I haven't built a rod in awhile and I'm thinking of making a 9' 10 wt for Salmon fishing next year. I'm not really a fan of 4 pc rods and a 2 pc suits me just fine. And something in a moderate fast action is alot easier to fight fish with than these fast or extra fast blanks - I'm getting older instead of younger. Under $100 would be nice as well, thanks.

American Tackle AMF9010 could work for you and is within your price range

Three blanks that come to mind are the American Tackle Matrix, the Batson Rainshadow RX7 and the Mudhole MHX. The Matrix runs about $85 and is medium fast. You have to like the graphite design in the butt section though. The RX7 is a little faster, but not fast action. It is slightly more at about $88. The MHX is the fastest of the bunch and runs a little over $100. I like all three, although the matrix is probably more the feel you are looking for.

Bob Riggins Wrote:
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> The Matrix runs about $85 and is
> medium fast. You have to like the graphite design
> in the butt section though.


What's the issue with the graphite design in the butt section? Thanks.

The Matrix blank have a woven graphite butt section that shows through the rod finish. I personally like it, but it is different. The Matrix blanks come in green or black, but both have the woven graphite look in the butt section. Here is an example:

[www.rodbuilding.org]

and

[www.rodbuilding.org]

IF9010
Rainshadow RX7 Fly Rods

Component Part Number Part Description
Rod Blank Model # IF9010-M or IF9010-OG 9' 2pc 10wt Fly IM6 Matte or Olympic Green
Butt cap: CEVAFB-3 1.5" Cork EVA Fighting Butt
Reel Seat: RA8L2-SG #8 Alum Fly Reel Seat w/recessed hood & Double Locking Nuts & Trim Ring - Shiney Gunsmoke
Reel Seat Shim: SHIM/16/SPIN Proof Board .590" OD 3.70" Length
Grip: FW7.375CS-340/900 7.375" Full Wells Fly Grip .340 bore/.900 Real Seat Cut Out Super Grade Cork
Winding Check: AWC476 Aluminum Winding Check .476" I.D.
Hookeeper: FHK-H Folding Hook Keeper-Hard Chrome
Tip Top XFTL6.5 SS316-Chrome Plated Large Loop Fly Top 6.5 Tube
Guides (see below for size and quantity) XSNGP SS316- Snake Guide - Polished
Guides (see below for size and quantity) XLXNZG ALPS SS316-LXN Guide w/'Z' ring Polished

Guide order from the tip top Guide Guide Placement - In inches from the tip top
1st XSNGP3 4.5"
2nd XSNGP3 9.5"
3rd XSNGP3 15.5"
4th XSNGP3 22"
5th XSNGP3 29"
6th XSNGP4 36.5"
7th XSNGP5 44.5"
8th XLXNZG12 54"
9th XLXNZG16 64"
10th XLXNZG20 76.5"

Tim,
If you're willing to go shorter,
Quite a few spinning rod blanks are in your price range and make very competent casting rods.
They're also easier on the arm.

Eugene Moore

I have the ranshadow 10wt. I use a fast sink shooting head and a running line to do battle on my jetty for rock fish with big rocks and it will chew you up and spit you out and I love it. It's a two peice which is what I would recomend.

MHX has several 9' 10weights in the series. It just depends on how packable you want the rods to be.