I am going to build a10wt fly rod for Alaska. I dont really cast with it but just flip for reds on the Kenai. I am going to build it on a 2pc RX-6 or RX-7 blank. What is the real difference between them?

Kevin Gross
Many men will spend their whole life wondering if they made a difference. Marines dont have that problem - Ronald Regan

I find that the RX7 has a faster action and more power then the RX6, I believe the 7 is a higher modulus graphite, thus the cost difference. Personally I like the RX6 in light weight fly rods and the RX7 or RX8 in the heavier weights.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/28/2011 08:18PM by Phil Erickson.

Kevin...Phil just answered your question with complete accuracy. And either way...these are both very good blanks...the RX-6 is sometimes refered to as a "Value" Blank, in my Humble opinion,only in price...is it a St.Croix SCV??...or a High End Sage??..no...but they are not Junk either...and i'm really, really picky L.O.L!!!. i have built on both, and can tell you you won't be sorry...Cheers !!!

If you have not bought the blank yet you might check with Utmost. I got a "closeout" RX8 US made 10 wt blank for $30. Most of their stock was RX7 but they had a few RX8 sprinkled in at the same price. The blank seems perfect in every way but the warranty(none). You might give them a call.

In Batson's spinning blanks at least, there is a very noticeable difference between RX6, RX7 and RX8, and they do get progressively better as you move up the food chain. In their fly rods, I have only built the RX8 and RX8+. The RX8 would make a great rod for the Kenai but it's 4 piece only and you specified a 2 piece.

My advice would be to buy the best blank in the Batson line that you can afford.

Another rod blank to consider is a Quickline. The 10wt is just $82 at forum sponsor Donart. That feels like a fast action, high modulus rod for a very decent price, and they publish the CCS numbers for it. You'll get a very fast blank with a warranty and not break the bank. Disclaimer: I have an 8 wt Quickline blank not a 10wt.

Anyway, good luck with your search. I'll be up on the Kenai for the Sockeye run in July too. If you see a guy up river from Soldotna with a rental car and a different rod every day, that will be me. Good times.

Drew

Kevin,
My name is Kirk I live in and fish Alaska and have spent many weekends on the Kenai Penensula. I fish only Batsons, and that is all I have built on in many years. Either one of the RX6 or RX7 will do you right. I consider the RX6's to be the workhorses of their lineup. I have sold quite a few of those with a couple coming back asking for a second rod "Just in case" the first rod breaks. They like them so much they don't want to be without one. It doesn't matter RX6 or RX7 but if your going for Reds you might consider an 8wt or 9wt. 10 Wt will work but it is a little too much rod for reds imho.
Have fun building and fishing your rod

Kirk

FWIW Utmost has both an 8 weight and a 9 nine. Like Drew I'm a happy customer. You can't beat the deal. As said, no warranty. And, to a ceratin degree, you can't count on buying one again if you fall in love.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.