I have had success in the past with a dbol only cycle but I kept my dosages very low, around 15mg a day. I know this is a tiny amount but at that level there was absolutally no water retention, for me at least, and I only gained a a little bit of weight but I dont recall it shutting me down very bad, and I didnt lose too much after.
I only chose that option due to the fact that it was all I had at the time, and I had no patience. If I could do it over I would have waited and used it to kickstart a heavier cycle.