Hi, everyone...

I just received a Forecast spinning blank, 6'6", 2pc.

At the tip end of the butt section, about the last 6 inches gently tapers wider, and then back in. The blank still fits neatly into the tip section, but I can feel and see that the blank has this gentle, smooth "reverse" taper.

In fact, here I'll measure what I've got. Remember, this is roughly a 3'4" butt section, and I'm giving measurements from the butt towards the tip end:

Butt = 0.320"
5.25" behind the tip = 0.170
3.25" behind the tip = 0.200
Tip of Butt section = 0.170

Now that I see that measured, it doesn't seem like much, but I can feel it. My question for all of you is whether or not this is a serious flaw, likely to cause any problems in terms of structural integrity.

What it looks like, is that this "bulge" is where the corner of the skinny little triangle of fabric for the blank ended up. I can see that change in the overall "grain" of the blank, which happens to be finished in a striking gloss plum.

Should I keep this blank or send it back?

-Rob

Call Batson and ask.

IT'S NOT A FORECAST!

I'm really sorry for my mistake. The blank in question is one of the Sportsman's series from NetCraft.

I am also currently building a Forecast fly rod, and I order almost all of my stuff from NetCraft, so that's my lame excuse.

I've built a number of Forecast fly rods and used a couple of Rainshadow blanks. I've never had any problems with any of their products, and I've been absolutely impressed by the level of customer service that they have provided to me, especially since I'm just a small-time retail customer. (They are a supplier, so they don't even market to guys like me, but they are really helpful and have sent me catalogs and emails!)

I am also happy with NetCraft, and I'll talk to them today about how to proceed with my bulging blank.

Thanks, Cliff, for the email and setting me straight. You are a great resource for everyone here.

-Rob

Rob,
Where you see what you are talking about is on the import blanks that still have the ground ferrules. They build up the tip of the butt section then grind them to fit the tip section.

Todd

Regards,
Todd Vivian
Mud Hole Custom Tackle

todd@mudhole.com

Todd,

Thanks, that's exactly what it looks like. I'm slow, but I am starting to learn that I get what I pay for. I've used those blanks before, because I'm "thrifty" (not the phrase my wife uses). I've been happy with them, and NetCraft, but I also have decided that there are some better blanks out there for the money. This project happens to be for a fund-raising raffle, and it's a pretty subtle thing, but I don't think I'll use that particular line of blanks again.

-Rob

Rob,
I wasn't by any means trying to move you into another product. I'm a firm believer that if it has been working for you don't change.

Todd

Regards,
Todd Vivian
Mud Hole Custom Tackle

todd@mudhole.com