I'm starting to hear a lot about these New Zealand rod blanks. Anyone here build one and how do you like the rod?
Thanks Bill

This should give you some info
[rodbuilding.org]

Bill - willierods.com

The surf blanks are amazing. I built the 12 foot model late last summer with KW's, KL's and KT,s and it's a better man than me. I save it for rough days on the gulf when I need 4 to 6 oz of weight to stay on bottom and I don't come close to "testing" its capability. I hear the same thing about all their rods.

I have built 8 of their float rod blanks, own two myself and plan on getting a third. The weight to strength ratio is incredible.

I built a 13' 8/12 oz surf rod in 2008 . I love it it been taking a beaten now for four years. I can throw 10oz and a big spot head no problem but it still sensitive enough to feel the smallest bite. It also has good fish fighting strength. I've landed several 46" to 52" Red Drum on it . I've also had other rods from them and like them as well. I had one break it took a little time but it was replaced. They even let me switch the color of the blank. All in all I would purchase another If the wife would let me :)

Hi

I build on the CTS ES 703, ES704 and ES 705 for bucktailing fluke. The @#$%& 702, 703, 704, 705 and 706 are being crafted for many classes of local fish around Long Island, NY.

These are excellent blanks, light weight and strong. The best part is the sensitivity and what a feel before a fish attacks the hook.

I have taken advantage of their personal blank design program and am very satisfied with the results.

My customers have high regard for these blanks.

Capt Neil Faulkner

Built a 13' 6'CTS 3to 6 oz for myself 4 years ago, 10 inches of the tip broke off third time I used it had a New tip section in 3 days from the Dealer.

I build one spinning rod on CTS fly blank 9' W5+extension with SIC MATCH guides.Very nice rod.

Have several 3 piece, 7 ft. travel spinning rods I have built, on what were the EBT series, for use in Alaska and to keep under the seat of the Jeep for emergency fishing trips at home.

They are wonderful blanks although i have only played with the Float and Spey blanks,They are super light very crisp and powerful.Not Cheap though.I do have a couple blanks for sale both are 13.6... 4-8 pound 2 pcs.

CTS bought Composite Developments (CDRods - NZ) equipment when they sold out to Asia, I'm not sure if CDRods are still made in NZ but you can still get their blanks, the Albagraphs are/were? excellent . CTS have a very good reputation here as others like Kilwell who produce the blanks for Synit, I'm sure someone on the forum could give you more info though. They are expensive, I would love to be able to buy NZ made as I know the quality is good. Also the style of fishing here is mainly saltwater in some hostile area's so they must be strong, light with the sensitivity needed. Kiwell make great freshwater blanks as thats their staple. I still use American made though as I can't afford the local ones :-(



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/24/2012 08:29PM by Rod Carlson.