I have been searching for a blank to build a light power, extra fast action spinning rod. I looked at three blanks from two manufacturers before I found what I was looking for. My question arises from the varying amounts of "non-straightness" I saw. As these things frequently seem to work ou, the blank I like is the least straight. All of the blanks are first quality from manufacturers that get good reviews on this board.

All of the blanks had some kind of bend near the tip. The one I chose starts its bend about one to one and a half feet from the tip. When I rotate it in my wrapper the tip describes a circle about 1/2" in diameter. The other blank from that maker is a different model with about the same condition.

I found the spine and checked the bend to see how it related to the spine. The bend is in the same plane as the spine.

The blank manufacturer is giving good customer support. If I want to return the blank they will sort their stock and send me their straightest one.

My question is, does it really matter? If the bend was not in the same plane as the spine I would be nervous for sure. Since it is in line with the spine, I am uncertain how to go. Also, what are the general thoughts about blank straightness? How bent is too bent?

Joe

The rod I just completed had a slight corkscrew bend in the last 2' or so. It was probably very similar to yours in severity. I looked it over very well once it was completed (wrapped and finished), and I could see no bend in it.

I never would have thought that the wrapping of 4 6mm single-foot fly guides would straigten it out, but it did.

al blanks will be bent to some extent the higher priced ones are not because they scrap the bent one's i.e. higher end user cost
some bend will not hurt a thing its more mental tham anything . wrap it c what u think and if you still are unhappy send it back
and hope for the best .... (just dont epoxy) ...John T Burford
aka Tightline Rod's

i agree with the other 2 gentlemen. i've built some that you had to look closely at to find a straight place. but after you wrap 'em, and they sit in rod racks or the customer stands them up in a corner for a month, they'll straighten out, or never be noticed. i'm usually much more particular about it than the customers are.

it's kinda hard to get the guides aligned, when you're trying to wrap around a corner though!