Hopefully someone can help me out - I just recieved my blank (from mud hole) and since they are now closed for the day I thought I'd see if I could get some imput from someone here. Before I do anytthing, I want to make sure that the blank I recieved is not a "second" ( although I specifically asked that question before ordering and was assured that it wasn't). They have a special price on Cascade Composites blanks (the people who make Rainshadow blanks). Apparently Cascade is getting out of the buisness and Mud Hole bought up their entire inventory. Since I had already determined I wanted a particular Rainshadow, which Mud Hole had, I thought I'd save a few $$ and get it from them. Anyhow , got it today and after a visual, I have doughts that it is in fact a first. Along the entire length of the butt section (two piece downrigger rod) you can easily see an edge (no ridge though) . I am assuming this is the edge of the graphite cloth, but I never noticed it in any other rod before. Is it because I haven't looked hard enough at other rods? Or is this abnormal. The the finish is a "matte clear" . Any imput will be appreciated

I don't believe it's a second. Normally, however, after a blank is sanded the outer layer of graphite and resin and the resulting finish make it hard to actually see the edge of the flag. But, I suppose if you look hard enough you might be able to locate it.

It was my understanding that since Cascade is no longer in business, Mud Hole is offering their own warranty on these blanks. I'd check with them to see if that is the case, and if so, you can perhaps put your mind at ease somewhat.

.........

Even if Mud Hole warranties the blank you have no guarantee that you can get another Cascade just like it a year down the road. If they're out of business then Mud Hole can't get any more. Just something to consider when buying close outs or blanks from defunct companies.

Thanks for the imput - Like I said I've never seen this before - and It is definately not hard to see. As for the warranty, 90 days on these. I guess I could glue the tip on and put a load on to see if it starts making funny noises?

That edge of the flag is usually easier to see toward the butt on a blank, than nearer the tip. On a factory rod, that section is usually covered with the decaling all the way down to the butt cap, so you couldn't notice it much anyway. Your blank sounds fine. A very close and very careful inspection of the blank before building it is always worth the time.

I don't know what kind of ferrule you have, but you need to wrap it with thread before you load the rod much. If it is a spigot-plug style ferrule, wrap BOTH sides of the plug for at least one rod diameter (one centimeter). If it's a tip-over-butt style ferrule, also use at least one rod daimeter (one centimeter). Have fun with the project. -Cliff Hall-

Opinions vary on the minimum wrap width for these ferrules. Visit the links below if you want to read some very helpful and recent discussions of this subject here at RBO:

Ferrule Wrap (Bruce Tomaselli) January 24, 2005
[www.rodbuilding.org]

Re: Lamiglas fiberglass and ferrules (Cliff Hall) Dec. 17, 2004
[www.rodbuilding.org]

Testing Blanks (Gene Maxson) 01/24/05 10:07AM
[www.rodbuilding.org]

Jerry,

If you're going to put the blank under load you should wrap the female ferrel. Just to be on the safe side.

Hank
On The Rocks Fishing
Wells, ME.

I'm not familiar with Cascade products, but I've had more than a few blanks from other manufacturers where the "edge" can be seen very clearly on blanks that are clear coated or just tinted (not painted) when viewed at certain angles. To me, it adds a certain beauty to a rod.

I wouldn't worry about it.

Thanks to everyone for their imput. Sounds like I'm good to go so it's time to get busy.

You see the cloth line a lot better on blanks that have a gloss finish. I wouldn't worry about it.