I have searched for info on this blank and have not turned up specific data on it's line rating other than the CC information, (which might as well be in Greek) but if I am intrepreting correctly, this blank is closer to a 5wt than a 4 and no where near a three. Is that consistent with those of you that have built on this blank? Any information as to relative quickness, recovery, lines used and etc would be much appreciated. Comparisons to other manufacturers rods would help also.

Thanks in advance,

Bill

Hi Bill! This is a beautiful blank, to be sure--but you're right in your assessment that it's more a 4 than a 3 (at least for my kind of fishing). As you probably know, a blank loads up based on the line weight in grains, so 35 ft of 3wt line will load this about the same as 30ft of 4wt. I've tested a number of these and they consistently come in around a "solid" 4 using the Common Cents System. HOWEVER, they cast a 3wt line quite nicely...especially on the slightly longer distances. I've found that despite what you end up with re: CC numbers, Dan's blanks are rated the way they are for a reason--they really do cast that line weight nicely, the way he envisioned when he designed the blank(s).

In terms of recovery, etc., this blank has a fantastic speed of recovery--it throws incredibly tight loops and can generate very high line speed. It's one of my 3 or 4 favorites or Dan's lineup. VERY smooth in the casting stroke, and incredibly light in hand--especially if built with REC Recoil guides or H&H standoffs. "Smooth and CRISP" is probably the best description--crisp NOT meaning stiff.

I like it with Rio PocketWater and Cortland Clear Creek (both in 4wt), but recently tried it with AirFlo's Platinum Chalkstream 4wt and absolutely loved it--that line is a little "heavy" (i.e. more like a 4.3wt) and it loaded the blank beautifully while still allowing for very delicate presentations, even in close.

I don't personally think the Sig V has a peer, but the Sage XP would probably come closest for comparison.

Hope this helps! :)

Bill:

I have a Sig V 8' 4" 4wt that I built about 2 years ago. I actually met Dan for a coffee while in his neighborhood and purchased it at the time. I did not know it was a 3/4wt, so I have built and fished it as a 4wt. Like John, its one of my favorite 4wt rods!! Since it is a shorter rod, I tend to fish it on smaller streams where my casts are not beyond about 40 - 50 ft so the 4wt line works well for me. I use a Cortland 444 Classic line (peach color) and it is great!! It gives a nice delicate delivery of smaller flies. I also agree with all the positive things John says about the blank in terms of its feel and handling. Like I said, it one of my favorite 4wt rods.

If you are looking for a 3wt rod, my favorite is the Rainshadow IF793, a 2 piece, 7' 9" rod in their RX7 line.

I hope this helps.

Bob Widmaier

I have built two rods on this blank. The blank is very light, and has a medium fast action. If you keep the weight of the guides to a minimum they are very quick. Although they CC around 5.4 to 5.5, and would cast a five weight at close distances, to me they are four weights. In fact I use a DT3F Mastery, and it casts that line nicely once the rod begins to load, about 35’.

i don't have much experience with fishing different blanks. so far i've been concentrating on forecast in the 7'-6" through 8'-6" sizes and pac bay rainforests, in 7-9/3wt and 9 foot, 4 wt, but so far, the signature V 8'-4" 3/4 weight is my favorite. the only thing i DON'T like is it's a 3pc, when i would have rather had a 4 pc at the time, but now, for all practical purposes it's something i don't even think about anymore.

many people refer to it as being a light blank. it doesn't seem so to me, maybe because the blank's diameter is bigger thyan the 7'-9" rainforest i have in the 3 wt so it's misleading in my head, but it's not heavy either, far from it actually. keep in mind my limited experience with blanks ;-) when i started flyfishing, i pictured myself leaning towards "moderate" actions, chalk it up to the romantic in me. we all know how subjective that term is nowadays. this Sig V is not what most would term moderate, yet, it's action is pretty nice. in fact, it's changed my perspective. the "fast recovery" is a nice feature. i'm not a great caster by any means but it allows me to reach 40 feet easily without much thought put to it and i would imagine quite farther with a little concentration but my fishing conditions don't require it. some say it casts FOR you, and i would nod in agreement. i chose the sanded matte finish, matching it up with a bellinger cap and ring downlocking seat and black and white jasper thread with single foot titanium coated wire guides (i think). the offset single foots from hopkins and halloway would be rather nice i think, if it didn't compete with tube storage issues.

i've only used a rio selective trout WF4F but feel no need to experiment yet. it casts wonderfully with this line (for me) and i usually fish 20-40 feet out on streams for trout.

eric
fresno, ca.

Gentlemen,

Thanks for all the most helpful information, much more than I expected. I have some experience with the Dan Craft blanks, having built on the 8'9" four weight which I use alot. Interestingly, that blank actually made up into a 8'11" rod and there are ocassions when it is just too much of a tool. The smaller 8'4" sounds like it would fill a niche for me. I have a ultra light REC pewter alum/cocobola reel seat and I would match it up with the Recoil guides and top. From the descriptions you all have provided, that should make up into a nice rod.

Thanks again for all the help,

Bill Vance