I'm getting ready to build an 8wt to fling some bass bugs and looking for blank advice. My first build (this will be #4) was on a Batson RX6 8'6" 4pc 5wt. I chose this blank mostly because of price so if I totally fudged the build I wouldn't be out much. The build went great and it turned out I really like the way it casts. I mention this an indicator for the type rod that feels comfortable to me and also as an admission that I learned a valuable lesson. It doesn't take an expensive blank to make a nice rod. I'm thinking of building on a 9' 4pc 8wt Tiger Eye and I have seen some very positive comments on this blank, but I've also read some posts that indicate the heavier weight blanks in the RX6/Tiger Eye category don't have quite the same action as the lighter ones. Anyone care to offer thoughts on this? Unfortunately, there aren't any entries on the Common Cents page for these blanks in this weight range so I can't use that for comparison.

Thanks,
Dan

I built on one of these 8wt blanks and was completely satisfied with the results...I have brought many nice fish to hand with it; bonefish, pike & bass. It was a good purchase for me. As to the lighter weights & comparing them to heavier weights of the same brand/model, I'm afraid I won't be much help. To me, it is hard to compare "actions" between fly rod line weights by "feel" when you are jumping up between rods, i.e., comparing a 5 wt "action" to a 6wt is possible, but comparing that same 5wt to an 8wt doesn't work for me...there is too much to take into account for my tactile senses to make a good/accurate comparison. Until there is some CC data on the two rods in question, I wouldn't hazard a guess, but take each rod on its merits and trust the recommendations of the knowledgable folks who prowl this board daily.

2 cents,

Tim

I have a 5 wt & an 8wt tiger eye and while obviously very different they still have a similar action. It is a sweet rod. Moderate action but still plenty of backbone........I landed an 8 lb large mouth this year on this rod with about 5 extra lbs of salad on the end when it was all said and done....rod has performed beyond my expectations...a great value. Please note Both my Blanks are the 2 pc models not the 4 pc. It is a bit heavier than some of the more expensive blanks but I am a big guy and don't seem to get fatigued casting it all day.

Thanks for the feedback. I do understand an 8wt is going to cast different than a 5wt, but it doesn't sound like it's going to feel like a wet noodle so I think I'm going to go for it. Also, I'm 6'2" 250lbs, the little extra weight of the blank isn't going to bother me either. I guess if I'm not thrilled with the result I could just build myself another on a different blank. Like I'd need an excuse... :-)

Once again, thanks.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/08/2006 05:15PM by Dan Weikert.

If you like the RX7 blanks the Tiger Eye or 8 wt RX7 will be right up your alley. Have sold a whole bunch of RX7 8 wt 9 and 10 ft blanks to salmon/steelheaders and have used my RX7 to throw rabbit strip streamers and sliders to bass with good results.