Customer Testing Opportunity

[Smallie_Stalker]

Gary is doing something similar to what he did with the Kaden line of rods. Here is a copy of his post from the Dobyns Rods Community FB group:


CUSTOMER TESTING OPPORTUNITY

We have a limited release of 3 of our most popular Champions models and 1 brand new Champion A-Rig Special, each featuring a different, unique cork handle.  Due to the declining quality of cork in today's market place, we are looking into new and different opportunities.  We have discounted these rods to $199.99 to get them into the market quickly.  We are looking for honest feedback from our customers on the looks, durability, and desirability for each style. 

You can find these on our website at
https://dobynsrods.com/specials/

"I normally test product for at least a year before launching.  This is the second time that I am trying to use our customers for testing.  I tried this with the Kaden Series and we got lots of great feedback and made some adjustments and I was able to bring these to market quickly.  I don't personally want to test these for a year because I wouldn't be able to launch in a timely manner.  I f I can get feedback from a couple hundred people, I'll know quickly if I have a winner or not." – Gary Dobyns




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[apenland01]

Thanks Smallie, I appreciate you posting these opportunities!  Unfortunately, I've curtailed my fishing budget dramatically for the rest of the year, but that 795 A-rig/swimbait rod looks really good to me....

[Smallie_Stalker]

Thanks Smallie, I appreciate you posting these opportunities!  Unfortunately, I've curtailed my fishing budget dramatically for the rest of the year, but that 795 A-rig/swimbait rod looks really good to me....

I'm in the same boat no pun intended. I didn't have the funds when the Kadens were being offered up for testing either.

Glad to post them though. Hopefully somebody can take advantage and give Gary some experienced  hands-on feedback. 

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[BassingBen93]

The 736CB is a very intriguing new model. I can't say I love the grip though.

[Hobious]

tempting.  I have too many 734 rods tho.  rods in general.  too many.

[Smallie_Stalker]

Here's a little follow-up from Gary on the FB Community Page:


"Just info.

Hey guys, Just some info here. I'm doing these cork samples for feedback. Cork quality is declining and has been for years. So I'm exploring options. I assure you I haven't made up my mind on anything. One point I'd like to make is this new cork is NOT cheaper. In fact it's much MORE expensive. I'm not doing this for pricing. I'm looking to make something possibly better. While I'm on pricing I hope you all have noticed I did not raise pricing on anything for the 2023 season. Almost all companies are taking big price increases because our costs have gone straight up. I'll almost certainly have to do so in 2024, but for now I'm holding pricing. The way I've read a few comments some people think I'm looking for a cheaper option on cork. This simply is not true.

If I was looking for cheaper handles I'd look at EVA which is very cheap but I hate it. I'm forced to use EVA on Mavericks and Colts because of price point. I choose to put my money into the blanks and the Maverick Series turned out very good. These rods feel amazing and balanced extremely well and I challenge anyone to compare these to other rods in $100 price range.

I'm off topic here.

I used one of these new cork samples on the Josh Jones Crappie Series. Since then I'm bombarded with guys asking for me to use this new cork on Champions, DX, or even Xtasy series. So after so many requests I decided to do a test run. I've been getting rave reviews emailed into Honestly, today on this page is the first negative comments I've seen. But this is exactly what I'm looking for is feedback, good or bad. Thanks to all for the comments and please keep them coming".






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[Dark3]

This is an interesting share for sure. From the pictures they seem to all look very similar with the exception of the black spec having more black and the mossy swirl having less. I wonder of the decline in cork quality has any impact on the current available line. In the spring sometime I am going to need to order a a few across the different cork lineups.


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[FoolishMoose]

I bought the 734 with the new handle. This is my second 734 blank, so I new what I was getting quality wise. The first one is for topwater, this new one is for spinnerbaits. Some traditionalists might not like the look of the new/test cork. I don't mind it at all. I have only used it two or three times since I purchased it, but I see no quality issues with the handle. I do use Simms gloves for the sun protection, and they have a little bit of sticky rubber on the palm, so I do not come into skin contact either way, but I see no issues at all. Time will tell obviously, and it is pretty cold here in St. Louis for now, probably won't get out too much more until next March. Hope this helps, and if anyone has any questions, do not hesitate to ask away.

[skidemn]

I bought a couple of the test rods and love the new cork. I have both the regular cork XP models and the new 734 and 794.5 models with the new cork, and I like them all. The new ones may be even more grippy, but both are comfortable and I would be fine with them if that's the new norm.


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[Masterbasser45]

Can you both post pictures of the rods you have with the new grips?

[skidemn]

Can you both post pictures of the rods you have with the new grips?

I assumed you wanted to see the grip since the rest of the rod looks like any other XP model. Here's a shot with the reel on it and the one below that is a similar view closer up. I posted them in original size so you can see the grip better. It feels good, is grippy when wet and I love the look.




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