Is there any way to compare blanks between companies? Is an MHX the same as a Batson 7 or8 and what is like a St Croix 3-4-5?
Blank comparison is hard on newcomers like me

Joe,

To get some very general ideas, you can compare rod - butt size, tip size, and blank weight for a very very rough comparison.
If you can get a caliper and measure the wall thickness of a given blank, so much the better.

Much of blank comparison is subjective. You can use CCC or other systems to determine blank power and action, but often, it is up to the individual user of a blank to determine its usefulness to that particular user.

You will also find that often, the only real way to test and compare a blank from different manufacturers, is to build up the same rated blank from different manufacturers and get a hands on feel for how the rod catches fish for you.

It really doesn't matter if the blank is short, long, middle size. It really doesn't matter if the blank is heavy, light, or somewhere in between. It really doesn't matter if the action of the blank has slow, moderate, fast, or extra fast action.

The only thing that does matter is the simple fact. Does this particular blank - built up as a fishing rod catch fish. If the particular blank built up as a fishing rod catches fish, is the person using the particular blank catching fish - happy with the rod, and thus the blank.

I am being overly simplistic, but in fact - that is all that really matters for a fishing rod that is used as a fishing rod.

On the other hand, if you are building the rod to be hung on a wall for a pretty display, then you need to consider other attributes of the blank.

Good luck

Roger

I build for me only my problem is

MHX sj842 $51.50
St Croix 4sw70mlf $150
Lamiglas lp842 $87

All are almost the same in all catagories butt-tip ect except price My real question aside from buying each how does a consumer judge value?
Is this a case of Chevy vs Caddy Both make same size car with same options but do you get what you pay for??

Often yes, sometimes no. Most of the name brand US made blanks are top notch. So the only question is, are the foreign (usually oriental) made blanks any good?

About the only thing you can count on these days is that most rod blanks, even those in the $50 range, are not junk. Far from it. The oriental products have come a long, long way in the past decade or so.

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

Joe,

I can tell you that all 3 blanks you listed are very good. I can tell though, that the MHX being the lowest priced of the 3, is an amazing value. I am quite impressed with the whole series, as are my clients. I have built for some very discriminating anglers, and everyone that has ended up with one of the MHX blanks has been thoroughly impressed. I have two of the SJ842 blanks built into my personal rods, and I love them. You could not go wrong with any of those, but the MHX is a great blank, even at 2-3 times the money.

Thanks for all the input. My Scottish blood hate to spend money without getting some reasonable value in return. I have used MHX cb841 and liked it ok. You pays your money and you take your chances. Thanks Again

Joe I think there is only one way to really answer your question. Pick a name like St. Croix, Lamiglas, or Baston. Next pick a blank you will use a lot. Now start at the bottom line offering from the company and try it. Then buy the same thing in the next model up and see if you think it is worth the increase in price. You can always find someone to sell or give the old rod to.

Now as far as value.....don't overlook closeouts, over stocks, last years model, cosmetic blems, etc. Utmost enterprise has some killer deals but you have to move fast.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Joe,

I have built on a couple of St Croix and a few MHX blanks. I can tell you I like the MHX line, just fine. I would reccomend them anytime.

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

Joe,

I have built on a couple of St Croix and a few MHX blanks. I can tell you I like the MHX line, just fine. I would reccomend them anytime.

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio