Hi
I live in Scotland and I have just finished building my first Spey rod on the 14ft Forecast blank.
It had it's first outing on the river Dee today and it is a fabulous rod.
It was put through it's paces by Prince Charles' senior Ghillie who knows a thing or two about spey casting and he said it was the sweetest casting tool he had tried for a long time so well done to Batson and thanks to Bob at H&H for terrific service. I think there may be a requirement for a few more blanks!
All I can say is "when do we get the 15 footer! Please"
Dave Olley

David,

Can you give us a few more details on components and how you put it together. I have been looking at the Rainshadow and Forecast spey blanks and would love to have more information from those who have built on them. Thank you.

Gee, thanks, you just cost me $100!

Now I have no choice but to go out and buy one of these. I was supposedly going to wait until my current projects were done and out the door...but now...grr!

Hi Steve
I bought the kit from Hook and Hackle and basically used that so can't be too detailed on components. The only changes I made were too cut the foregrip down to 9" and position it 6" above the top of the reel seat so creating a split handle. I finished the top of the reel seat with a cork collar 3/4" wide cut from the waste cork. I feel this adds to the lightness and allows more flex in the butt section. I also think that it looks great, although a bit radical for the conservative salmon fishers in Scotland! I just think that it is a great blank and incredible value for money. Some things just work!!
My next version (and there will be a next version) will be made with higher quality components as I think the blank deserves it.
Regards
Dave Olley