hello all,
I am new to the forum and just wanted to start by saying how cool it is that you all do what you do! I am not a rod builder, but looking into my first custom rod.
I could use as many suggestions as possible...blanks, as well a guides, reel sets and such.

here are my needs:
Backpacking (3 or 4 pc)
Fast to Extra Fast action
1/16 oz & under lures. with roughly being 90% 1/16 oz lures.
7' to 8'
spinning rod
price... under $300 for totally rod.

a gentlemen from a forum here in colorado introduced me to the 'Common Cents' system a couple of months back. A very informative guide for comparing rods and blanks...
after doing some tests on rods I currently us for 1/16 oz lures...
comparisions:
TFO S603UL TiCr2 (3.12/56) nice rod I have but way to soft for my taste.
St Croix Legend Elite LES70LF (8.95/78) does amazing with 1/8 oz lures, and good with 1/16 oz.
I also used to have a Avid UL 7' Mod action 2 pc... that was pretty soft.
I believe I am looking for something from around 4.00-5-00/72-75???
based on the pcs and length... I am thinking a fly rod blank... right?
thanks again for any suggestions.
justin

I wouldn't use a fly rod blank for spinning unless you just can't get anything else. You'll have a tough time finding many fly rod blanks with an action of from 72 to 75, outside of the heavier line weight models.

All is not lost if you can't find a ready made multi-piece spinning or casting model, however, as fly rod blanks can be effectively employed in this situation. But they wouldn't be my first choice.

What is the longest length rod section you can handle in your backpacking duties? There may be some other options.

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

I would say a max. section length of 30"

maybe this will do the job? Forecast® Spin Bass 3 & 4 Piece Travel Rod Blanks Featuring RX6 Graphite SB720-4 6'0" 4 4-8lb. 1/16 - 5/16oz. fast

JLS Custom Rods
Cassadaga, NY

It would be possible to take a look at a 3-piece rod in a total length of say, 6 to 6-1/2 feet, and then construct the handle on another piece, joining the three pieces for a total length along the lines of what you suggested. Just another option to consider.

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

I agree with Tom. I don't know of any 3-piece blanks that are 7' and UL. I'm not saying there aren't any out there, I just haven't been able to find any. Building an extension or a separate handle fitted with a ferrule would be the best options. Plus, it would give you the F-XF action that you want.

jeremy

was searching the CCS data site... and you were right, almost all 70+ AA are ERN 7.00+
I did find one...
Lamiglas AT903-3 3 7' 6" 3 3.57 76 factory
wonder if it is a test error? just because the oddity of the group.

This may help
[www.cabelas.com]|/pc/104793480/c/104776380/sc/103940280/Cabelas-Stowaway-6-Fly-Rod-Blanks/1167594.uts?destination=%2Fcatalog%2Fbrowse%2Ffishing-tackle-craft-rod-blanks%2F_%2FN-1100409%2FNs-CATEGORY_SEQ_103940280%3FWTz_l%3DSBC%253Bcat104793480%253Bcat104776380&WTz_l=SBC%3Bcat104793480%3Bcat104776380%3Bcat103940280

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/11/2011 03:20PM by bill boettcher.

what about trimming the tip of a 8' or 8'-6" 3/4 wt? would this speed it up?
I have seen were people drop the butt section to slow down a blank.... does the opposite work?

This is probably not what you are looking for but Shimano makes a series of telescopic pack rods that packs down to about 12 inches but have SIC guides and very good action. They are not at all like the typical low quality pack rods you find in the USA. I think a 6 1/2 footer is about 2 1/2 oz or thereabouts. Very light and excellent. Can't say enough about them. However, I found them only in Europe. They range from about 5 1/2 feet to 8 feet.

Mo

Justin Schmidt Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> what about trimming the tip of a 8' or 8'-6" 3/4
> wt? would this speed it up?
> I have seen were people drop the butt section to
> slow down a blank.... does the opposite work?

after more searching.... I found this to be false... found a number of topics on this here that said " the rod will be stiff... it will have a slower action."

Jeremy Wagner Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I agree with Tom. I don't know of any 3-piece
> blanks that are 7' and UL. I'm not saying there
> aren't any out there, I just haven't been able to
> find any. Building an extension or a separate
> handle fitted with a ferrule would be the best
> options. Plus, it would give you the F-XF action
> that you want.
>
> jeremy

Tom Kirkman Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It would be possible to take a look at a 3-piece
> rod in a total length of say, 6 to 6-1/2 feet, and
> then construct the handle on another piece,
> joining the three pieces for a total length along
> the lines of what you suggested. Just another
> option to consider.
>
> ..............

Sound like this is the best option... thanks for the guidance guys... now to seach for a blank.

Hi Justin
Send me an E-mail, and I can let you know what I got in stock, I deal with European travel blanks.
Best regards Mark Crouse
mscrods@gmail.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/11/2011 10:46PM by mark crouse.

thanks marc.... email sent.