Rod Building Question - Part 2 - Quality Blanks

[MOsmallies]

To branch off Mitch's original question of quality guides for custom rod building.... I wanted to get some thoughts on quality blanks for Casting and Spinning rods. I'm wanting to try my hand at building a rod this year so I'm trying to gather as much information as possible. I plan on buying a simple kit for my first build to gain some practice while not ruining quality materials.

Eventually I'd like to build some spinning rods in the 6'6", 6'9", 7'0" range and casting rods from 6'3" up to 7'2" range. As far as stock goes, I've really enjoyed the Falcon Cara and Shimano Compre rods. I'd be looking for comparable quality blanks. I really have no idea how blanks are priced, so at this point price is not an issue. Any and all suggestions welcomed.

Paul

MOsmallies

[dtrs5kprs]

Hard to beat St Croix. They offer blanks in pretty much all of the same models as their rods, everything from SCII (Premier, Mojo, Triumph) to SCV (Legend Elite). Website has a pdf type catalog that lists the blanks and the equivalent factory rod. Building an SCIII 6'9" "drop shot" blank now for Ned Rig and other finesse.

The MHX/JMX/Fill in the X blanks from Mudhole, Jann's and some others are pretty nice for the $. Lots of models available. Built 4 of the Jann's JMX blanks last winter (on sale + free ship) and was impressed. Think they are basically the same blanks as the MHX...similar model #'s, specs, etc. Mudhole offers more models and a high modulus version .

After that you are either going up in price (as in Phenix, Lamiglas) or down in quality (AmTak, etc). Rainshadow is awfully proud of their blanks, compared to the quality. Phenix is probably the top end since Loomis is gone.

[Feathers and Fins]

Cant argue with the St Croix top of the line all the way around. The only other option is Calstar blanks.

[fishinwrench]

The last build I did was a 8'10" 7wt. for my daughter. I started with a Rainforest II (RF2-906) blank and tuned it down. I am extremely impressed with the way it turned out.

Seriously considering selling my fleet of St.Croix Legend ultras and building a full set for myself on the RFII blanks.

[rps]

I have built on St. Croix, Lamiglass, and Mudhole's MHX. St. Croix is tops for quality. The MHX is a tremendous blank for the price, just not quite as good as the St. Croix. They do offer more variety.

[dtrs5kprs]

I have built on St. Croix, Lamiglass, and Mudhole's MHX. St. Croix is tops for quality. The MHX is a tremendous blank for the price, just not quite as good as the St. Croix. They do offer more variety.

RPS...which MHX did you build?

[MOsmallies]

Great info from everyone so far... Exactly what I was looking to hear. I always thought Rainshadow was one of the top ones, so I'm glad to hear an opinion that their talk and quality don't necessarily equate. I'd love to hear some more opinions, so keep em coming.

Right now my projected progression looks like Basic Kit --> MHX --> St. Croix or Phenix

Thanks again!

[fishinwrench]

Don't confuse Rainshadow with Rainforest.....easy to do, but pretty significant difference.

[MOsmallies]

Don't confuse Rainshadow with Rainforest.....easy to do, but pretty significant difference.

Good to note!

[dtrs5kprs]

Great info from everyone so far... Exactly what I was looking to hear. I always thought Rainshadow was one of the top ones, so I'm glad to hear an opinion that their talk and quality don't necessarily equate. I'd love to hear some more opinions, so keep em coming.

Right now my projected progression looks like Basic Kit --> MHX --> St. Croix or Phenix

Thanks again!

Mudhole & Jann's both have kits, but don't feel limited by the components, which tend to be tradtional grips/seats or clunky split grips. You can build nice split grips using simple components like shorter grips as rear grips.