Hi,
I'm wondering if anyone can suggest some alternate blanks for an All-Star Austin 8'6" 6wt. Looking for something around the $100 mark. The replies aren't for me, but for a friend for whom I'm going to build the rod, to help him make his decision-- so suggestions to compare CCS data won't be helpful.

Thanks a bunch,
Daniel.




Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/06/2006 02:56PM by Daniel Axelrod.

I think Andy at Lamar Fishing may have an Austin 8 ft 6 in 2 piece.

I checked with him first, and he's out of the 866-2's.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/06/2006 04:48PM by Daniel Axelrod.

Check with Dan Craft

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

Austin.......There is no substitute.


Andy Dear
Lamar Mfg.

Now I don't claim to be an expert on the Austin line, but those fly rods that I did try (I thought )seemed similar to the St. Croix SC IV models, if that is any help at all.

I too thought some of the "old" SC IV were similar, haven't fished a new one. My son fishes a 9 ft 7wt and 9 ft 5 wt Austin and loves them.

Using your $100 criteria you would do well to consider a Dan Craft blank. They make into very good rods with a bit more power than the Austins in the 5 & 6 # range. I have rods built from both blanks.

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

If Stan was talking about the Sig. V 8'9" 5wt. 3pc. as a sub. for the All-Star Austin BAF866, I think that will get you close. My St. Croix Legend Ultra factory rod UF865 CCs and feels very similar to the BAF866, with the St. Croix feeling a little lighter to me. That St. Croix blank is discontinued but if you can find one, it's sweet.

The Austin BAF866 is probably the easiest casting 6wt. for me that I have ever cast. The line just seems to leap off the end of that thing with no effort whatsoever. Whoever designed that blank gets a gold star.