Hello again, it's been awhile since I've visited. Some of you may remember a debate I started over the ultimate low cost speck rod. Well I've added two more to that list. The loomis P8400 and the Loomis Dropshot. The 8400 is one bad rod, and while the dropshot offers a really light tip, I found it to be too light when setting the hook. In addition each of these I don't consider inexpensive, so the search continues. At any rate, I have a problem matching a color against these mahogany blanks so if anyone has ideas I'd like to hear them. I'm using gold tags and guides. I'm also curious if there is a thread out there that will turn close to the same color of the blank if I don't use CP. Thanks in advance.

"One bad rod" Ok, maybe clarify this one. Bad as in not good, or bad as in awesome? Loomis' higher end blanks IMO do not fit into the inexpensive category, as you have found. What kind of lures/baits will you be tossing, and in what weight range? Other manufacturers may offer something close to what you want in a more pocket friendly price range. Have a look through Batson's RX6 and RX7 graphite blanks.

For the mahogany finish, try burgundy, or one of the deeper shades of brown. Remember the blank showing through without CP will contribute to darkening the translucent effect further. I think either chestnut or dark brown will work well.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/01/2006 09:37PM by Ted Morgan.

Shikari makes a similar action blank to the P8400 Loomis. They are the P7000 SH II, IP7000 SH III, and PP7000 SHX. Rainshadow makes a similar blank also, the IP841. Chestnut thread with no CP may be what your looking for.

Bad as in awesome. Lures range anywhere from 1/16 oz spoons to 1/2 oz topwaters with an emphasis on the lighter side. I actually bought a Rainshadow (or maybe Forecast I don't remember) "hotshot" blank and found it to be not in the same category in terms of action and power than the Loomis brand "hotshot". I also bought a 841 but I think it was more of a spinning rod than what some have said I should have been looking at the popping series, but I like this 8400 alot better than Loomis' P841, it is more "crisp" for a lack of better term. Not saying one experience is ruining me, but I don't have a local dealer of these and hate to order it if I haven't put my hands on it. I've already spent a good chunk of change. I was over in Andy Dear's neck of the woods but we missed each other so I still haven't tried the CTS lineup yet, but still look forward to doing so. These also however will be on the upper end of inexpensive. Thanks for the reply.

You beat me Spencer, thanks. I'll get some and do a test. Where does one find the Shikari blanks?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/01/2006 09:48PM by Robert Borgsmiller.

Shikari blanks has a link to the left. Versitex, Bingham's and I'm sure others carry Shikari.

Wierd, from where I'm standing the sponsors list is blank.

Robert,
Your pop-up blocker is preventing the sposors list from showing

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

The white CTS blank Andy sold me is a virtual clone of the blanks we've been talking about. The Rainshadow hotshot blanks are no way similar to your blank or the HS9000 blank I think you also mentioned. I have the 9000 blank in a couple configurations and have easily caught a larger variety of fish species on it than any other blank I have ever used. The GL3 blank is in my opinion superior to the other configurations.

Robert,this wrap is on a mahogany Loomis.[www.rodbuilding.org]

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

Thanks everybody. I see the sponsor list again. Thanks for the insight into the CTS Spencer. Makes me wish I would've been more aggressive in meeting up with Andy but oh well, next time.


Fred, that wrap looks good, just a little beyond my current ability, well actually beyond my available time and patience. I do see what you're getting at with the colors. I've got a different perspective now with the advice given, so it's off to thread shopping.