I'm writing to hear what experiences people have had w/ these fly rod blanks.

Can anyone coment on how they compare to the big guys' blanks of the same nature? quality of blank ? finnish? Action? Performenace? Weight?

Also, since so many of the big guys have updated their blank technology, is Batson due for an upgrade? just wondering...

Thanks much in advance. mpp

They are new blanks the older version was the RX8s.

Personally i use a Batson RX8+ in a 9ft 6in #7 and although it feels a tad heavier in the air during the casting stroke than my sage z axis ,i have more confidence in it because of this extra weight especially when using very fast sinking lines,
It easily handles everything i could ask of it for throwing weighted flies to the extreme,on the other hand it still allows me to fish small size 14 dries on 4lb tippet without snapping fish off.
basically its among the top end blanks and is better than some top end blanks costing a lot more money.

Mike,
We've used the RX8+ for our high end rods and have had nothing but rave reviews from clients. We specifically like the 9' in 9 or 10 weight for the big stripers we get here in New England

Dave

Great Bay Rod Co.

I built a 9x9 for a guy and didn't want to give it to him-I wanted to keep it. I would bring this rod to any casting contest and clean house! Second to none!!!

Paul

Michael,
I won a 9' 5-wt 5-pc Rx8+ at the ICRBE in 2005. Finally got it put together and used it this year. Good casting rod and handles smaoo dries really well. Plus, it does well with heavier nymphs. You will not go wrong with an RX 8+. Bob

I think you'll find that blanks like this often perform every bit as well as more expensive "name" blanks from other makers.


.....................

From what i have read today the rx8+ is getting close to the price of a sage z-axis blank. A z-axis kit can be purchased as cheap as $325. 590-4.

To each their own, Sage isn't selling the Z-Axis as well as they hoped around my area. Some are trying to get the blanks out the door by giving away a low end cork and reelseat, etc. with it. You notice that the list price of the 4 piece Sage is the same as the kit price. The RX8+ is also available as a 5 piece. Anyway you look at it they are still a much better value.

Hi I had took the bull by the horns and built my first build on a z-axis 590-4 then after reading a little more on other blanks and the statement by SParton see my other post below this on this forum sites the cost of building a blank in the UK compared to for east. He reckons that any blank that cost more than £45 uk approx $90 us is a getting very high.
production cost should be about $30 cost selling price $90
First posted here
[www.sexyloops.com]
So a blank costing $200 plus is heading way above that.
I am trying to research out my next blank at the right price thats all.
I would like to try the various big names in blanks but living here in the uk adds import costs and handling taxes a factory sage here can sell at over $1000 for a 590-4 z-axis
before i build my next project for my web site
www.graylinghunter.co.uk
i want to be a little more conservative on price for the first time fly fisher without compromising performance.
I like myrpls xps and my z-axis so i am a fast action rod person although i do get pleasure from very light mid flex soft 8 foot 5wts in the right conditions

The hook and hackle hhx blanks are batson 4pc rx8's in a mat black finish and reasonably priced. I build a 9' 8wt for the salt and I love it. Super fast, light and smooth and durable.