I received a mailer that Headwaters has a 20% discount on bamboo rods or blanks in February. Anyone build on any of their blanks ? Opinions ? It looks like one has to finish the blank in addition to building on components. What has been used and how applied/degree of difficulty ? I have built a number of graphite rods, but no bamboo. This might be a good way to see if I like bamboo ........ I fish with very fast rods, so would guess I'd have to learn a new stroke.

Thanks for any help/suggestions.

Tony M

Hi Tony,

I've built on HW blanks. They are built in China, and David is attempting to deliver a good product. I think they are good quality most of the time, but it is worth your while to inspect them carefully when you get them. One of the things to look for is to ensure the nodes are staggered and not built too close together. If you find this, then you should return it. I've not seen this issue lately so he's undoubtedly working on this.

They come unfinished so you'll have to use a UV protecting urethane or spar varnish to protect the blank. The only other tricky part is fitting the ferrules and ensuring that the completed blank is straight when all the sections are joined.

I think they are a little overpriced, but if you ensure you get a good quality blank, they make excellent rods. There are lots of choices for tapers and I find the 5 wt Deschutes to be a very crisp rod for a bamboo blank. Pretty fun to fish with. Remember that bamboo is much more durable than graphite.

Terry