Dobyn Maverick Reels

Masterbasser45 · February 18, 2023, 06:34:10 PM

Now since these reels have been out a little while lets here everyones thoughts on these? Ive read through the old threads recently, but would like to hear from some who has put a little time on these. Curious to hear thoughts on durability along with impression of the frame materials.

Smallie_Stalker · February 19, 2023, 01:08:52 PM

I have one of the bait casters but due to health issues I have only been able to throw it around on the front lawn and down the street so I can only offer a little information.

As to the frame materials all I can say is in hand it feels much more solid and sturdy than the few graphite reels I have from Lew's and Quantum.

Tolerances are nice and tight and there are no odd noises like squeeks or grinding.

Once you get the brakes dialed in for the lure you're using long smooth casts are easy and the retrieve is buttery smooth.

The handle is 95mm (my preferred length) gives you enough length to get good torque on a deep crank without wearing you out while also being short enough not to catch on clothing when working jerkbaits etc.

The drag star and the spool tension knob both have an audible click which is appreciated.

The palm/brake side cover has a quick release latch which I feel is a nice touch. It is as solid as the rest of the reel and you won't open it accidentally as happens on some other reels.

The reel included a cloth bag, something you don't see very often anymore, even on some of the "expensive" reels.

Two minor things I encountered when I first got the reel:

There was a little too much grease in the gears. A quick adjustment by my reel guy and performance improvemed even more.

That palm/brake cover was hard for me to remove at first, and if there was anything in the instructions I can't tell because they are too small for my aging eyes to see even with my reading glasses. I had to enlist the help of UB member Dink Dawg here on the forum who explained how to do it and of course it's easy to do, I was just overthinking it.

The one thing I can't speak to personally is whether there is any flex in the frame under the load of a big fish but reviews I have read here and on the web say it is not an issue.

I would put it up against any other reel at this price point and say it's as good as some I've fished and better than some others.

I hope that helps even a little.

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

Capt. BassinLou · February 19, 2023, 01:52:00 PM

Hopefully mygreenihc reads this thread. He had a couple of the maverick baitcaster reels with him when he came down to fish the Everglades and Lake O with me. I got to handle the reel for short a while, but he will be able to give you the low down. If all else fails PM him.

Masterbasser45 · February 27, 2023, 09:03:50 PM

I figured there be more reviews on this reel.

Dink Dawg · February 28, 2023, 11:42:24 PM

I totally agree with Smallie. I can add that the spool has a very fast start up which makes it a good pitching reel yet cast control allows for long controlled casting. I have one on a matching M704C and the other on an M735C. I cannot detect any flex but in fairness, have not fished any heavy cover/grass to date. The series is just not known. The rods are well above their price point and the reels are are on point. I'll fish the crap out of them and then can qualify comments on durability. So far so good.

mygreenihc · March 01, 2023, 12:40:29 PM

I brought two to south Florida when I went and visited with Lou. In the everglades, long distances is not needed most times, but on Okeechobee, it is a totally different story. I was fishing a weighted 5 inch swimbait and could throw the thing so far that it was unbelievable. It was so unrealistically far that they were laughing at me.

Aside from the casting ability with a moderately heavy bait, I have zero issues with the quality of the reel, especially for the price point. The size of the reel is right for my hands and the feel is sturdy. it does not feel like a $350 Shimano, but it is as good as other more expensive reels that I have. I did not catch any monsters, Lou caught all of them, but the one 4 pounder that I did catch did not flex the reel seat at all.

In my opinion, I do not know of any $100 reel that I would prefer over this one. I would put it in the $150 range for comparison.

I cannot yet speak to longevity since I have not used them but a couple months, but I expect it to be good.

Hope this helps, but ask if you have a specific question that i might be able to answer.

Masterbasser45 · March 02, 2023, 03:03:26 PM

Thanks for the information. I figured there would be more reviews on these. Ive always heard graphite reels do not hold up. There seems to be little
Information out there, which is concerning. Ive not heard Gary talk about them very much. Ive tried out several reels and the prices are getting outrageous. This series of reels seem to use some type of poly resin.

Dink Dawg · June 24, 2023, 03:02:24 AM

So I have four months use with the Mavericks. One is fills with 12 Basix and the other15 Basix.

