I'm looking for a couple of 1 pc., 7ft., 2-6 lb. fast blanks (similar to a Loomis GL3, but not those blanks) to build for spinning rods using the New Concept Guide System.
Ideally I prefer to use Batson, but they don't show anything in their catalogue.
Are there any other Batson/Rainshadows I can substitute?
Would their Inshore Popping blank IP840 work?
These will be trout rods for high Sierra lakes.

Thanks,
Jon

The IP840 might be interesting, but unless those trout get larger than I think they do, you still may find the popping blanks a little too much.

You could always find a 6 to 6'6" UL blank you like and build the handle on an extension. That will preserve the UL power but get you the length you're after. The action will become a little faster, of course, but you may find that you like things that way.

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

Casting lures? Bait? Jigging? Depending on what you want to do, and if you are willing to compromise on 1 piece, you can make a terrific UL spinning rod out of a 2 or 3 weight fly blank. But the action will be fairly slow, which is ideal for casting tiny spinners, spinner baits, and cranks. I built one on the American Tackle AMF 763 ( 7 12 foot, "moderate" action) and have found it a wonderful UL rod. It casts much more comfortably than fast action rods, casts a very long distance, and I've had no trouble with hook sets like I used to with UL rods.

I have had the shorter UL's in the past, and never liked them because the hook sets were unreliable and the casting characteristics were poor. The extra length and the slower action are ideal for an UL . Batson has blanks similar to this, and they are pretty reasonable, so trying this idea won't cost a lot.

Mud Hole ... S841-MHX. 7'0", 2-6#, 1/32-3/16, Fast Action, Ultra-Light Power.

They are new and not listed online. You can call them tomorrow and inquire.

Jim -

Tom:
Great idea........ A Rainshadow IS720 with a 1 ft. extension would work for me.
I know these guys would prefer a faster blank anyway.
I have all the RodMaker CD's so, where can I find the article on building extensions since I've haven't done this yet.
Thanks,
Jon

Thanks Jim.
I will call them tomorrow.
Jon

Jon,

I think it's in Volume 6 #3. It may also be in the online library here.

You have a good many options as to how to do this and UL power blanks are ideal candidates for extending as you don't place that much pressure on your extension junction.

...........

MudHole MHX just built one, nice trout rod, call Bob McKamey

Tom White
Rod & Reel Restoration

We use the SP-721 6 foot which could be extended to the 7 foot that you want a really good blank that goes back a long ways.

Edwin Kime

I have used the Batson IP 840 on about a dozen rods. I have also built a few on the St. Croix 3S70ULF. All were on the new Concept system. I like both of these. IMO it depends on which one you can get for the lowest price. Personally, I use both these blanks trout fishing.

Ed Smith
Flat Rock, NC

Jon,
I have built several Ultra Light rods using the Batson blank:

IP840 Matte Clear 7'0" 1 4-6lb. 1/32 - 3/16 oz. 0.380 5.0 Moderate-Fast Ultra-Light 1.11 oz.

I think that this blank is pretty tough to beat for use as an ultra light blank. It comes in a 7 foot length and works very very well for any type ultra light application.

Take care
Roger

I also would have to vote for the IP840, it's a great blank period.