I just got over surgery and I told my surgeon, who is an avid striped bass and bluefin tuna fishermen, that in exchange for saving my life I would build him a fishing rod.(Not a bad deal). He wants something to cast for bonito from a boat. In my local rod building shop I was looking at Pacific Bay Rainforest II blanks, the mag bass line, 7 foot, #s RF2MBC843 to 846. The #844 looks good, line wgt.12-20# and lure wgt. 1/4-1 oz. Does anybody have an opinion on these blanks?
Thanks.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/02/2010 05:19PM by Jack Koontz.

Mr. Koontz,
The MB844 is a battle tested blank in both the T2 and RF2 series. The X2GSS models from our PBX2 series may be something to look at as well. As for the comments made by your friends, they should be happy to know that I read your post while taking a break from my CAD program where I endlessly toil in an effort to bring original products to the custom rod builder. I wish you the best of luck in your rod building projects.

-The Batson TEAM
BatsonEnterprises.com

Geoff, makes you wonder what they say about winthrop roller guides:)

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Mr. Staples,

I was pleased to see your e-mail reply in response to the "backhanded criticism" of Pacific Bay's blank line. While I have not personnally tried the Pacific Bay rod blanks, I feel one's critcism of another's product is unprofessional. We all strive to produce the best product we can for the target price and market. The finished products will ultimately speak for their selves.

I must say, a very professional reply to the second hand critcism.

Sincerely,

Don Campbell
don@sensorfishingrods.com

More than likely, the folks at Aftco were referring to what they feel are copies of their UniButt and roller guides. I doubt they were talking about the rod blanks.

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

Mr. Staples
Thank you for your prompt reply concerning the PacBay blanks that I am considering.
Regarding my rude and thoughtless remark regarding comments about PacBay by another manufacturer I sincerely apologize. In fact, I have never discussed PacBay with them or any other manufacturer and was stupidly repeating unsubstantiated scuttlebutt.
Mr. Campbell was quite correct that your reply to me was a very professional response to something that should never have been included in an email asking for the generous advice of the rodboard's readers.
I look forward to using Pacific Bay products in the future
Please accept my apology.
JK

Jack, you can't take back what is said. You can edit your post though. Others may see it in the future when doing a search.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

No worries everyone, there are no hurt feelings here. Products will always have similarities, most cars have tires, windshields, and steering wheels right? I just wanted everyone to know we do make a large effort to develop new and useful products.
I does seem like people are a bit timid about mentioning specific sponsors in this forum unless its for a gleaming review. Was there a big problem in the past before I was around?

-The Batson TEAM
BatsonEnterprises.com

Geoff -
No, I don't think there was a "big problem" in the past. I think it is more common decency and courtesy to the sponsors and subscribers. Issues are better resolved in one-to-one, off-board, between members and members to sponsors. While it is certainly not "forbidden" it just isn't called for. There are many good, solid products and there have been critical comparisons between / across vendors and manufacturers - but they are done more as "comparative analysis" or caveated with "in my opinion" rather than harshly.

Its an ugly side effect of of the medication called "political correctness" that has been over prescribed in recent years.