Hello all,

I have finished my first rod, a Seeker CJB90F for general fishing. In the near future I plan to build a new rod, all graphite, no E or S glass incorporated. After intense reading and comparing, I have found two rod blanks that would fit my needs:

United Composites-USA (Graphite USA) - B85MAG
Batson Rainshadow - SW1088

I am looking for a 100% graphite rod without the graphite/E glass splicing like the Seeker rod. The new rod will be used for lake (shore and boat) fishing and ocean (pier and surf) fishing. One very important factor, the rod MUST be able to lift straight up 20-25 lb. I will be throwing jigs and sinkers in the range of 1-3 oz. I like a rod that is a bit stiff, not a buggy whip type. I saw the article about the strength of the double helix concept rod from Graphite USA, but looking at the picture of the rod, looks like is spliced with something as well. The Seeker rod fits the need just right but I want a rod that looks different.

If you have built or used any of the two mentioned rod blanks, please share your opinion. Thank you.

I would call Karry Batsob and get his input. this same goes for USA. The double Helix is old school it has been around awhile. Powell rods were using it back in the early or mid 80's. The rods weigh a little more. I had a Powell Helix 10 wt. fly rod years ago it was much heaver than a standard 10 wt. graphite rod at that time

Good Wraps Bob

Rods needed to dead lift that much weight should not be all graphite. TEhy are not designed for that and if you make one mistake the rod will break.

Graphite USA is no more. They went Tango Uniform some time ago and have been bought by United Composites USA.
Take good care of the blank you have because a warranty is out of the picture.

The only other blank I think even capable of something like this is a St Croix 2M79XXXH, 65-100#, but I'm 100% with Billy on this.

Deadlifts are better left to composites. Another option is tot ake a look at jigging master's 8' stuff.

Lamiglas Tri-Flex blanks are composites that are not spliced. Tip to toe blended fabrics. They are VERY strong and durable. Call Todd at Mud Hole, he designed them and can help you with the various models.

Thank you all for the imputs. Can somebody tell me more about the United Composites-USA (Graphite USA) - B85MAG?

United Composites blanks are currently being sold by Charkbait only as far as I know.
They are in the process of getting up to speed after GUSA had things less than optimum towards the end when they went under.
They do not offer exactly the same line up as GUSA did but I think they are probably pretty close to what used to be offered.
Lamiglass also makes some real sweet graphite blanks that deserve a look too.

From our records I have the following information.

The SW1088 flexes at 90 degrees from butt with 11 pounds of weight viced six inches up from butt.

The SW1087 flexes 31 inches down with two pounds of weight viced six inches up from butt.
The SW1088 flexes 27 inches down with two pounds of weight viced six inches up from butt.
The SW1089 flexes 21 inches down with two pounds of weight viced six inches up from butt.

Karry Batson
Batson Enterprises Inc.
Ph: (877) 875-2381
Fax: (360) 683-3579
karry@batsonenterprises.com
www.batsonenterprises.com

Just talked to Karry and got the info. Thank you very much, super helpfull guy.
I will stay with SW1088 blank for my future rod build, towards the winter (summer in Arizone, winter elsewere...)

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Kerry is the man with the correct info

Good Wraps Bob

One more question please regarding the SW1088 blank:
The butt grip will be either 12" or 14" Hypalon 11/16" ID foam and for the foregrip I will be useing a 10" Hypalon foam but which size? 1/2" or 11/16" ID?. I will be geting them from Mud Hole.

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If you are getting the blank from MH ask them to match all the parts. If you have never installed a foam grip be fore do a search. Foam well stretch. What you do is have a mixture of denatured alcohol, water and couple drops of Joy/Dawn dish soap. this is for clean up. Now, I use Rod Bond mix up your bonding agent. Next take the grip and let it free fall down the rod. Where it stops mark 4 inches above the grip, I use a china marker to mark the blank. Remove. Now take the mix and smear it on the blank from the mark down. I use cheap surgical gloves. I place a glob of mix on a glove and spread it on the blank. Next place the grip on the rod and let it free fall into the bond mix slowly turn the grip and lubricate the grip. Next bring up the grip to where it is above the bond mix, using your thumb and fore finger pinch hard the vary top of the grip. Now in one motion slide the grip down to where you want it. DO NOT STOP!!! After the grip is in place, Use the liquid mix to clean up all the bonding agent from the blank and grip

Good Wraps Bob