega XH for my treble baits. -The Leviathan Alpha soft bait is one of the best rods for this application, but would that 6oz sweet spot be a little on the heavy side for it? What I would like to know.... -Please set me straight on what I think I know. -Any and all recommendations and/or insight for the rod I'm in search of. -Your current set-up pertaining to this application. -What are currently the best blanks being made for my specific application. -Who are the best custom rod builders in the game right now that could put this rod together for me. I appreciate everybody's help, thank you so much for taking the time. My best to you all.

I wanted a shorter rod for bank fishing canals and areas with trees, especially at my peacock spots. Ended up with: (Major Craft Days 70x) It's rated from 3/8 to 3oz. They also make a 6ft8 68-BB version with the same rating. All of my swimbait rods that are capable of heavier weights are about 8ft. My up to 3oz rod was a Powell Endurance 7ft6 - I wanted a particular rod which was under 7ft6 and up to 12oz for the Ghost, but I have to wait months for it due to production, so opted for the 70x. 70x may be better for me since it's shorter than the initial rod I wanted if it throws all. 68-BB version may be better than the 70x for my purposes based on length Either way, they can be obtained for under $200 shipped if you look around. - Reasons for picking this rod, since I could not get the initial rod I wanted: I watched people in Japan throwing Gan Craft Jointed Claw 303's (9oz) (video linked) Someone in another video was tossing a Roman Made Mother on the 2 piece version Rod rating, again: up to 3oz - Took 4 days to get from Japan and Fedex to deliver to the door. Got it 3 days ago. All double footed guides unlike my Powell. Rod came inside of a nice rod bag. Made in Vietnam. - Baits thrown: *1st day: Gantarel, Shine Glide 7 inch, Tiny Klash, KRK 205 with all tungsten pellets inserted (Giggidy) (3.4 oz) *2nd day: foam filled due to leak, now slow sink Klash 9 (4.3oz), Wild Beat and Deps 250 (6.5oz range) (Wild Beat felt slightly heavier, Deps casted better due to shape of bait) **Reel used: Daiwa Catalina TW with Zillion HD spool (20lb CXX) - Rod did not feel taxed at all IMO, the Deps was easy to cast with minimal effort. With the bait hanging, the rod tip barley bends. The K9 flew out easily on this rod. K9 will probably be the heaviest bait I fish most bait. The Wild Beat felt a little weird casting (may be due to shape as mentioned), will test again since I have not really thrown it much since 1st getting it. - I will test Balam 300s today, which should be fine since they are near the same weight as my day 2 baits. Reel: 2012 Exsence DC on BB setting (20lb CXX), will see how it goes. - Heaviest bait I own is a ghost which I am working up to at 8.8oz. Still in the box. I do have (2) 300 size reels with 25lb CXX and 80lb braid where I can add leader if needed. I hope to fish the rod this weekend and land a fish on it after this initial weight range testing near my house. - Here is one of a few videos with it from Japan Sorry if any typos, will update

This is my second swimbait rod. Amazing rod through and through. It medium fast taper, has 9 guides plus the tip, 8', handle length of 16". But the remarkable thing about this rod is it's rating of 1/2-8oz! Now I don't really throw anything larger than 5 ounces so I haven't been able to throw its limit. But on the lower end I can cast a whopper plopper 130 just as good as any other rod and then snap on a 9" slammer and it casts with just as much ease. I have my rod currently paired with a new shimano tranx. This is my newest setup and have yet to stick a swimbait fish up in my area this season but still plenty of time. A cool thing about the rod though is that it comes with its own custom rod sock. Not a mesh but just a black plastic sheath. The handle is removable and fits into its own sheath inside of the one for the rod itself and they all zip up for safe transportation. This also knocks off about a foot off the handle for all you guys who have rod tubes built onto your truck. With this setup I am using 65# braid due to the fact that I have a strong geared reel that can pick up 30 inches of line per turn, and the rod itself has a very nimble taper. I'm getting enough give from the rod itself to justify the braid. This setup is mostly for throwing my broomstick style baits and top water rats.

I'm looking to get the daiwa dx swimabiat rod in the extra heavy. For $110 it seems pretty good. Any feedback would be great http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Daiwa_DX_Swimbait_Casting_Rods/descpage-DXB.html

I know the Fury rods are Dobyns' new budget oriented line. I wonder if anyone has used the fury swimbait rod and what are your thoughts on the rod if you have used it? I wanted to get a new swimbait rod but i didn't want to break the bank.