Hate this to sound like another survey , but I get this enough now that I need an updated opinion. If someone comes to you for a custom rod and finds the lead time too long and says "what do you recommend for a commercial rod" what is your opinion? Use classification as fly, fresh, and salt to apply. I know mine but no longer sure. Thanks for a response. Ron

St. Croix for fly rods for me. The other name brands are for snobs who have nothing else to do but blow hundreds of dollars to fatten some advertising executive's bank account :).

AMEN Scott....

The "I know mine but I am no longer sure" is very appropriate. Three years ago I would have told you to get a Falcon, Allstar, Castaway or Kistler for inshore popping rods. You would have probably spent upwards of $ 150 for the better versions. Now if you look carefully in the discount houses you can find the above listed brands in the $ 49 - $ 79 range. Wally World presently is running a special for an Alstar 1.18 M Korean popping rodfor the everyday low price of $ 12.86. Note the spelling of the brand name - not a spelling error just plain devious. Evidently they too have caved in to the presure of doing business in China. My current response to your question is to shrug my shoulders, claim ignorance and ask them to plan ahead for their purchases of quality custom equipment.

Gon Fishn

Cabelas still sells a great US made product for all types of fishing (at least for now)... Their dedication to customer service can't be beat by anyone in the industry, BAR NONE. I shop Cabelas exclusively for those reasons.

I usually suggest Graphite USA for their variety, fit and finish.

I'd have to go with G-USA, followed by St Croix for all round. I've got rods from almost any maker that I truly love from over the years though. The old Daiwa VIP's, Penn International, older G-Loomis (although the only ones I have are stock), and some Japanese makers. Cape Fears are nice, although I never understood how a 300 plus dollar factory rod could have hardaloy guides and that be "OK".

Rainshadow's have a nice finish and is as hard as steel.

Thanks for the opinions. I will be always locked into med-medhvy-hvy saltwater. It has just become a niche and Calstar, Cape Fear, and Crowder have become commercial (I can get away with) for a "buy it now". Phil you are reading my mail on Cape Fear but they will upgrade the hardloys to SiC as "custom" rods according to customers. When I build on their blanks, the oxides always are upgraded. Again thanks for the names, they are noted and confirmed that a" builder" still has no real competitor. Can we say we rule?