Still can't shake the 702. R-44 vs 702 what do y'all think?
That's an apples to oranges comparison. The 702 is an elite, tank-like pro 2-channel deck. The R-44 is a "prosumer," very reliable, easy-to-use, 4-channel deck. The 702 is obviously going to spec out better; it costs 2X or more as much, and it's built for true pro use. However, that does not mean it's better for your purposes, especially if that purpose is recording loud rock.
As someone who had the choice, I ran USBPre2>R-44, which gives you the Sound Devices preamp sound with the ease, convenience and price of the R-44. I had the "Oade Mod" and since have been borrowing a non-modded R-44. Honestly I'm not sure there's that much difference.
But anyone who tells you an R-44 is "the same as" a 702 is kidding themselves. Sound Devices products are top of the line. The real question is what that top of the line gets you. My R-44 never failed through hundreds of shows, and that has been a consistent result for most people. But is an SD744 (the better comparison) "better"? Of course it is.