I talked to a customer service rep at Allstar and/or Shakespeare today and was informed that Allstar was acquired by Shakespeare back in October. She also commented that Allstar may not continue making rod blanks. It is one of the topics currently in deliberation. Just thought you might find this of interest.

I think most of us here knew that, but nothing has been said about them not making rod blanks. The factory in TX is running wide open making blanks as we speak.

If anyone from the new ownership is watching I would hate to lose the Allstar Austin and the Breakaway surf blanks.
Thanks.

Best way to keep them open that I know of is Buy an Allstar Blank today. Holiday greetings to Sharon and all the guys at the plant in Houston. Good luck.

Gon Fishn

Mike K., thanks for the information and update.
Most of us can and have done well without the Shakespeare line, but without AllStar, it would greatly inhibit the breadth of quality from which we have to choose.
I have been holding my business breath and casting a critical eye in the direction of AllStar since Shakespeare has aquired them. In my estimation, humble as it is, Shakespeare has left a wake of quivering humanity wherever it has gone in the last 10 years. I fear for those who have been caught up and committed themselves and their company assets to a new takeover company with such a reputation.

David a. Fuller
Great Basin Fishing Rods

This is confusing!! All Star and Shakespeare are both listed as having booths at the Charlotte show. Since Shakespaeare does not sell blanks or components, why are the going to be at Charlotte??

Mike

They intend to unveil a new line of Shakespeare blanks. I'd wait and talk to their people at the show before deciding what they are or aren't going to do blank-wise.

........

I sure hope they do. There Boat rods just about have the charter and trolling market tied up on Lake Erie. Sure love to be able to buy the blanks!!

I have a seven foot Shakespere casting rod in to replace three missing guides. The thing has a label that says 19.3 M All Graphite Pro Model. I called the fishing guide who left it in my box and asked him what kind of guides he wanted me to use. He told me he wanted the good ones with the silicon rings. When I told him $ 12.50 each for the guide replacement was a long pause and he finally said - No No - I only paid $ 29 for the rod at Academy. I can just imagine where this thing is ultimately headed.

Gon Fishn

Sorry but I forgot why I wanted to make the post - I really got hacked off when the cork on the $ 29 rod referenced above appeared to be a higher quality than I can get from most suppliers when I request AAAA
or the best they can send out in the preformed grips.