Here's the deal. I've got a 9' 7 pc 5 wt. blank One of my regular customers likes the fact that it breaks down to 17" but not the fact that it's 9'. I'm thinking about dropping the last section which should take it down to about 7.5'. I've heard guys doing this.
Anything i should be aware of?
Thanks

You'll lose some power and the action will become much slower. I'd recommend mocking up a handle, taping on the guides and letting the guy try casting it a bit. Get the feel for it and see how he likes it.

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Actually slowing the action down could be a benefit. this guy usually fishes bamboo with a passion for the more parabolic tapers. the graphite blank is actually rather fast so this may be a good deal.

I have built fly rods without the lower section often but only with discounted blanks. I like shorter rods for fishing from my canoe where power and casting distance is less of an issue. And I often build ultra light spincast rods from fly rods with the lower section dropped. Yes you loose casting distance and get slower action. As a custom build for a customer I would go out and find a properly sized blank to start with and keep the customer happy... Bob.

I've done just that on a Cabelas Stowaway in the same rating. It came out at 7'6", still fast. I overlined with a 6 wt line and it was quite happy at shorter range work. I liked the short pack length as well.

The trouble with looking for a new blank is that you won't find too many short rods with less than 20" sections, or more than 4 pieces. I'd go right ahead. As mentioned, it will slow down a touch and be less powerful.

Thanks Ted, That's exactly the blank I'm using and using it as a 6 wt is perfect for this guy.

I wish I could get my hands on another. I had loads of fun with mine, and a 7'6", 6 piece, fast 5/6 wt. is a great rod to carry just about anywhere. Good luck with the build: it's a very nice blank, but a touch sensitive to heat if you have to change a tip. I broke mine landing a nice barramundi.

They are nice little sticks. I've built the 9'5wt and the 8' 4wt and kept them full size. this was an extra. I live about 20 min from one of their stores and thses were in the "bargain" room along with the matching tubes. the price was like they were giving them away.