Hi Folks,

what is the real difference between the to a.m. lines of blanks? I just know that the RX8 was discountinued and replaced by the RX8+


RGDS,
Ole

This is a good question Ole. I'm anticipating responses to and perspectives on this one.

Josh Markvan
www.markvanheirloom.com

RGDS

The difference between the RX8 and the RX8+ is that the 8+ has a carbon fiber scrim and the 8 has the standard type of scrim. THE 8+ is lighter in hand and has better sensitivity.

Hope this helps,

Bruce Young
Landing Gear

Have you tried going to Batson's web site for the info? Here's what their PDF catalog states:

RX8+
This is our “state of the art” material. The foundation
is a “High Modulus / High Strain Rate” fi ber
combined with a carbon fi ber scrim. A new space
age resin system coupled with a proprietary carbon
fi ber reinforcement technique makes this a cutting
edge graphite material. Blanks manufactured with
this material are the lightest, strongest and most
sensitive blanks made. Don’t ask for the modulus,
it’s proprietary.

RX8
This graphite material features cutting edge performance
at a reasonable price. The foundation is a
“High Modulus / High Strain Rate” fi ber (54 million)
combined with the lightest fi berglass scrim available.
Coupled with a cutting edge space age resin
system, blanks produced with our RX8 material offer
a superb sensitivity, strength and value.

To me, it sounds like there is a difference in the modulus they prefer not to be specific about, which probably affects the action/power to some degree.

It seems peculiar to me that despite these descriptions of fiberglass vs. carbon fiber and "cutting edge" "state of the art" language, the RX8+ 9'0" 5wt 4pc, with its "space age resin system" weighs MORE (1.70 ounces) than the old RX7 9'0" 5wt 4pc (1.65 ounces) with its old fiberglass scrim. How is this?
To speak of the RX8 vs the RX8+, the 8+ don't feel tremendously more "crisp in the hand" to me, and I've built and sold a good handful of both. I don't buy the marketing language. I'd like to know what SPECIFICALLY sets the 8+ apart from the old 8, beyond the finish.

Josh Markvan
www.markvanheirloom.com

Josh,
Have you taken CC measurements on both blanks? That could give you an indication of a difference in characteristics between the two from an objective perspective.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

This is true Stan. I guess I'm thinking mostly in terms of materials and blank weight when I ask "what's the difference?" and not so much taper, power, and action.

Josh Markvan
www.markvanheirloom.com