I have started building a Batson RX7+ in 7 weight and have had two experienced rod builders tell me that I would be happier if I built it and fished it as an 8 weight.

I was very surprised by this because while I do believe some of the very fast action rods (ex. Dan Craft FT) can and do perform better with more weight, I do not consider the RX7+ "very" fast. Maybe more like a "medium fast".

Now, there is another dimension that these two builders did not discuss --- distance being cast. I intend to use this rod for casting as far as I can in freshwater. I know you can load up any blank to shoot off a 30 foot cast when a Redfish pops up in front of you, but this rod will be for casting as far as I can.

Anyone have any personal experience with different lines on the RX7+?

Thanks.

I built that blank in an 8wt and it casts pleasantly with an WF8F Sci Anglers bonefish line. While I've never cast it with a heavier weight line, based on how it casts now, I don't think I would go heavier, and I suspect a heavier line would overload it if going for distance.

IMHO The best way to select the best weight line is to go to a shop that will let you test cast varuios lines and try them out before making a decision which one is the best for you and your casting technique. I have found that there is a difference in different brand lines labeled the same weight and the only way to find what suits you and the rod is to try them before buying.

Most all the shops where I shop have demo lines and are more than willing to let you try them out, it is well worth the time.

Bob Crook
La Pine, OR



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/18/2007 06:03PM by Bob Crook.

Per our earlier discussion... There is no such thing as "under-rating" a blank. What you don't know about the RX7, or any other rod blank for that matter, is what distance the rated line is recommended for. Batson Enterprises rates it for a 7 and I have absolutely no doubt that at the distance they intended it to be used a 7-weight line will be perfect. The question is, do you intend to use it at the same distance that they do?

If not, then you may have to use an 8-weight line, or perhaps a 6-weight line, to get the best performance from it. The line you use will depend solely on the distances you're casting. Remember, 25 feet of a 7-weight line doesn't weigh the same as 65 feet of that same 7-weight line.

My guess is that they have it rated for long distance use with a 7, so an 8 might be best for closer distances, say less than 50 feet. If you do the CCS measurements on it determine its relative power, you can tell exactly what lines will work best at various distances.


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

I would suggest a Rio Grande line in the 7wt. They are desigend for faster action rods and they really load the rods well. They also seem to work well at fairly short distnaces, roll casting and also for shooting line. Just my opinion, but have great success with those lines on fast rods, actually using the line the rod was rated for.

Bob McKamey -- Custom Tackle Supply