just a newbie question.
as i learn more about rodbuilding i see a lot of blanks labeled casting and a few labeled spinning. what are the differences?

can 1 be made as the other? i use spinning gear on boats a lot, and there are a lot of appealing blanks out there, id like to build for spinning. what type of blanks can or cannot be used for spinning?

thanks, as i said im new at this.
-mike

There is no difference. Manufacturers list them that way just to suggest what some particular blanks might be good for. Often, the same blank is listed under a different model number as both a casting and spinning blank.

.........

St. Croix, for one, lists their casting blanks of a given power, such as "Medium", as being intended for heavier line than their spinning blanks of the same nominal power. So one might guess that the casting blanks are actually more powerful, even though they could be built as spinning rods. One might also then guess that the casting blanks would weigh more (as listed in their blank catalog). Guess again. Most weigh more, but some weigh less (comparing the same listed length, power and action, in casting and spinning models). None that I've checked are listed as weighing the same, so I take it on faith (not having weighed them myself) that they are indeed different blanks.

Some of the best custom spinning rods are made with casting blanks, and some of the best casting rods are made with spinning blanks.
Once you get some of the nuances about function vs. technique there will be good recognition as to which choices to make. Check the butt diameters, tip actions, and tip sizes related to what you might want to use the blank for. There are a few factory rods built on the same blank, wheter spinning or casting. Tom D. points above are well taken.

Rich
Richard's Rod & Reel

For most casting applications, heavier line and lures are used, so look for a more substantial butt section on a blank. Conversely, if you are building a lightweight spinning rod to throw delicate baits or small jigs, look for smaller diameter, less stout blanks.