I'm considering building a 4 pc, 9 ft 8 wt rod. I like the Batson Rainshadow RX7 blanks, but I'm considering building this rod with either a Batson RX6 Forecast blank or a Pac-Bay Rainforest blank. Frankly, I don't feel like spending a great deal of money for the blank, but I want something of good (albeit not top of the line) quality and speed. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

I would build the Batson. However, Dan Craft has some 8wt. 5 piece blanks
on clearence if you want save some $ on a quality blank try him! his link is on
the left of the page.

Smooooth Wraps!!

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

I built a 2 piece 9' 9 weight on a Forecast blank because it isn't a rod I'm going to fish a lot on, and I wanted to keep expenses down. It casts just fine, and I'm more than satisfied with the rod. It isn't a superlight, superfast high modulus rod, but it is a decent rod for an outstanding price. In the shorter rods in lighter weights, I really like the Forecast line of blanks. But be sure to check out Utmost enterprises clearance/blems. RX7 9' 8 wt 4 piece for $26. I've built on a couple of their blems for personal use, and have had trouble finding the problem areas in the finish. You can also find the old (2003) Forecast series on clearance at several places, too.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/09/2005 09:34AM by Greg Hileman.