I first found the reel to come with no pressure on the spool shaft control. The spool start up was extremely fast. Too fast. I set the mag control at 5 and rotated the spool control knob a full tun tighter. That was all it took. It allowed for a five point range adjust both up and down to fine tune. I also noted the side plate was bound and wouldn't open. I added a small bead of ud40 on the seam and bingo.... easy open and secure process. I lubed bearing and worm gear.

The reels became more fluid but nice and tight. Casting 1/4 to 5/8 has been so controlled and easily manage able. Al casting types work well. My reels are quiet, thumb bar engagement crisp and tight and the connection with gear train is solid and smooth. I really have been happy with the ergonomics and the handle and knobs are my favorite over my Daiwa models.

I sense no flex even under hard load. The frame and foot are quite rigid and fit well in Any reel seat. Finish is robust. I can fish these reels all day and have. After demoing them our clubs SAF teams have grabbed about 18 casting and three spinning. The kids are really happy once the spool adjustment is set properly, the side plates on newest reels open easier now.Lots of hours with hard use and zero problems to date. I place this as one of the best three entry level options out on the market right now!

Masterbasser45 · August 14, 2023, 10:07:54 PM

Rise thread! So how has these reels been holding up? Any feedback on the spinning reels.

Dink Dawg · August 15, 2023, 02:26:22 AM

I can only respond to casting. Smooth as day one. Everything is tight and quiet. This is an underrated reel that deserves more consideration.

Mike Cork · August 15, 2023, 09:04:45 AM

Wish I could attest to the spinning reels but I just don't use them here. The bait casters are holding up great!

Love them for everything from pitching to casting a frog across the pad fields.

Masterbasser45 · August 15, 2023, 07:09:31 PM

Interesting. One would think the casting would pick up more steam. I thinks its bc Dobyn's is considered traditional a rod company.

Mike Cork · August 18, 2023, 09:01:55 AM

May be regional. There are areas where every reel on a boat is a Dobyns. Gary is big on word of mouth for advertising as well. I know they are moving very well.

Gary Dobyns · August 18, 2023, 09:12:01 PM

Guys the reels are solid. We see almost zero returns. I beat and abuse them "testing". We sell plenty of both spinning and casting but we are a rod company first and foremost, so we'll never be big in reels. These were made at the requests of dealers wanting combos from us. They're an overbuilt reel for the money for sure. I tell everyone, adjust cast control before using. They are smooth with a bunch of bearing but even when adjusted "tighter" than you feel needed, they cast far. We are very guilty of a bit too much grease on the main gear. I've tried addressing this problem going forward but I have lots of inventory. I've never had to remove grease myself and the reels work fine, but I've honestly heard this comment. BTW, I had some guy named Mike Cork check these out before I ordered them. Not sure I was supposed to let that cat out of the bag, but he knows far more about reels than I do. I just fish them and let someone fix my problems. My #1 issue with reels forever has been stepping on them and screwing up handles

Thanks to all that have passed info here. Much appreciated!!!

Masterbasser45 · September 12, 2023, 11:20:11 PM

Quote from: Gary Dobyns on August 18, 2023, 09:12:01 PMGuys the reels are solid. We see almost zero returns. I beat and abuse them "testing". We sell plenty of both spinning and casting but we are a rod company first and foremost, so we'll never be big in reels. These were made at the requests of dealers wanting combos from us. They're an overbuilt reel for the money for sure. I tell everyone, adjust cast control before using. They are smooth with a bunch of bearing but even when adjusted "tighter" than you feel needed, they cast far. We are very guilty of a bit too much grease on the main gear. I've tried addressing this problem going forward but I have lots of inventory. I've never had to remove grease myself and the reels work fine, but I've honestly heard this comment. BTW, I had some guy named Mike Cork check these out before I ordered them. Not sure I was supposed to let that cat out of the bag, but he knows far more about reels than I do. I just fish them and let someone fix my problems. My #1 issue with reels forever has been stepping on them and screwing up handles Thanks to all that have passed info here. Much appreciated!!!

Thank you Gary! This is what sets Dobyns apart from others when you have the owner have this kind of communication on social media, forums, and just overall customer service.