What RainShadow blank would be the closest to it? I think their xsw72ml,even though they rate it to 5/8 oz.like the 5s70mf,would be more comparable to St Croix ml. Being unable to handle one I hope someone knows. It's going to be a rigging rod and I use mostly 1/2 oz. in deep water the majority of the time.

Kurt,
Although a good question, if you like the St. Croix 7s70mf blank, why don't you simply use that blank, rather than trying to get one that is "close" to the blank?

If you are going to be doing a rigging rod, I really think that there are other blanks that are much better suited to the job than the 7sMF. I would suggest that the St. Croix Premier in the medium light blank actually makes a much better rigging rod.
My reason for suggesting this style rod, is that the action is softer than the 5 blanks. For rigging, much of the catching is a visual indication, rather than a tactile indication and the softer actions of the St Croix 2 series do a better job than the St. Croix 5 series.

Having said that, there are several different Rain Shadow blanks that make very good rigging rods. The RX7 - ISB841 makes an excellent rod for this application.

But in the new blanks - the new Walleye RX-8 has an excellent blank for rigging:

XSW72ML TC 7'2" 1 6-14lb 1/8-5/8oz 0.465 4.00 Fast 1.48 oz Lindy rigging / slip bobbers / casting lighter jig-live bait combos / split shot live bait presentations

So, in the Batson line up, this new XSW72ML is probably the very best rigging rod in the Batson blank line up.

Take care
Roger

Money is the reason. Trying to save some. I like a light blank rather than a heavier one. And stiffer rather than softer. I have a 5s68mxf that I have used on occasion for rigging and it does a pretty good job. If you just look at the numbers the xsw72ml should be it but never having held one I don't know. I had a 3s70mlf and it was too soft for me. I didn't like it at all.

Why not call Batson Enterprises direct? They've always been very helpful