There seems to be some confusion about our product line. We do not want anyone to be confused about what we are doing for the industry, so here are the FACTS..
Batson Enterprises Inc. - product Trademarks under the Rainshadow, Forecast, Toughstick names. Is a USA family owned and operated company. We have 12 employees ( Team Members ) We are here to service the industry from the OEM level to the Custom Rodbuliders level. 70% of our business is done under the " Private Label " program. The other 30% is done thruogh our Authorized Distributors.
Forecast Components - Are manufactured under our specific specifications in Taiwan. We feel that at this point in time the Quality is better in Taiwan than other countries. Cork comes directly from Portugal.
Forecast Blanks - Made in China.
Forecast Blanks- E-Glass - Made in China.
Forecast Blanks - Solid Glass - Made in China.
Rainshadow Blanks - RX7, RX6, RX4. - Made in China.
Rainshadow Blanks - RX7+, RX8+ - Made in USA.
We feel this Blank Program is better than anything that we have distributed before.
These are the facts. We have nothing to hide here at Batson Enterprises - Rainshadow/Forecast. We are here to service the industry with the "Vision" that started this Company - To supply Quality rod blanks & Components at a fair price and back it up with exceptional customer service.
If you would like to discuss in more detail why this is the way it is please feel free to contact me. These are all business decisions made with the best interest of the Industry in mind.
Thank you
Bill Batson
CEO
Batson Enterprises
Rainshadow/Forecast
877-875-2381
wbatson@olypen.com

Thanks for the explanation, Bill!

As someone who builds with Forecast components, this will help me immensely when someone asks "where does all this come from?!?"

I assume the Forecast Spey blanks are also from China? I would expect so with their price :).

Bill,

Keep up the good work & blanks.

Hank
On The Rocks Fishing
Wells, ME.

Thanks Bill--it is a wonderful gift to represent a company who is so forthcoming and operates with such integrity. As I've said before, we're proud to be associated with you guys and are looking forward to many, many years of partnership together.

With continued appreciation,

Thanks for your post Bill. I've always been very satisfied with your products and especially your customer service. I 've purchased forecast fly , spin and steelhead blanks, and the same rainshadow blanks. The forecast blanks are a good value, but the rainshadows are well worth the extra few bucks. Please tell your team to keep up the good work and thanks for the outstanding products that they produce.

Jay

And this is why I'll continue to purchase your products. Straight answers, no hiding behind doors no goofy sales pitches. Just darn good stuff

Good to see this very honest and open post, Bill, but we're all still wondering what the weather's like over there now that you moved to China LOL!!!!

Putter
Williston, ND

Thank you for clearing this up Bill. I guess I am set in my ways and hard headed. I am new to the rod building industry but I had decided your products were the best value and was set on building all my spinning and casting rods on your blanks. I was not aware you had moved those blanks to China until last week when my latest blank arrived. I would have expected to pay even less for a foreign blank so I didn't purchase it. I did however buy two of your hotshot blanks. I am not on a crusade against your company, I just wanted to know what the heck was going on and you stepped up to the plate and explained it.
Again thank you for being up front and honest. I think in the end when all is said and done, honesty and great service will keep you busy for years to come.

Great products !!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/16/2006 02:08AM by Ken Driedger.

Bill,

As your newest West Coast distributor of the Rainshadow/Forecast products I am very impressed with our conversation the last few months. I know your father is proud of what you continue to do for this industry, as he looks over you in heaven and I am proud to be apart of your family. I have alot of customers come to me and they continue to order your items and I share with them your knowledge in this business. I look forward to doing business with you for a very long time. Keep up with all the great services that all of your staff off everyone!!!!

Neal Cissel
Neal's Fishing Products
www.nealsfishingtackle.com
neal@nealsfishingtackle.com

Bill as someone who is new to rod building, but fairly wiley in the way of the spey rod, I can only commend you for the quality of the Forecast spey blanks. I know that you couldn''t possibly have these rods made anywhere but Asia and sell them for less than three times the price. For the average mug like myself, the world economy is a done deal--might as well take advantage of it where I can.
Al.