have been looking at fly rod blanks in hook and hackle catalog and considering one of these two blanks in a 9' 5wt 4pcs. for the difference in price which is preferable?

I assume you are referring to the new RX7+ and RX8+ blanks. While I haven't fished with either yet, I was so impressed with both of them at Charlotte that I had to give my opinion. I spent quite a while casting both models (9' 5wt), and I think they are probably the sweetest casting rods I've ever thrown. Personally, I liked the RX7+ better, but that's going to be a matter of personal preference. The RX7+ comes in a beautiful cchestnut finish and a mod/fast action, while the RX8+ is charcoal with a fast action. I'm not sure but I think they may have another color option for each as well. Both rods have incredible feel. I've never liked fast rods because I can't feel them load, but I didn't have that problem with these. I've heard alot of hype over the years about rods with power AND feel, but these are the first that I feel truly live up to it.

As for choosing one over the other, I guess if you like especially fast rods, you'd probably want the RX8+. Otherwise, you can't go wrong with either.

Hi Bill! We've spent a lot of time with both the RX7+ and RX8+ and think they're some of the finest fly blanks money can buy. As Danny suggested, it's probably personal preference, but my money's on the RX8+ as the nicest/most downright incredible fly blank on the market at any price, period. The RX7+ is an incredible performer as well. I believe the above statement about them being availalbe in other finishes is incorrect, thought...the RX7+ is a gorgeous gloss chestnut brown, and the RX8+ is a classy satin black.

You will have a hard time getting your hands on any until mid- to late-April, as Batson/Rainshadow has not received their stocking order of these blanks yet--we've got a growing list of customers mighty anxious for their arrival, though! :)

If you are NOT referring to the new blanks, we also have a few of the 2004 Rainshadow RX8 blanks on sale right now as well as a selection of the RX7's. If you're choosing between these, the RX8 is a much crisper action with sllightly higher CC numbers than its sibling...the RX7 is a classic moderate-fast, full feeling blank that builds into a fantastic fishing rod--I still consider it one of the go-to blanks for an all-round trout rod.

All the best,