Rod building, blank advice

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Claypool313
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2011/01/03 19:16:07 (permalink)

Rod building, blank advice

To all you rod builders...

Looking for some advice on a couple blanks for winter projects.  I'm opening to all recommendations with the stipulation of <$100 per blank.

#1 = steelhead spinning rod, 9', medium or medium light power, mod-fast or fast action, prefer matte black or slate color, 2 pc.

#2 = smallmouth jigging rod, 7', medium power, fast action, same color, 1 or 2 pc.

I don't like ordering new blanks without being able to get a feel for them, so I'm looking for some first hand experience.  Also if you've had experience with a difference power or action in the same category, I'm open for suggestions.


Thanks.
#1

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    Trout About
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    RE: Rod building, blank advice 2011/01/04 17:05:25 (permalink)
    Not much experience with #1. For smallies, I'm in love with the St Croix 6'8" m/xf. I've had the sciii, sciv and the scv in that action/power and all have been fantastic. The sciii is closest to the color you want, its carbon pearl gloss. Another option would be the Rainshadow ISB 842. Its a 7' m/f with a clear matte finish. Looks like the old St croix Avids.
    #2
    wiperman
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    RE: Rod building, blank advice 2011/01/05 14:04:09 (permalink)
    I've made a couple 9' foot steelhead rods using the SCII 9wt fly rod blanks before. The rods were close fast action. Are you looking for something with a heavier backbone or similar to noodle?
    #3
    casts_by_fly
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    RE: Rod building, blank advice 2011/01/06 13:44:22 (permalink)
    The St Croix wild River 9' 4-8 lb blank would fit for #1. It is moderate fast action, good power for steelhead. I used to fish mine with spoons up to 1/2 oz, egg sac with 1-2 bb's, and minifoo's under a small float. It would handle all of them, of course those were about the upper, ideal, and lower limits in weight. I used 4-6 lb test most of the time and it was a good blank.

    I think Rainshadow has a comparable blank in the IM6 line in matte grey.

    Thanks
    Rick
    #4
    Loomis
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    RE: Rod building, blank advice 2011/01/06 13:58:38 (permalink)
    For #1:

    Batson RX-7 IST1081F is a nice medium action rod calculable to the St. Croix Wild River or IST1082F if you want a little heavier.

    For #2:

    What Trout About says.
    #5
    Claypool313
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    RE: Rod building, blank advice 2011/01/06 18:51:50 (permalink)
    Thanks for the advice.  You've given me a lot to think about.  I already have a moderate action 9' ft M-LT noodle rod so I was looking for a faster action on this one.  I can be somewhat flexible on the color too.  Just already had some ideas for reel seat and wraps that would work better with a black or dark gray blank.  It's all still in concept stage.  Will probably sit down and make the official materials list this weekend and place some orders.
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    Loomis
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    RE: Rod building, blank advice 2011/01/07 08:59:22 (permalink)
    ORIGINAL: Claypool313

    Thanks for the advice.  You've given me a lot to think about.  I already have a moderate action 9' ft M-LT noodle rod so I was looking for a faster action on this one.  I can be somewhat flexible on the color too.  Just already had some ideas for reel seat and wraps that would work better with a black or dark gray blank.  It's all still in concept stage.  Will probably sit down and make the official materials list this weekend and place some orders.


    The RX-8 XST1141F is in my opinion a great 9'6'' Fast Action blank, and the titanium chrome color looks really sharp as well..  I use one myself with no complaints.
    #7
    Trout About
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    RE: Rod building, blank advice 2011/01/07 10:12:10 (permalink)
    I'm gonna pick up a couple Ti Chrome RX8 bass blanks at the rod show in February. I played with them last year and think the color is sexy. I LOVE my St Croixs, but think I could use some variety on the deck. One can never have too many dropshot rods!
    #8
    dimebrite
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    RE: Rod building, blank advice 2011/01/08 22:30:18 (permalink)
    lamiglass is always an option...
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    Claypool313
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    RE: Rod building, blank advice 2011/01/09 13:22:11 (permalink)
    Thanks again for the input.  I went with the St. Croix SCiii for the bass rod.  You got me convinced on the RX8 for the 9 footer.  I'm going to hold off until the bass rod is complete though.
    #10
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