blank suggestions

Im ready to build another float rod. I need some suggestions on rod blanks. The last rod I build was on a 13ft Rainshadow. Does anyone have any reviews on the 13 1/2 Whitewater blank? Ive also been pondering buying a new GLX and stripping it? What about the Sage switchrods? Also on my last build I used AmTack Titans. Id like to try the recoils on this build. Any reviews on them would also be appreciated.

Thanks guys...

If you're looking for something with less power than the Rainshadow, take a look at the Talon ITM.  Rick built a 13'er for me a few years back with Fuji Ti's and it's lighter than my 11'6" Rainshadow.  I'm gonna build a 17'er for the Yough as soon as I finish up about 13 other rods.

ORIGINAL: Trout About

If you're looking for something with less power than the Rainshadow, take a look at the Talon ITM.  Rick built a 13'er for me a few years back with Fuji Ti's and it's lighter than my 11'6" Rainshadow.  I'm gonna build a 17'er for the Yough as soon as I finish up about 13 other rods.

Thanks, Ill look into the Talon ITM. One other question, do you guys know of a better cork supplier? I ordered my last supply from mudhole and to tell you I wasnt to pleased with their SCR2A grade cork or their burl.

cp,
 
I disagree with your steer clear list.  Each blank has their time and it all depends on what you want to do with the finished rod.  The 13' rainshadow has a great level of power and a good all around action for the erie tribs.  It has the power for the biggest fish in lake erie and enough finesse to fish 3 lb tippet.  The blank is inexpensive, but a little heavy depending how you build it.
 
Talon has a bunch of different blanks, so you can't lump them all together at all.  The ITM series are designed for the great lakes.  They are super lightweight and built fantastically light rods for being 13' and 3 pc.  They will fish 2 lb tippet easily.  The 13' ITM wouldn't be my first choice on the grand in high water though.  The VI+ has more power and is stiffer, but is also a little heavier.  I put it in a similar class as the rainshadow and GL2/frontier.
 
I haven't seen a lamiglass centerpin rod blank out, though I haven't looked for one much.  Most of their float rod blanks are for western float fishing and are really heavy by our standards.  Good for the salmon river or niagara as crosover rods to salmon.  Not the best for upper elk.
 
The loomis rods are nice, have good actions, and in the IMX/GLX are pretty light.  Lots of power and the IMX is one of the nicest float rod blanks I know of.  It is also one of the most expensive.
 
 
18,
 
The ITM would be a good choice if you keep it light.  It makes for an awesome early season rod with single eggs and 2-4 lb line.  As I said above, not my first choice for high water on big streams, but for the PA side of things and normal OH water go for it.  Also makes a nice trout rod for the pin.  The raven would be my other suggestion.
 
Thanks
Rick

18,
 
the last bag of cork I ordered came from Angler's workshop.  I have ordered from mudhole before, but was never impressed with their cork even in the more expensive grades.  With angler's, I'd order a bag of 100 or so and I think it was running my $125 for the medium to high quality grade, I think called extra select.  Then I'd sort through the cork and use it where applicable.  I'd save the best couple for the fronts of grips and the backs of fighting butts.  Then the cork with the least inclusions was used on customer rods.  I rarely had to fill any puts if any, though you'd get the occasional dark spot once you started sanding.  The rest of the cork went on my own personal rods and I'd have 2-3 small pits on each fly grip.  I wouldn't get any cork that was unusable.
 
Thanks,
Rick

Well 18andlife that's your opinion i am happy that you are satisfied with whatever you like to use. I would never personally never use any of them ever again and i do own a St. Croix that has served me well but now that i know better it' getting retired. I am getting a Loomis IMX built 13ft 6 ! So i am sorry if i offended anyone but i have done my research and the steer away list in my opinion are junk, but it's all what you like. I was just trying to help you out but it's whatever. Good luck on building your custom stick like to see some pic's when you finish it!!!!!!!
 
                                                  Centerpin_drift!

I haven't seen a lamiglass centerpin rod blank out, though I haven't looked for one much. Most of their float rod blanks are for western float fishing and are really heavy by our standards. Good for the salmon river or niagara as crosover rods to salmon. Not the best for upper elk.

casts- I have the 12ft certified pro and for the lower niagara its the cats ****. For erie tribs its way too much. The only thing i dont like about it is the stock handle...Not the most comfortable when fighting a king in that current. Thats why Id like to build my own...

The first time I used the 13 rainshadow I built was on the niagara for kings...Ill tell you what that blank can take some abuse!!

18, been pinning for 6-7 years depending on how you want to look at it. And i am not scared to fish with anyone for that matter be more than glad to fish with you! Maybe I'll learn something then again maybe  you will learn something. Far from begin a newbie as you like to call it. NOBODY every said anyones gear was junk or that you had to have the best of the best in gear! You fish with whatever you feel is too your liking or comfortable with.  I figured that since you was a avid centerpinner that you are, I figured that you would be looking more into better component's and higher end gear just my two cents. As far as reels go i fish a Raven SST never had a lick of trouble with by far not one of the best reels out there either. Yes i might get the Snipe but looking at a 5 inch talisman as well for my IMX. IF your going to put the money into do it right the first time then i am doing it over and over again. But it's all about what you like i just know from
talking to the so called Pro's that the rods they build (  WHAT THEY TOLD ME TO STAY AWAY FROM! )  Their are a few blank out their to chooses from but far and few in between, But remember your the pro how much do you charge for a guided trip, lol !   Soon as the ice blows off be more than happy to fish with you any day of the week, work permitting!
 
trout about from your pics looks like you build some nice sticks, I am just saying that your going to put your heart and soul into building a stick why would you want to put the money into a low end stick. I know it's whatever your comfortable with just curious!
 
                               Centerpin_drift!

ORIGINAL: centerpin_drift

18, been pinning for 6-7 years depending on how you want to look at it. And i am not scared to fish with anyone for that matter be more than glad to fish with you! Maybe I'll learn something then again maybe  you will learn something. Far from begin a newbie as you like to call it. NOBODY every said anyones gear was junk or that you had to have the best of the best in gear! You fish with whatever you feel is too your liking or comfortable with.  I figured that since you was a avid centerpinner that you are, I figured that you would be looking more into better component's and higher end gear just my two cents. As far as reels go i fish a Raven SST never had a lick of trouble with by far not one of the best reels out there either. Yes i might get the Snipe but looking at a 5 inch talisman as well for my IMX. IF your going to put the money into do it right the first time then i am doing it over and over again. But it's all about what you like i just know from
talking to the so called Pro's that the rods they build (  WHAT THEY TOLD ME TO STAY AWAY FROM! )  Their are a few blank out their to chooses from but far and few in between, But remember your the pro how much do you charge for a guided trip, lol !   Soon as the ice blows off be more than happy to fish with you any day of the week, work permitting!

trout about from your pics looks like you build some nice sticks, I am just saying that your going to put your heart and soul into building a stick why would you want to put the money into a low end stick. I know it's whatever your comfortable with just curious!

                              Centerpin_drift!

Ok man, Im done arguing with you, I might as well talk to the wall...Go buy all your gear and keep telling us how good you are...Have a great day.

ur gonna need a bigger ruler........haha lmao

hope the tribs free up some dying to get out on the creeks dam ice!

 
AMEN to that.