Hey all I decided against the 10 ft St croix rod I bought to go with my 560 due to balance issues and was looking for a rec. I don't care if it's a 1 or 2 piece, 9-10 ft, using 2-3 oz. lures, beaches, and perhaps braid. Does anyone have this reel on a rod and love the set up?

Take your pick of the Rainshadows: 1087, 1088, 1145, 1207, or 1208. However, I would make it 10'6 and get the 1266. Better yet, find an Allstar 1265 at 10'6. I finally located a pair of the blanks and it was worth the search. It is by far the best blank I have used for 2 ounce offerings. I am sure Batson will come out with a 1265 sooner or later.

RainShadow Surf Blanks (SU)
*** All these Surf Blanks are on SPECIAL now ***
[fishsticks4u.com]

Luis, I don't have a Slammer 560, but I do have a 460, and I believe there's only an ounce difference in weight, so what I went through this winter might help you.

I too was going to be using my Slammer for plugging the surf, and since I prefer rods to be shorter (especially for plugging), I went with an 8-foot, 1-piece St. Croix rated 1/2-2 oz. (I have a few plugs that are heavier than two ounces, but I don't use them much, and I have another plugging rod rated 1-3 oz. for them). I finished the rod a few months ago, and I love it. It peforms flawlessly, is well balanced, and is just a whole lot of fun to fish with. I've even had a few guys on the beach ask me where I got it, and where they can get one, but I don't know that I'm ready to start building for others yet.

I don't know enough about blanks to give you a specific recommendation on make and model -- those above are surely good ones -- but I'd recommend a 9-footer rated 1-3 oz. This will be perfect for your plugging, especially if you don't throw anything less than 1 oz. (I frequently do -- mostly small crippled herrings and bucktails -- which is why I went lighter). My guess is that the balance was off because the 10'6" was just too long for a plugging stick. I think with a 9-footer, or even an 8'6", you'll get great results. Good luck.