what are the practical effects of cutting, say, 2 in. off of the butt end of a fast taper blank? Does it effectively lose 1 power? just a slightly slower action? Will I notice the difference? Thanks.

Nathan Parker

Hardly noticeable at all. Not enough to make a difference.

Depends on how much of the total blank length that 2 inches constitutes. On a 4 foot rod blank, you'd notice more difference than you would on a 9 foot blank. Look at it as overall percentage.

You will lose some power, not much probably. And the action will become a little slower. How much so really all depends on the overall length of the blank you're starting with.

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I'm going to be mostly working with 7' blanks. Thanks. Unfortunately a 7' blank is a bit of a squeeze in a 7' rod locker, and 6'10" is nicer.

Nathan Parker

Several of the Batson blanks can be bought in 6'8"-6'10" so you won’t have to worry cutting and the action changing.

2 inches off the end of a 7 footer won't change it very much. It will change it, but not by much.

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Its' not like cutting a golf-club shaft by that much. Nowhere near as critical to the action.

Uncle Russ
Calico Creek Rods

Unless you are the kind of person who can feel a piece of hair wearing welding gloves, you will never notice the difference. Go for it.
John