dano
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Joined: 9/21/2000
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S-10 got me remembering.
One nice thing about bamboo is that if you break a few inches off the tip, there are builders out there that can splice (referred to as scarfing) a new tip onto the section. Six or seven years ago I had this done on a particular rod that had some value. I was a bit skeptical at first but was surprised at the end result. I had to really look hard to find the splice. The cane color, taper and tiptop wrap matched perfectly. Also, the two inch splice was guaranteed not to fail. He charged me $60.00 for the work. (Guys name was Wes Cooper and I heard his prices have gone up a bit).
I agree with those that say bamboo is tougher than graphite. A graphite rod is hollow and today’s high modulus graphite rods are fairly thin walled. If you step on a graphite rod, it’s going to crush. If you get a small ding or scratch, it greatly weakens the rod. Not so with bamboo. Those old bamboo rods you see around with broken sections were broke the same way graphite rods are broke today, the biggest culprit being car trunk lids and doors.
Yea, new boo cost more than graphite rods. Today’s boo rod is also lighter, crisper and better built than those golden era rods.
Right now there are more bamboo rod builders than ever before. You can even take week long classes where one learns by building their own rod of choice. Prices are still higher compared to graphite rods. Local builders usually charge $400 to $800.
Those long time reputable builders in high demand charge well over $2000 and can have waiting times as long as 5 years. But there is an upside to the price and wait. Those rods hold there value and many increase in value over the years.
Rapala mentioned Winston bamboo rods so I'll use that as an example. People will pay more for a used Winston than a new Winston. Most of the used 5-30 year old rods are just as good as the new ones if they were well cared for. People will also be willing to pay more to avoid the 1-2 year wait. And, as in Winston’s case, there is historic value to many of their rods, especially the era when Glen Bracket was in charge of the rod shop. (BTW, recently, the four builders at Winston left the company to form there own.) http://www.uppermidwestflyfishing.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1174
Yea, collectibility can really increase a rods value. When Tom Maxwell was at the Leonard rod Company in the 1980’s, his rods would sell for $300-$400. Now those Maxwell era rods are worth 3 to 4 thousand.
On the other hand, you’d think Orvis cane rods would hold their value but actually you could get a 40 yr old 7 ½ ft Battenkill rod for less than a third of the price of a new $1800 Orvis rod. And that old rod would be in every way just as fishable. One thing about the old Battenkills, they were pretty much indestructible.
As for me, I prefer fishing bamboo for rods that are 8ft and shorter. Over 8ft and I’m a graphite fan. There is something to say about weight.
I guess its time for me to stop rambling, eh? 
< Message edited by dano -- 7/18/2008 4:29:12 PM >
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