I am getting ready to build a rod with my son which will be his first fly rod. I am planning on a 7'6" 4wt., either a 2 piece or 4 piece. Both Pac Bay and Rainshadow offer IM6 blanks in these configurations for similar prices.
Any thoughts on which would be better quality for the money. I am trying to keep the cost relatively low for several reasons, one of which is that I won't be totally suprised if my 10 year old "torture tests" his rod.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Brett

Both are good choices. Have you thought of the Forecast blanks?

The Forecast line from Batson is their 'entry level' series. These are imported blanks (the Rainshadow lines are made in USA) that are really quite good for their very inexpensive price. As Coach suggests this might be a good idea for a 10 year old if you suspect the rod will be put to 'heavy' use.

Andy Snedden

Just finnished a Rainshadow 7'6" 3wt, don't be
surpised if you have to up line 2 line wts, to
get the rod to load. Otherwise its good

Just finished wrapping an 8'6" 5 wt. mod-fast I bought as a kit (reel seat, eyes and grip) from Dave Lewis at the Fly Fishing Show in Charlotte last weekend for $59. Not sure who makes the blank but it is an import distributed by the same company that distributes Rainshadow (as I understand it anyhow), either way it's a good feeling rod.

Brett,
If price is a consideration, either pac. bay or the import forecast standard graphite might be the way to go. Forecast are a bit softer blank than Rainshadow, but won't break the bank. No blank will pass 'torturing' so I assume you don't care to be out a bundle on a high end blank.
Also, remember probably many of the import blanks carry no warranty as do the domestically made blanks.

Maybe when your 10 year old will be 'desinsitized' from the torture test with a better blank. Sometimes, explaining the 'serious' (more expensive) nature of a higher quality blank will make room for understanding to take better care and avoiding the 'torture'? In this case, maybe go with the Rainshadow IF764.

Rich
Richard's Rod & Reel

I have had exellent results with the Rainshadow IM6 blanks + their warranty back up was excellent on one that was broken. You couldn't go wrong with the Pac Bay blanks either - -several of my customers: excellent fly fishermen, regard their Pac Bay rods as the finest they own (regardless of price) Their import blanks seem to have the same feel as the previous IM6 blanks.