Here it is Christmas season again and the relatives want fly rods built as usual. I would like to build 9 ft. 5 wt. 3 piece medium fast to fast action rods and would greatly appreciate your input as to the best quality blanks currently available. It seems I can't keep up with the new products available. Thanks in advance for your input.

You might look at the post by Robert Widmaier earlier today for some suggestions. The discontinued St. Croix SCIV three piece blanks are still available from some dealers. Look at the Dan Craft Signature V and FT series blanks as well.

Gary,

I have our 3pc Signature V blanks in the ballpark you are looking for. I can set you up with complete kits at a low price as well.

Dan Craft

We have several blanks that fit the bill from Pacific Bay TRF905-3
The new Matrix blanks by American Tackle with the woven gaphite AMF905-3.
Our Cedar River Gold CRF905-3 and Silver Lable CR-F 905-3
For prices please visit our website or email, call.
Scott Melton
Rod-Blanks.com
@BlackBear Pontoons Inc. Co
206-372-9998

Gary , all the above mentioned blanks make good candidates , if it were my choice.............Dan Craft. John

Rainshadow/Forecast - website:batsonenterprises.com. Has one of the largest selection of blanks available on the market. Quality products at reasonable prices..
If you have any questions please feel free to contact us.
Bill Batson
CEO
Batson Enterprises
Rainshadow/Forecast
877-875-2381
wbatson@olypen.com

I highly recommend the Rainshadows.

I have built about 2 dozen Batson rods and I have never had a complaint. They are also great people to work with.

Christian

The Dan Craft SIG V is under $100 and IMHO is in the same league as a Loomis GLX or Sage XP performance wise.It is REDICULOUSLY light in weight and super fast recovering.One of the nicest rods out there at ANY price.

Try the 3pc 9ft 5wt and you won't believe the performance for the price.

Gary,

Grab up a Sig V 8'9" 4 wt 3 pc. It fishes a 5 wt line like a dream. I use a windcutter WF5 on mine and it is an incredible rod.

Thanks,
Rick

American Tackle, American Tackle

tight lines,
David A. Fuller
Great Basin Fishing Rods

Gary:

I have been there and done that!! (Holiday rods for friends and family). As already suggested here, you can't go wrong with Rainshadow or Dan Craft. They both have excellent products in your target price range. I have used them for my family and friends for a few years and everyone seems pleased. I am sure there are others that fit the bill here, but I have experience with these two line of rods.

Bob Widmaier

I would certainly look at Rainshow blanks. I have used over 100 of these blanks and have been very satisfied with their performance. I have only had one return and that was because of a big foot. Bill Batson gladly replaced it at no charge.

Manly Thomas

You are getting good advice from all but if you prefer a fast action rod as I do look at the Dan Craft FT series.

I would also recommend the rainshadow/forcast blanks. very high quaility and a great selection of blanks. I would not stop there check out their components. You can not go wrong with their line up of quaility items. Not to mention their customer service. Chech them out you will love them.

Doug Schow

I highly recommend Rainshadow. Go to www.batsonenterprises.com and check them out. They have an awesome line of Forecast components. Good Luck!

David Banaka
D&S Custom Rods

I can't seem to find Dan Craft blanks on their web site where can I l
look at them?

tight lines
jim

You have to down load their online catalog