I want to make a light spinning outfit for big tarpon (15-25 lb test) that I am going to rig with 20 lb power pro line to put strong pressure on the fish. I have narrowed the blanks down to a Cape Fear blank (ADV174-70B) or a G.Loomis blank (L905-GL2). The Hextek technology of the Cape Fear blanks sound great on paper but do they produce like the company claims they do? Are they strong and durable?
Mike

I don't think the Cape Fear blanks are available any longer, I wouldn't restrict myself to the Loomis either. One of the sweetest tapon rods I've ever used was on the Lamiglas GLB901MT blank, and the Rainshadow SW967 would also be a fine choice.

I believe Cape Fear has gone by the wayside.

I just called Cape Fear rod co. And I got an answer, I have know Raeford for years, I haven't heard anything about them going out of business. The blanks are excellent to fish with I own about 10 of them and they are great. You will not be dissapointed.

They do not provide the stiffness to weight ratio that any tubular blank does, but their forte was also promoted as being a nearly indestructable blank. They are tough. If that's what you're after, then I think you'd probably like them.

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There's fisherman that swear by them and love them 10 times over!..... I'd also venture to guess there's a bunch custom rodbuilders that love the way a "stop sign" spins on a lathe during the wrapping process, and how evenly finish can be applied in two coats, and how easy it is to add a trim band to a flat blank etc...