looking to build a 8wt switch rod for salt and steelhead rainshadow looks good . any info pro or con appreciated

Mr. Hartlage,
You should consider trying our Quickline FASW1108-4 (11' 8wt Switch). The full spec sheet can be downloaded on our website www.fishpacbay.com. Just click on the Quickline ad on the front page. Response to these blanks has been very positive.

-The Batson TEAM
BatsonEnterprises.com

I suggest looking at Bob Meiser's web site. I plan to get one of his blanks for the surf. Eric Viburs is very happy with them.

You can get a blank; a kit or a "ready to wrap" package.

Also, Meiser's shop can set you up with a custom line for the rod. It's really critical to get the right line.

Nothing off the shelf can match a custom line.

As you can see, there are a lot of choices out there. All are pretty good options.

The Rainshadow switch is a moderate fast rod, very capable for steelhead. We use them here for indicator fishing for winter steelhead, or can fit them with a spey line for 2-handed fishing. The 8 wt is a good size for steelhead and salt water fishing. You would be very happy with it.

Terry

Anglers Roost is another option. Reasonably priced equipment.

I have two of the 8wt Rainshadow rods. I really like them. I use them mostly for Salmon River NY fishing for steelhead/browns and cohos. Not enough rod for kings but I have landed several of those as well.
I normally spey cast mine (not very well i might add). My river lines are a 6wt speydicator line and a 325gr skagit short.
I plan on putting a lot of time in this summer using it for beach and general saltwater use. Just picked up a switch line for that application.

I don't have anything to compare it to but I own about 15 traditional fly rods so I am not new to fly fishing just new to two handed rods. For about $130 for the entire kit, it is a great starting point.

On one of the two rods I used a Alps triangle reel seat which allows me to mount a spinning reel or a center pin reel in addition to a fly reel. That is my version of a "switch" rod.

Quinn

thanks for input . I thought I had too many rods (@ 9) want to build a switch rod cause I don't have one and thought it would be good for salt water.

They are fun.
An 8wt will need about a 450-500 gr line to load it properly (deep) to access the power in the butt. So make sure you can get the proper line. For my $ CTS' "new" model switch blank is the best on the market. I have a 10'6" #6, 11' # 8, 12' #10 and the 13'6" #11. If you intend to overhaead cast vs anchor-point, lines for some of the rods, especially the 13'6" rod are hard, if not impossible, to come by. So better investagate first.
Herb

The Rainshadow blanks are nice for the money. I have built and use the 5, 7 and 8wt rods. The 7wt being my fav for steelhead with a 375gn 20.2ft head. Meisers also ROCK! Can't go wrong either wat.

Eric

IF1088
Rainshadow RX7 Switch Rod

Component Part Number Part Description
Rod Blank Model # IF1088-4M 10'8" 4pc 8wt Switch Rod Blank - Matte Clear
Butt cap: SWHDCCBC20F Switch Grip Hard Density Cork Composite Butt Cap with Flare
Reel Seat: RYSW-SG Y Fly Seat with Black Aluminum Insert with Butt Cap & Trim Ring - Shiney Gunsmoke
Reel Seat Shim: n/a
Rear Grip: SW325S-300 3.25" Rear Switch Grip Super Grade ID .300"
Fore Grip: SW1175S-300 11.75" Fore Switch Grip Super Grade ID .300"
Winding Check: LTCWC375 Lt TitCar Plated Winding Check .375" I.D.
Hookeeper: FHK-TC Folding Hook Keeper-Tich
Tip Top XTCFTL5.0 ALPS SS316-Titanium Carbide Pltd Fly Top Large Loop 5.0 Tube
Guides (see below for size and quantity) XTCSNGP ALPS SS316-Snake Guide - TICH w/o Chrome
Guides (see below for size and quantity) XTCLXNZG ALPS SS316-LXN Guide w/'Z' Ring - TiCh w/o chrome

Guide order from the tip top Guide Guide Placement - In inches from the tip top
1st XTCSNGP3 4"
2nd XTCSNGP3 9.375"
3rd XTCSNGP3 15.5"
4th XTCSNGP3 22.75"
5th XTCSNGP4 31"
6th XTCSNGP4 40.5"
7th XTCSNGP5 51.25"
8th XTCSNGP5 63.75"
9th XTCLXNZG12 78"
10th XTCLXNZG16 94.25"

Karry Batson
Batson Enterprises Inc.
Ph: (877) 875-2381
Fax: (360) 683-3579
karry@batsonenterprises.com
www.batsonenterprises.com