i have a rainshadow IM6 rod, how do some others compare to this blank?

There is probably not such thing at the "the best" IM6 blank. The blank that is the best for you won't be the best for me and vice versa. You have to consider what characteristics you desire in a blank and find one that matches those. There are very few "bad" blanks on the market today.

The Rainshadow blanks have a large and loyal following.

...........

TIGER-EYE is my choice ~~

See sponsors at the left------Neal's, Sevier Mfg, and maybe others carry the IM-6 TIGER-EYE.. Very nice blank for the action and the $$$$$$$$$$$$ ' s .

As an example of what Tom said, I have the Rainshadow IM6 IF865 and think it's a great all-around rod. It CC's at 5.79/64. Others think that the Winston IM6 865 is the way to go. However, that rod CC's at 3.42/58. So, the same fisherman is probably not going to like both of those rods equally well for the same line and casting distance. It all depends on how you want the rod to feel. I agree with something Tom has been saying a lot lately, "there really aren't many bad blanks out there". The overall quality of what is available is very high, it's just a matter of selecting the right blank for your project (power, action, color, price, etc.)

what do you mean by CC? how would that affect a rod?

Jeez, Steve, those two 865's look near identical to me! ;)

Putter
Williston, ND

Putter, yes indeed the world of fly blanks is some kind of crazy crap shoot if you don't know the numbers. Red, the CCS is the Common Cents System for measuring a blank's power and action. Power and action have a HUGE effect on how the rod casts and fishes. You can read about it at the link on the upper left. Then test your rods and you will know what to compare other blanks and rods to. Otherwise, it's almost impossible to make comparisons.

thanks for the help

I think you will find the CCS very useful. If you want to compare fly blanks based on something other than opinions and marketing information, this is the only way I know to do it. Step 1 is read the articles, especially articles 1 and 2. Step 2: test the rods and blanks you currently own and you will understand what 5.79/64, for example, actually feels like. Then you can decide if you want a new blank to have more/less power or faster/slower action. As a major league baseball player from the Dominican Republic might say, "the system, she is a good one."

I realized that I have been assuming you are talking about fly blanks and you never said that. Hmmm - fly rods on the brain I guess, sorry. CCS is equally good at comparing power and action for any type of blank, although it was designed with fly rods in mind, since power and action really affect personal preference. Some people prefer to cast with the blank really loaded and some people like a much crisper feel. And blanks labeled for a particular line weight can be all over the map in terms of power and action so without something quantitative, the builder or angler is left mostly guessing which blank will work best for him.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/20/2006 03:18PM by Steve Kartalia.

for durability,,i have beat the crap out of one my forecast 1025's for a little over a year.it is tied into a fly rod but i use mono on it.i have caught big salmon,stripers,steelhead and a few sharks on it..it has been smacked on limbs,poked into the water for a depth guage,used as a walking stick and much more..it is a little heavy as for blank weight but it ballances nice with my old martin #72 and gets my vote.

I don't think I can you really tell....I just picked up a sj blank($130), and then compared it to a similar sj blank that was $12......I got to say I couldn't tell the difference. Keep in mind I've only built two rods....and am working on several others. I regret spending top $ now looking back.......I don't know maybe I don't have the skill or maybe like Tom K said there are a lot of good blanks just what is right for you. I'm sure I'll be rediculed by some for making that statement, however it is true.

Red,

Both the Forecast and the Rainshadow (same company) blanks are very nice fore the $!

Rainshadow's have a big following.

A rod with a CC 3.42 will be loaded with a lot less line out than a rod with a 5.79. As more line goes out it may begin to feel "overloaded."

A simplification, I think....but in the ball park. "Feel" is subjecting, of course.

Anyway...your Rainshadow is a fine stick. I've built three Rainshadows and 4 Forecasts. None have disappointed.

Keith