Just wondering if anyone has noticed the RX6 blanks being more durable than the RX7. They are both excellent. I am going to build some lite 2pc spinning rods for canoe float trips and durability can be important.

I have read some of the RodMaker articles on graphite blanks, but just wondering if anyone has seen a real difference.

Thanks,
Marc

Marc...

I have used and abused both VERY HARD and my guide buddys have done the same. We have not noticed any difference what-so-ever. Rock-soild durability.

Paul

Marc,
The RX7 blanks are built with higher modulus of elasticity carbon fiber than the RX6. As the modulus of elasticity of a material goes up the strain energy goes down in direct proportion to the increase in the modulus of elasticity and naturally the opposite, as the modulus of elasticity goes down the strain energy goes up. Strain energy is the area under the stress/strain curve or how much energy will the blank absorb before it reaches its tensile strength limit and fractures but you can think of strain energy as toughness. Modulus of elasticity is arguably the most important property of the material in a rod. The higher the modulus of elasticity of the material the less of it that is required to get a given stiffness or power so with the higher modulus the weight goes down resulting in better sensitivity and better casting characteristics but poorer toughness.
In other words, you are right, RX7 blanks will be lighter than comparable RX6 blanks and have a number of positive characteristics that go along with the lighter weight but the RX7 will be less durable than the RX6. There are several design trade offs that can be made that tend to reduce the effect of lower strain energy somewhat but basically it is just the physics of the material and there is a limit to what the blank designer, in this case the folks at Batson Enterprises, can do.

very well said Emory I hope that people take note of this as it is really well said. Billy

Thanks both Paul and Emory. I think I'll go with the RX6 for this one.

Marc

Your welcome marc..

Paul