Hello, I have been hearing a lot about the rainshadow blanks and recieved their catalog. They say they check their blanks for straightness and proper spline deflection. Now, I have been using St. Croix, cause its what I started with and I am wiery about switching to something I have never casted. On the most recent one, a 8'0" 4wt SCIV. I noticed when checking the spline on the tip section, it was s-shaped a little and the spine didn't match the curve. Is this a common thing on these blanks or did I just get the needle in the hay stack. I know it won't affect the performance, but its more a phycological thing , because I know its there. Are the Rainshadow blanks tested for this defect or not and how does the performance compare to SCIV.

That's not a defect. The effective spine (which is an effect, not a physical thing) and where you mark it will almost never be in line with the natural curve or warp of any rod blank.

Depending on what you call "straight," you'll find that most all rod blanks have some amount of natural curve or warp to them.

The St. Croix SCIV blanks are exceptional, in my opinion. I have also tried a few of the Rainshadow blanks and can't find a thing in the world wrong with them. I suggest you buy one and try it for yourself. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

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Different feels and actions, both top quality. I find the SCIV my favorite blank for 3-6 wt.

I'm actually surprised that this is the first blank you've noticed it on. I think that my last 30 rods have had some slight curve to them somewhere along their length. I don't even think about it anymore, unless it's extreme. Then, I might consider building it on the straightest axis rather than on the spine. If it's just a slight bend/curve, I just build it on the spine, and realize that the fish I'm catching probably won't notice (nor will any other fishermen, for that matter).

Eric,

I cannot comment on the entire lineup. I do know that the IMU series of one piece Musky blanks are hard to beat for the money. They have given me some great service. They are priced right, work well and I do not have to babysit them. When you get a big Musky, coming to the boat, alot can happen, in a short period of time. Your rod is not shown a great deal of respect, at that point. The IMU blanks have held up well, in this regard.

Do not worry about slight imperfections in regard to straightness vs spine. Such an over rated thing in my opinion.

Dan Miller

I know I shouldn't be so anal about it, but I am a perfectionous in rodbuilding, tying flies, and anything flyfishing. Everyone I show my flyrods to say their so good and don't see the imperfections, because they don't build and what to look for. I know the flaws that are there and try to improve and them and then some on the next one. I know the blanks will have curve to them, but it just seemed a little extreme on this one. Thanks for the replies.

There is a point where you might want to be concerned, but only if the curve or warp seems to be hindering performance in some way. I know how some things can get in your head and bother you regardless, of course.

Without a doubt, if you sent the blank back to St. Croix, they would replace it for you, if you'd feel better about it.

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