Getting ready to build my next fly rod. Want to build an 8.5 ft 5 wt all around trout rod. I would like a green blank. I know from previous posts that they are both probably fine blanks but does anyone have any preferences regarding batson's rainshadow vs pac bays rainforest blanks? Both are available in a nice shade of green and are around the same $$.
Thanks,
Greg

I haven't built on either blank but I know someone who just built a Rainforest and he said the finish is quite delicate. You might also be interested in Amtak's Matrix blank. I just finished a 4 weight Matrix and it is a beautiful green, looks really good with Garnet thread and no CP.

i have built on several rainshadow blanks. rx7 to be exact but not the specific length you are talking about. they make very good fly rods and i have no complaints. cannot comment on the
rainforest products.

Greg, I built that exact rod not that long ago, RX7 8'6" 5 wt. in the olive green. In fact I also built the same rod only in an 8'6" 4 wt as well. Excellent moderate fast actions and well done blanks. The only raniforest blank that I handled was not of the same exact size and weight so it may be like comparing apples to oranges but I feel the Rainshadow may have been a touch faster, but can't be for sure. Great values and very pretty blanks.

i have yet to try out a batson rainshadow, but just built a pac bay rainforest 7'9" 2 piece for 3 weight and a rainforest 9' 4 piece for 4 weight. both are very pretty traditional greens. i don't think you could go wrong between a rainshadow or rainforest. and both are in the same ballpark price-wise, unlike the recent query comparing rainforest and tiger eyes. now THAT one was apples and oranges! ;-)

have you checked the CCS charts for specs on each?

that american tackle matrix blank mentioned sounds really interesting and i want to get ahold of one myself, but the cosmetics i imagine would be quite a departure if you're looking for a traditional green blank. i'm just guessing about that "matrix" design having never seen one and can only refer to small jpegs seen on the internet.

sorry i couldn;t answer your original question, since haven't tried both in the same sizes.

eric
fresno, ca.

Thanks everyone. The matrix blank looks interesting to me also. But Eric you're right I don't think it is quite the look I am wanting for this rod.
Greg

Greg,
I have been building on Rainshadow rods for a few years now. I don't think you can go wrong with a Rainshadow. They produce an outstanding product, and the folks that work there are great too. I have dealt with a few different companies and I will say that the service I recieved from the Rainshadow folks is unmatched. I will continue to use them for everything I can.

Can't go wrong with the Rainshadow. Beautiful blanks, I have aRX6 4wt. but would rather go with the RX7. The RX8 is fantastic, they just don't have the full line out yet. If you have a dealer near you, I'd strongly suggest taking a look at the RX8.

RX8 blank is very fast and not that easy to cast, but fells just fine with one line up, I got RX8 9' 5wt a year ago when they were rather expensive, surprisingly nobody sells them now? Could anyone tell an opinion and the purpose of this fly blank, except idea that it has a lots of power for windy conditions ?? Thanx