Is it me or are there fewer blanks available for the rod builder? I went to my source where I get my blanks and there are not many choices for the rod builder. I'm talking the Sages and the major rod makers. Perhaps they want to make more profit by not offering blanks so you'll have to buy the complete rod. Bill

Maybe they are cutting out what does not sell well ?

Bill - willierods.com

Granted, G Loomis left the market and most notably Lamiglas along with a few others have reduced their offerings to most likely streamline inventory expense. However, St Croix has actually expanded their options over the last few years AND increased spending on R&D to bring us the new SC6 material last year and the inclusion of 3M Nano-Matrix after the holidays - they have even added some nice options for the ladies in the fuchsia colored blanks. Seeker and Billy Vivona have put forth the effort to produce the new Hercules lineup and they keep adding new models every few months. In addition, Batson has brought forth a new lineup of Rainshadow RX8 blanks that are IMO the "cream of the crop" among imported offerings.

IMO, things aren't contracting at all ... at least in respect to the marketplace as a whole.

Companys will always concentrate their time and $$$ where money is to be made. I think the days of companys making a wide array of blanks is slowing somewhat. This might not be a bad thing as all companys can't be good at all blanks but they can be great at certain blanks and I for one do not stick with one brand name to build rods on.I just hope we don't lose anymore American blank manufactuers.. IMO we can't afford to!

Well, fortunately for me Thomas & Thomas still offers blanks. They are from MA where I live and are a small company. I like to support the small guy. I bought a two handed rod from them and their workmanship is the finest in the industry. Bill

The number of blank models available today versus what we had 25 years ago is night and day. There are probably five times over now, what we had then.

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As long as Batson stays in business, this cat's happy.

Shimano got out of the blank business! IMO because of poor quality control on the(GLOOMIS blank). We now have North Fork, As for Batson they do not compete with rod manufactures and have super line of blanks and components to meet most custom blank/rod designers needs. No matter what manufactures you like, You will notice a decline in models or series. This is because of the new tech knowledge used in todays building materials. IMO if you are a competent blank/rod designer YOU should be able to design a rod to meet the needs for any type of fishing with todays products. The only suggestion I have for you! if you can not find a blank you like! Is to approach a manufacture on a idea how you would like a blank designed give them a couple thousand or more and have them design a blank for You Or better yet spend a few grand, go to school and learn about designing, then spend another 30 thou. Just to build one blank. I know the last few words were kind of sarcastic, but lets get real here, if you know your products you can build any rod You want with what is out there. Forget about models and series those are just company reference points. What is of concern is what was used to build the blank and how it was designed. Sorry about the rant & rave. Just use common sense and build
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Good Wraps Bob