Winding up, and...
 

The only downfall, ironically, is one of the features that makes this rod more attractive than its standard configuration counterpart - the shortened handle. It's difficult to gain any real two handed casting leverage since the rod's handle length is only eleven inches. Otherwise, the rod's tip loads quite well for casting duties thanks, no doubt due to its modestly tapered blank.

 
... letting her rip!

Since the rod is listed as a "Flipping Edition", I tried a few pitches and flips with the HGC-77XR too, but the heavy tip made it somewhat uncomfortable for this task. Realistically, this is probably another rod designed for true flipping and punching duties rather than casting or pitching baits of any sort.

Very surprising results. The HGC-77XR casts the Huddleston Deluxe 8" Trout quite respectably

 
Watching the bait on the bottom and seeing how well the Dom Driver transmits information to the hand

Sensitivity: Sensitivity is not a strong suit of this stick. Perhaps its the overly stout construction, or seemingly dense blank material, or gloss finish, or a combination of all these factors, but I'd rate the HGC-77XR as just okay in this department. Fishing a big bait like the Huddleston Deluxe (eight or six inch, take your pick) at the upper end of the rod's lure weight rating delivers better results than when fishing with baits at the lower end of the rod's rating spectrum. It just seems to take a lot to get a signal moving through the HGC-77XR's blank.

Almost unheard of in today's market, the Dom Driver comes with a non-exposed blank reel seat

 
The full length of the reel seats threads are left intact and actually add to the rod's aggressive looking grip assembly