I am looking to build another centerpin rod and am looking at some blanks that I have not used before and was hoping that some of you have.

Looking for a Great Lakes Steelhead rod 13' 2-3pc 4-8lb mod-fast action with quick recovery. Something in the feel of a GLX or slightly slower. I would like a light rod with some backbone for longer hook sets but not something that will 'over power' an 8-10 lb fish. I also fish 4lb tippit so the tip must be softer with some flex to protect the tippit on surges and head shakes.
I am looking at a few possiblities that I have not felt so a little help would be great if you have used them in the past.

CTS Affinity float FF1363-3
Talon 13' 2pc 4-8lb
Raven IM9

Any thoughts would help thanks,

Eric

Hi Eric,
We did a blank a few years back that may be just what your looking for. The item is T2SH1561-3. Give it a try.

-The Batson TEAM
BatsonEnterprises.com

Hi Eric
You may want to look at Batson's Rainshadow XST High Modulous Blanks, I've built both float and spinning rods using the 13 ft. 2 pc. blank. I think you may like this blank if you are looking for something light in the 6-10 lb. range. It's very light ,sensitive and powerful enough to land chrome, and it's straight from the butt to tip top. The 2 pc. can easily handle a 4 lb. tippet. They do make a 13 ft. in 3 pc. also and this is in the 6 to 10 lb. range. New for 2010 they also have 11-1/2 ft now these are in 6-10 lb. range and 8-12 lb. range both in 2 pc.. I think these blanks look good with any thread color you may like.

Thanks, I have a Batson XST 1562-3 and it is a GREAT rod but a little heavy for this application. I am looking for something in the 4-8lb range. I am looking at the St Croix Avid blank now. A buddy of mine who likes the same type rod said that he has one for me to look at and seems to like it himself. Although I would like to hear from somebody who has fished the Talon and CTS blanks.

Thanks

The Batson XST 1562 (the 13' 2 piece) is completely different from the 3 piece XST 1562-3. Compare the specs on the two. Quite a bit of difference. I just built one ( the two piece) for Great Lakes Steelhead and it is the finest rod I have ever built. It casts like a dream and it is so light I can fish it all day without the least bit of fatigue. It is similar to the new Loomis Steelhead Rods and as a matter of fact I like the Batson Blank better. Rember I am talking about the two piece model. I am currently building one for my Guide who saw it and loves it and as soon as his is finished I am building another one for myself. I also fish it for trout and have an absolute balst. Good luck.