Any new goodies released there?

Okuma has introduced rods with abalone inlays. Wonder where they got that idea? Kevin Knox reported that to me yesterday.

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There are even more micro guide offerings - Dobyns, Pinnacle, and more - Year three of the "craze"!

Not to mention:

Bucky Paper, Nano Tubes, Nano Spheres, Tall Micros, Short Micros, 3831, Black Carrots, New blanks hidden in the hotel rooms...

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/14/2011 08:02PM by Alex Dziengielewski.

Uplocking trigger reel seats with the threads hidden under the front half of the split grip.

Shimano redesigned the Curado, Chronach, Citica, Stradic & Sustain.
It's going to be a great year for new reels.

Duckett White Ice rods with heavy duty micro's. Bucky paper rods with high frame micro's. Something special coming from Swampland. Stay tuned.

mike harris Wrote:
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> Uplocking trigger reel seats with the threads
> hidden under the front half of the split grip.


That sounds cool, hopefully they will be available to us soon if not already

Are rod manufactures not allowed to use trends from the custom market? I don't get that people get upset about this.

Anyway I saw a picture of a spinning guide that looked like it had a funnel attached to it. That got me wondering if Fuji or anyone released anything cool. I know matagi was there also. Hopefully they found a good U.S. vendor.

Tom

I think of that as the more custom stuff comes of the shelfs at Walmart and at better prices then we can do -- why buy ours

Bill - willierods.com

You got a point but a custom builder can always build a rod specific to every customer. No manufacture can do that and to me that should be the push to get a buyer. That's why I started building and I'm sure most others too. I could find lots and lots of nice rods but none made the exact way I wanted. Maybe what I shoulda done was find a good builder and have him build me some rods but I elected to learn a new craft.

If every rod manufacture out there used abalone, marbling, cut real seats and on and on they still can't build a rod to fit a specific individual. If a customer wants eye candy the stores got it. We got what they don't and that's total flexibility.

So True Tom B.

Tight Lines and Bull's-eyes,

Get Bit Outdoors
407-542-7840
www.GetBitOutdoors.com
www.facebook.com/GetBitOutdoors

I understand what you are saying and I new some one would come back with that
But
I have had a few asking for rods
First They go though a lot of seats handles guides I send picks and go thought maybe 15-20 e-mails Then come time to get a deposit -- Oh gee I can't afford it right now
Then i give a quick price -instead of going though all the picks I say x x $ he says a lot less

It is the Economy People out of work and have to feed there kids
Why are there so many builders selling there complete stock on the buy sell page - Not making money

Even with a discount ya still can not build a rod for the price of store bought - And not with micros split seats and such ??

Bill - willierods.com

Bill I again see your point but (you knew that was coming ha ha) they have to compete with everyone also. They have to bring a product that stands out in the crowd. You can't blame them for building a better or more appealing rod. That's what they are supposed to do. My point is a builder shouldn't and has no grounds to get upset about a company using ideas that may or may not have originated from custom builders. Take it as a compliment and beat them to the punch on the next innovation. Custom builders almost always do!

I know it's frustrating seeing a rod for $100 that's light and appealing because you and I know someone will compare it to the cost of a custom. At the same time if Chevy made trucks cost half as much and be built like they should I wouldn't complain and I doubt many others would.

Tom B- no offense but that's where you are partly incorrect. Several companies are now offering full custom build services in addition to their production line of "rack" rods. These are fully custom shops where rods are built 100% to customer specifications. They are doing the same thing as you but have the added benefit of marketing muscle and OEM purchasing which reduces their cost (higher profit) and makes them highly competitive against you. They also have access to components you don't have partly due to being OEMs.

Not trying to be a downer, but it is what it is. The landscape is changing a little.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/15/2011 12:23PM by Alex Dziengielewski.

I knew Kistler had something like that going but I don't know if they can set up a rod for a specific reel, set the handle length exactly where you want it, do specific thread wraps, custom decals, turn the handles to specific shapes, spiral wrap, etc. etc. We will always have the upper hand when it comes to the details but I see what you are saying.


Anyway no more icast news for builders?

Most of the new rod building products are introduced at the Expo in February.

...........

Mathew Shimano redesigned these again ????????????
They did that (2)or (3) years ago and the prices went up $50.
In fact the Curado went from $119 to $199 then hey changed
them last year and came out with the 200E5 and 7 at $179.

There is not very much to look at as far as rodbuilding component companies are concerned. Batson, American Tackle, Pac Bay showcased their products as well as Gudebrod and FishHawk threads from Scott Parsons and Anglers Resource (Fuji). Some of these companies do a considerable amount of business with overseas companies. Kirkman is right, there are more new rodbuilding products introduced at the ICRBE than there is at ICAST or any other show anywhere.

Lance

Tom B - Sure Kistler has the plug and play website but if you call them direct, I believe you can expand your options. Do some research, make some contacts, ask some questions and watch the competition. You might be surprised what you find out.

Again, there are others in the game doing the same. Not going to mention names (why help the competition right?) but here is what they say online: "We’re inlaying photographs on fishing rods, making snakeskin inlays, constantly innovating — basically letting our imaginations run wild!"... "...From the grip hand shaved to your specific feel;..."

They aren't the only ones. I don't agree that custom builders have the upper hand all the time anymore. And cetainly not in detail. Lately I've seen a lot of factory rods with craftsmanship far superior to many "custom" rods.



Another new - St Croix has rods using minimas with foam core handles covered in neoprene.

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Ok thanks guys. Lance how long before you share youre news?