before you make a process to build a rod, which one will u prefer go first ?
for sample.. first get blank then think what to build for before order a compenets for this blank OR go get get compenets before get blank ?? i just want to straight it out what is more important to make a process for build a rod

1st BLANKS

2nd Compenets

OR

1st Compenets

2nd BLANKS

Josh

If you are talking about actually acquiring them, get them all at the same time. If you are only talking about the process of putting together the build plan,I always start with the blank.

Phil is right on track. Plan the rod for what you want it to do, so fisrt will be the technique that you are looking to perform, then you will select the blank that best suites that goal. You will then need to select your components that you would like to make up the rod and finally thread and or theme/scheme of the rod that you want to achive.

Tom

First you have to decide for what species of fish the rod is intended to catch. Then you'll settle on a technique. IE: flat line trolling, still fishing, vertical jigging, downrigger, drift fishing, drop shotting, etc... Then select a blank of appropriate material and design for the species and style. Guide choice can mostly be decided by the technique for which the rod will be employed as well as performance and weight considerations. Choose ring material based on what type and size of line will be used. Grips and reel seats are examples of form following function. You likely wont put a spinning reel seat on a trolling rod and you arent going to pair a heavy grip style with lightest guides you can find. With the species, techniques, reel and line type figured out you can then move onto some finer points. Are you going to revolver wrap your heavy trolling rod or employ micro guides with a Roberts wrap on your light kokanee downrigger rod. Do you want a "new concept" guide set up on your spinning rod or a traditional setup, etc... Then comes the fun stuff. Style, craftsmanship and artistic input. I like to have a theme or at least a concept of some sort and build on that. Your imagination and creativity at this point is a contrast to the previous, more analytical steps in the process and is also the most fun for most rod builders. Just make sure your style considerations dont trip over the functionality of the technique for which you are building the rod.

So to answer your question more directly I personally would have a hard time building a rod around a guide, or foregrip, or anyother component. For me there is no other way than to choose a blank first.

Don't be afraid to let dour supplier help you determine the best componants you need for your specific build. By working with the supplier, you can get the blank you want, the componants, and ship it together.Saves $$ and your finished rod will do a better job as you intended. This is what they do! And they are easy to talk to.

Josh,
Generally, I build rods in batches.
I am generally first concerned about the blanks. I will make a list of the needs for the rods, do my searching and selecting and get the blanks on order.

Then, depending on the particular client, and each of the individuals needs, I will make the decision on the rest of the components. Guides, handles etc.

Over time, one tends to gather a variety of components. i.e. guides, handles etc.

So then, it is simply a matter of matching the appropriate guides, handles and thread colors to the needs and wishes of the client.

Then, time to go to work, prepare, build, finish and ship the rods.

Take care
Roger

well i'm not about to sell a custom rod to anyone, just a myself build what i need or want.. just want to make sure i understand clear the plan of build a rod.. if anyone who want buy a rod i would just get KITS as undertable as cash, but for myself i perfer my own degsin and techiquie..
i'll have to take 1 a time for sample
when i get my paycheck i'll just get few blanks then wait next paycheck get supplies then can get 1 rod build a time..


Josh

Ok I'm wierd. First I think about what fish I want to catch on this blank. Then what colors I am going to use thru the entire rod and my somewhat pre planned design. Will I be able to get the right size trim rings,reel seat hoods and any other component in the colors I want to fit the balnk?
I adjust to my needs and whats available and go from there.