I'd like to build a quality, but relatively inexpensive 4 pc, 9ft 8wt fly rod. The rod will be used primarily for Great Lakes steelheading and warmwater bass fishing, although I will occasionally use it for other species. I used to use Batson Rainshadow blanks exclusively, but now I'm considering using a Pac-Bay Rainforest IM7 blank. Does anybody have any experience and/or opinions on this blank? Thanks a lot.

Don:

Aside from the RX7+ and RX8+ fly blanks, all the other Rainshadow fly blanks are made overseas. I have fished a few of them and they are good quality fly blanks. Do not be hesitant to purchase a rainshadow blank. You will get good value for your money. However, if you wish some great, and I mean great fly blanks, consider the RX7+ and the RX8+. Both are top of the line blanks and made in the us. I have cast them both and they are my choice for top end blanks.

However, if you wish to use the Pac Bay Rainforest blanks, they are also a good value. It is my belief that they are not made in the USA. Again, the choice is yours. I do have a Rainforest 8 weight just waiting to be built. i also have one of my students who made up a Rainforest 6 weight intoa great rod.

Doug Weber
Weber Rod Works

Don: Please excuse me for interfering

Don & Dough: You both seem to know about Batson's Rainshadow blanks.
I am to build a 4 pcs. #4 or #5 rod for a friend whos budget dosn't allow a St.Croix SC-IV blank.
I have been looking at the Batson RX7 (IF904-4 or IF905-4) Do you have any experiece with theese blanks?

Thanks
Kim

Kim, I have made and fished both the St. Croix IV and the RX7 and both rods were nice but the St. Croix IV was a slightly faster blank than the RX7 although I like the olive green gloss finish of the RX7 vs the matt evrgreen finish of the SC IV (just personal choice here).
The SC IV 9 ft 5 wt was a very powerful 5 wt and more so than the RX7. I'm not sure if the CC data is posted for these two blanks but I would be surprised if it didn't back up my subjective thoughts.