I am interested in building a fly rod for my Grandson (still too young to cast) and have been looking at the American Tackle Matrix, Pac Bay Rainforest and Forecast RX6 blanks. The rod will be a 7'6' four weght in 2pc. Do any of you experts have a history with any or all of these blanks and can make a recomendation?

If you have other blank suggestions please feel free to fire away. I plan on using Rec recoil snakes and a very light weight Rec Alum reelseat with spalted maple insert which I turned myself using a cordless drill (slow but can be done). Also open to thread color suggestions for any blank you think best.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Bill Vance

I have a lot of personal experience with the RX6s in lighter weights. I like them and the finished rods. They are often described as excellent blanks for the price. imo they are excellent blanks. I think the dark blue (as opposed to the old teal) gives you lots of options. Personally I'd make it bright and fun. Not a Snoopy rod just something bright & "cool". If he's old enought a favorite sports team color perhaps.

i've fished the RX6 7'6 for 4wt but only in the four piece configuraiton. great blank.

eric
fresno, ca.

I've built 2 of the 7'6" 4 wt 5 piece, one for my use and one for a charity @#$%&. It's a fun rod, actually my favorite at this time for smaller waters and for lakes. It's a medium action rod making it easy and fun to cast. I highly recommend Batson rods. On the last one I made, I screwed up the decal application (twice) and so I e-mailed Batson, and they had a new one in the mail that day, along with some tips on how not to screw it up again.

Wayne

I built a 3-wt forecast and like it. I agree with previous post, it is fun to fish with

Thanks, guys. I can always count on help on this board. Always good advice and quick responses. I have placed my order for the Forecast RX6 blank, recoil guides, top and stripper. These should be closer to bullet proof than others for a rambunctious boy. Also ordered a 6.5" cigar grip not yet inletted.. I will most likely need some advice on how to inlet a cigar grip when the inletting is so close to the diameter of the grip.

I also ordered a spool of royal blue metallic thread. For added glitz have any used all metallic thread wraps?

Thanks again for all your help/

Bill Vance

I used all Sulky Copper metallic for wraps on a hunter green blank. I really liked the look. Very different. I think the copper on the blue would be an eye catcher too.

I used metallic thread for the first time last month on a Tiger Eye blank. Was very pleased with it for wrapping ease and for appearance. Only difference I noted was I had to use two coats of Threadmaster when I usually only need one on standard A thread.

Tony M