This is one I hope leads to some discussion on a couple levels.

Scenario 1 -

Bass club member says - "Can you build me a punch rod like the Powell punch rod offered on Tackle Warehouse?" - I head to Tackle Warehouse and see a 8' stick rated 50-80Lb braid. Its a heavy, fast action rod. Ok. So I'm bascially thinking 8' H fast action. But.... my prefered retailer doesnt offer anything that calls out a rating of 50-80Lb braid. In fact, their XH flippin stick is 15-25Lb rating and while I know ratings are subjective, getting that to translate to a club member who has bought 100% factory leaves me scratching my head.

Keep in mind I'm also a hobby builder. I dont have a blank dealer near me nor do I have the money to buy 10 blanks to pull on for reference. And while I static and field test all of the rods I build there is still some questions as to if the blank I am purchasing will match the factory rod this guy is looking for. Powell also doesnt offer blanks that I know of.

Yeah, I'm new. Get that out of the way here.

Scenario 2 -

CA big swimbait specialists throwing 8" Hudds can be very paticular about their rods. Currently the Dobyns 807 is the big plastic rod of choice. "Can you build me a big swimbait rod"

Here we go again.

I'm finding and this just may be me because I'm still new, that for CA bass techniques its sometimes hard to make a comparison to blanks offered by certain dealers. Will their 7'11" 12-25lb blank really handle the big 8" 4oz Hudds like a Dobyns 807 will?

This could all be a case of new builder, not enough experience. I'm cool with that. But other than asking around or buying a blank just to pull on it how does one make these comparisons with confidence?

Thank you for your time!

In short, you can't. Due to the lack of uniformity in the manufacturers' proprietary and mostly subjective measurement process, such precise comparisons are simply not possible.

Thus you rely on your own experience of the help of others (such as those here) to guide you as best as possible. Obviously, the experience factor is more difficult for the newer builders, as it takes time to gain knowledge of the many different products out there.

Probably not the answer you hoped to hear, but that's pretty much the way it is. If man wants a rod like the "Powell Punch Stick" he can either buy it, or hope his custom builder has the time and ability to go find one and put it through it's paces.

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

Tom,

There is ~some~ uniformity - such as 843 models or MH usually being in the 8,10-17Lb range. When you start to get into the heavier task specific rods thats where I've had a hard time making the comparison mainly because the mfg's definition of H or XH can be WAY off. Not really the case on the lower rated rods. Do you find that too?

I appreciate the answer, I've come to some of the same conclusions.

Let me ask this. How does a hobby builder get experience on a wide range of blanks without buying them or having a dealer near?

There is a dealer that specializes in your area of interest.

Communication is the key - If you are willing give us a try.

You have stumbled into the REAL WORLD - YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Communication and comparison is quite effective.

You email address is "hidden" on this forum.

Click on my name - send me an email. Material will be sent for your evaluation.

Start with taking a look at the following link - when you get to the end of the page click on The Rest of the Story.

This type of information establishes communication to insure that proper blanks and rod set ups are correct.

Flip sticks and swim baits are presently a hot topic with Elites - you would be surprised to find what is done to satisfy all.

Click on the Rest of the Story link at the end of the page to see how comparison of two blanks is accomplished..

Click on: [www.swamplandtackle.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/16/2012 11:33AM by Bill Stevens.

The uniformity in the "843" relates only to the first two numbers - the length at 84 inches. The "3 power" rating will not carry over from company to company. One company's 3-power is another company's 2-power and another company's 4-power.

Specs such as "heavy" "medium" etc., are purely subjective.

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

What do you look for in the specs that tell you a story about the blank? Without ever bending on it?


MH Clarus 12-20Lb
H Powel Rod 8' 50-80Lb braid
XH blank 7'6 15-25Lb

All fast action.

Length for sure.

Power is relative only within a given manufacturer's product line and even then can vary from series to series. However, in most cases, all blanks intended for a specific use (popping, bass, inshore, etc.) will be at least somewhat close number for number. Not exact, but within a stone's throw. If no power number is given (last number of the model number usually) then you're back to playing a guessing game. I've been building rods for 35 years and still have no idea what a "medium heavy" power is supposed to mean. It certainly means something entirely different from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Action is usually given in terms like Fast, Medium or Slow. Action is where the rod initially flexes. Fast indicates a rod that initially flexes in the upper 1/3rd of its length. Medium in the upper 1/2 and slow, throughout.

You might take a moment to read about the Common Cents System, the world's only objective and relative system for measuring action, power and speed. Some companies are already using it and in those cases you can make direct comparisons between most inherent blank characteristics. In the cases where it isn't being used, well, see above.

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

Tom,

Familiar with action terms, after that as you said it can be a bit of a guessing game.

I'll definitely read on the CCS info. Heard the term thrown around here before. I can see why not every mfg would be on board with it as they can keep their product lines unique. Such as the Powel punch rod above, which is probably just a standard 8' H Fast rod. What I'm gathering is that beyond that description the rest is just sales.

Thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts on this. Gives me peace of mind when making decisions or trying blanks I think will suit the need.

Most manufacturers would prefer that you not be able to make across the board comparisons other than for length. Few even list physical weights anymore.

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

Adam; Take Stevens advice and go to Swamplands web site and ask some questions.

Hi Adam,
Jim is correct. If you can't get hands on testing and comparison there's quite a few knowledgeable gents who are only a phone call or email away. Bill Stevens and Lance at Swampland, Todd Vivian at Mudhole and most other retailers have someone who has got a good idea about the blanks they carry. After you get a blank it's then up to you build into something that the customer will like, hopefully more than the factory rods. Good luck as if you can pull it off you will get a big boost in sales from word of mouth.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

This is where it all starts - See if you can determine the subtle differences - one of the punch rods referenced in the post is included.

These two photos tell a story.

Looking at this photo how would you rate the action of this blank? Power?

Which one is preferred by professional anglers when using braid? Does it really matter? Why?

[www.rodbuilding.org]

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Marketing words are structured to sell - there are no regulated acceptable numerical standards for ratings at this time..

Seeing is Believing When Comparing and Selecting.



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 06/15/2012 03:43PM by Bill Stevens.

I think you missed the original posters intent. If you do NOT have the blanks in hand, you cannot make the comparisons you show in the photo. He was/is asking how to make the comparisons from the specs listed in the catalog.

I would think the CCS is an acceptable numerical standard for ratings. We just need more companies to use them, although more pick it up each year.

The intent was not missed -

At the present time, it is not possible to make some decisions on blank selection based upon available marketing information.

Assistance is available for those who want a match up to an existing rod.

Adam, there are no markings on a rod that will tell you what it is in comparison to another one by another maker.
Kind of like cars just worse.
So you either buy a bunch of blanks and do your own testing or contact somebody like Bill or Lance who have done it (see the pictures Bill posted) and trust their expertise.
I have over 50 blanks in stock right now and STILL call Bill or Lance whenever i have anything unusual for me to build.
At the end of the day you have to pick somebody you can trust will give you sound advice that will keep you coming back.
For what you are trying to build that would be Swampland for me.

Hi guys,

It's not really a matter of asking questions, the dealer I work with has been plenty helpful. Just noticed such a wide range in specs from factory models to competing blanks that I wondered what can be trusted in a rod/blanks specs?

Very much appreciate the help and input. Knew this was a great place to ask.