Jim,

Again thanks for the info. I think you can tell who's blanks I use almost exclusively. Their freshwater blanks, all two models, cover a lot of ground, but some folks want/need more specialized tools.

I mention the shipping because one of the other, smaller, sponsors that I regularly frequent charges about half. One would think a larger company would be able to distribute that cost along a wider base and more easily absorb it, but I digress.

I've looked into the REC guides for spinning and casting, but really feel they're suited for fly rods. The humming may or may not repel customers, but there's just not a lot covered in the line. I don't mind the hum, as I grew up at a time when most folks had one do it all rod and the only choices for spin/cast were fiberglass, wire guides, and small, medium, or large. But, I'm getting up in the years and aesthetics is also much more important today. There's also nothing there for heavier rods. Reel seats are no problem, as I'm pretty handy churning them out myself. A chunk of wood and another of aluminum and wallah. REC, if your reading this, you've got supporters here who need more in the guide department. Perfection is yours now, so you're the only U.S. manufacturer with a foot in the door.

Jason Cosby
Cos Rods

Whether or not we accept the fact we live in a world over-run with parity products; products without significant differences except for advertising claims and price. This fact compels advertisers of everything from detergent to fish poles to claim when you purchase their product you are buying authenticity, status, respect, experience, credibility, expertise, envy - in short, everything except a measurably superior product. It's easy to tell when an advertisement is humping a parity product, for such an ad will provide no verifyable, objective data. Instead, the ad will promise warm feelings and reassuring emotions.
Are you paying too much for name brand blanks and rods? No, not if you are in need of warm feelings and reassuring emotions.

Mr. McNamara specifically stated that Mudhole was the MANUFACTURER of the MHX blanks. Having a product built to your specs makes it your product but does not make you the manufacturer. Until I learn otherwise I will take his word that Mudhole is actually making these blanks themselves on their own machinery and by their own employees.

Excellent thread...and I'll pass on the kool-aid.

I guess that I have asked myself that question many times. I made a rod for my wife for an Alaska trip. I bulit her a G. Loomis 1021C, GL3. She noticed the difference between this rod and the other rods that she has used. Her noticing, made the difference for me. Yes, the G. Loomis blanks are cost prohibitive for many appication, yet I build the almost exclusively simply because they "feel" better to me. I havent found that same feel in any other rod blank. I am crushed that they have stopped selling rod blanks to us, the custom rod builder.

Christian D. Cattell

Like Chris, I have a personal preference in blanks, except my preference is for St. Croix. I know their lineup, I'm happy with their quality, and I can live with the price. My clients are equally pleased. They know they are getting a top-quality blank that is US made (that DOES matter to some people!). If I am happy and my clients are happy, why should I change to a lower price imported blank? There's no reason to. That being said, I do have clients who are more budget minded and I am happy to recommend some of the more affordable blanks such as MHX and the Inshore Series from Mudhole. I don't yet have much experience with Batson blanks, but that will come in time and I'm sure I'll be happy to recommend them to clients as a more affordable option as well.

jeremy

Jeremy Wagner Wrote:
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> If I am happy and my clients are happy, why should I change to a lower price imported blank?


Did anyone suggest you switch Jeremy?

Everybody and their brother has become a blank designer. If you say that you want more power or a softer tip that is enough to make you a blank designer. I wonder what people like Gary Loomis or Jason Bruner at Croix are? They must be at another level of designer?

Paul,

Sorry if my response confused you. No one asked me to switch. My apologies.

jeremy

Jeremy...

Oh no problem, no apologies needed sir. I was just curious thats all! But thanks for the clarification-your a gent!

Have a great day!
Paul