Ken & Emory: we were playing around with this in developing our Crowsnest River Series of trout rods at G&L. In fact, we even played with different combos of Rainshadow RX7's and RX8's for a while with some really, really pleasing results. We finally had Cascade rolling blanks for us with varying graphite from butt to tip, but as you know, they are no longer around. Our new blanks are true multi-modulus and there's no question in our mind that the material used at any given point of a rod plays a dynamic role in the characteristics of the rod. Blank Design 101 says action (a blank's ability/willingness to flex or to resist flex) is tied to diameter and wall thickness...I think Blank Design 201 adds material. Note that I said 201 and not 401 though...in my mind, it's not rocket science. PERFECTING the blending of graphite married to truly outstanding tapers and patterns may be, but the concept is pretty basic/common sense IMO.

One of the probs we faced early on in our prototyping was whether we wanted to go with higher mod in the tip or lower...higher is lighter, but also slightly less forgiving for tippet protection, etc. Lower mod in the tip puts SLIGHTLY more weight in the exact place you DON'T want it, but results in a very full-feeling, smooth casting rod with desireable tip action for in-close casting and tippet protection.

Scott (fly rods) seem to be a leader in this, and I would guess the Sage TCR is another good example of what can be done, though I have not heard specific reference to it being a multi-modulus blank.

Anyway, been busy with the birth of our fifth child (and first son!) and felt the need to weigh in on something! :)

Warmest Christmas greetings!

John

Sean and Emory, the Winston boron IIx did exactly what you suggested someone do, put boron in the butt and graphite higher, which may make some of the other points about boron moot. It has been about half a year since I talked to their rep, about it, and basically a boron composite is used in the butt, and a high modulus graphite to finish the rod. I think its important to cast the rod before forming an opinion on it- they do cast very well. A friend of mine building custom rods is getting better money from winston blanks than any other right now, too. Its a new product on the market, has a lot of buzz, which is making it desirable to the public. Whether it'll stand the test of time or not, will still need some time to determine. Comparing this boron with the boron of yesteryear, which was terribly flawed, would be akin to comparing a Loomis GLX to some of the original graphite rods.