Ok i am getting read for my first build. I am thinking of getting either a Rainshadow or a Forecast blank. My question is what is the difference? I will be building a 9wt or a 10wt for fishing Alaska. I will use it for fishing Sockeye in fast water. Sockeye run right next to shore so casting is of no importance. Any help you could give an FNG would be much appreciated! Thanks for your help!
Kevin

kevin...

As an Alaskan and a rod builder, I would choose the Forecast. They are 100% bombproof in my experience. I have beatn my around the boat, spilled acetone on them, (Long story.) dropped them on the rocks, high sticked them, dropped them ont he rocks probably where you will be fishing....and they have held up with no breakage. And, even if you have to use the the in which it was intended, they cast just fine.

I can cast a Forecast as far as an over-priced fancy-dancy brand rod...period.

The difference bewteen the a Forecast and Rainshadow I beleive is in tne scrim...The scrim on the Forcast is fiberglass..I believe.

Anyways, good luck and I hope I have been of some assistance.

Drew brings up very good factual points and differences too, but aside from modulus, an 8wt in a Rainshadow either an RX7 or 8, will be undergunned for the second run of Sockeyes in the Kenai especially in fast water. (We just differ on opinons and that's ok.) I built an RX8+ in a 9 weight last year for a guy and it was marginal for big socks in fast water. On the other hand, the Forcast 9 will break backs! I have seen Sockeye's break 8wts like toothpicks. IAnd based upon 25 years of fishing Sockeyes, would choose a fast action, heavy power 9 weight...the 9 is the better tool.

Paul



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/25/2010 03:03AM by Paul Rotkis.

From a newbie too, here is some advice; It's your first one and you will make mistakes. Build an inexpensive rod first. With that said, you will still want a nice casting rod-don't limit yourself because they are "close to the bank". Casting is important, especially if you are going to be doing it all day.

The difference between the two is the modulus of the graphite. The Forecasts will be IM6 and the Rainshadows will use higher modulus graphite, either IM7 or IM8 depending on the model. The primary thing you will notice is that the Rainshadows will be lighter in weight, everything else being equal. I've built 3 Batson blanks, and they are very, very nice. Good choice as a company to go with.

I fish Alaska every year, and an 8 weight will be sufficient for Sockeye and Cohos. A 10 weight would be way overkill in my opinion-it would be sufficient for Kings.

For a trip to Alaska you need 2 rods anyway. It is not that uncommon to break one in a 10 day trip. I'd build an RX6 Forcast as your first and an RX7 Rainshadow as your second. Then you will have 2 rods and you can do the comparison.

Drew

Over kill is what i am looking for in a rod! we fish fast moving water and i too have see sockeye destroy rods. My back up will be the rod i have used for years. A good old ugly stik. It does ok but its heavier than a 2x4. I would rather have a rod to stiff than not stiff enough. My buddy had an 8wt last year and he was a under gunned. He had a hard time getting them in the net. Like i said we fish pretty swift water so sometimes its a real battle when you get a big one on. Guy thanks so much for your help! Untill you fished Sockeye in the fast water you just dont understand the challenge they are

Yup. Trust the guys that fish there. If you have to make a choice between durability and a little better performance, then pick durability for your alaska trip. The Forecast blanks are lower modulus graphite and use fiberglass scrim which adds durability, but also some weight. Use them with confidence and have a good time!

Terry

If you need the straight scoop, go right to Batson's. "Forecast blanks are the no nonsense value approach..... Forecast blanks go through the same design steps as the Rainshadow line, but utilize standard modulus materials which helps control costs........They simply cannot be beat for value and performance by any other product...." Forecast and Rainshadow are about all I build on now and I've not been disappointed yet.