Just finished a new rod with composite grips and micro guides. Took awhile to put those litte booggers on. Applied finsh and done. Went out side to test cast the finished product and on the third cast the rod tip broke 12 inches from the top. Must of had a bad spot on the blank. O well. Stripped it down and am going to start another one. Live and learn.

You SIR - are to be commended for your calmness and persistence at such a time as you describe! Your medication must be more effective than the generic stuff I use. Others may question you about the blank origin but I only would like to know the name of the pills and the dosage.

Stuff happens unfortuantely. Make this lesson learned - fully flex every rod you build before you start. Cieling poking doesn't count either, fix teh butt in a piece of PVS for rodholder or something, and pull teh tip down hard to a regular fishing angle. I high stick my rods, so I simulate high sticking before I start. IT's not foolproof, but it does help and it makes me feel better that it was me and not the Blacnk company who's at fault in the event of a breakage.

??? Was the break at the end of a guide wrap? Wrapping too tight? Just wondering!!!

Bill in WV

Flexing the blank before you start is OK but a word of caution here. Be sure you keep your body and face away from the rod tip. If it slips out of your hand or breaks it can lay your face open like a knife.

Thanks for the replys. Not on any medication though for this. The blank was purchased in High Poing at the swampland booth. I know that every once in a while there can be a problem with some blanks so I am not to concerned with that. Just wanting to get started on the next build that hopefully will go alot better.

Brad: I now need more medication! Please contact me via email and we will gladly replace the blank and a little Lagnaippe for you troubles.

Was this one of the discount blanks or a Castaway XP3?

Billy - the appropriate stress testing of blanks is a very important issue. Many custom builders have been in a production facility and are aware of the correct stress testing procedure used.

Many companies that sell blanks perform a series of quality control tests that insure that blanks meet the standards of design. Typically measurements of butt and tip diameter, conformity to action requirements, straightness and visual examination for finish and visual flaws are included.

There companies that build production rods. Before a production rod is built a stress test performed on blanks by experienced technicians, which subjects the blanks to extreme load at high speed. This test is performed prior to investing labor and materials on a blank that may fail due to a defect that was not possible to be detected visually.

Castaway builds production rods and subjects blanks to the required stress levels. Castaway offers blanks to custom builders through Swampland Tackle. Please take a close look at the Terms and Conditions listed on the attached link.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

All XP3 blanks sold by Swampland are warranted by Swampland. All XP3 blanks are stress tested in the Castaway production plant prior to deliver to Swampland.

In South Louisiana we call this additional service "A Little Lagnaippe" and this little something extra could be quite important to custom builders.

Bill it was an swr mb 843 blank. Thanks for the offer. That really means a lot to the rob building ind.

Bill, I'm with you. My meds are good but not this good.

Uncle Russ
Calico Creek Rods

Amen to the Meds!!!!

Bill in WV