I purchased two 4wt blanks from FishSticks4u during their recent sale. They both appear to be of superb quality but since I don't have anything to directly compare them to I wonder if anyone has built them and has had a chance to fish them and would like to share their feelings as to how they fish/act. They seem to be of a relatively small diameter and maybe less tip action than the Dan Craft FT blanks of the 5-6 wt range. Anyway, don't want to compare apples to oranges, but does anybody have an opinion.
Thanks

You might be able to find some comparitive info on the CCS data site if you look.

I have an RX7 in a #4 and it's okay. Not as fast as I've grown to like but it's a good rod by any count. Why not just mock them up with grip and guides and go out and cast them youself and see what you think? That might be better than relying on somebody else's opinion that might like something entirely different than you to begin with.

I agree, a half hour of time and a little masking tape and you'll have your answers. There is also reveiws of some of the Rainshadow products, and other blanks in the archives at flyanglersonline.com.

The RX7+ has a little more relaxed feel than a "fast" blank will. I've sold a ton of rods built on them and if you aren't looking for a really fast rod, they're a good way to go. The RX8+ blanks are my new favorite fly rods. I wish they came in a 2 pc just for the ease of selling them. A lot of casters still shy away from the multi pc rods. As Spencer and Danny said, take a few minutes and set them up for some test casting. You'll definately feel a big difference between the two. I would venture to say that if you really like the feel of one, you probably won't like the other one so much. It just depends on your casting style. Good luck

Jeff Hunter

Thanks for the response. I'm not sure if I really have a casting style yet as fly fishing is still somewhat new to me and I've only finished a few rods so far and haven't had much of a chance to fish them or perfect my casting. The CCS site has some information on Forcast and Rainshadow blanks but nothing specific on the RX7+ & 8+. . Thanks Jeff for your reply. It sounds as if I might have something to look forward to next trout season with my new Batson blanks. Unfortuately for now, 2 much work + 2 much commute = too little time 4 working on rods or fishing! Sounds way too depressing. 2006 will just have to be a better year for fishing and rod building. Maybe a trip to Charlotte in Feburary would be a good start!
Thanks Guys