I'm trying to match a Falcon LowRider XG rod (166-M) for a client. It's 6'6", rated for 1/4-1/2oz lure and 8-17lb line, labeled as a medium action and feels medium "to me". I did some measurements and came up with an AA of 69 (which would be a fast action, but we won't go there) and an ERN of 15.72. I compared it to a St Croix 3C66mm on a jig made by Backlash and the bend of both rods when loaded with the same weight is very different in its progression albeit they start at about the same place. The St Croix has a slightly lower AA and a significantly lower ERN and it feels more "sloppy". I compared the Falcon to a Rainshadow CB66mm and things went the other way. The AA was higher, the ERN higher and the feel somewhat stiffer than the Falcon. Again, side by side comparison showed a marked difference. I don't have a shop full of blanks to compare and I don't have a cache of cash to order a bunch of blanks to try. I thought the St. Croix 2C66mm might get me there as I see it's tip size is slightly larger than the 3C66mm and may pull me in between the two, I don't know. Does anyone have any CCS data on the St Croix 2C66mm? Or, any suggestions?
BTW, all rods tested were complete rods. Guides, wraps, handles etc. were similar enough to minimize any effect, I believe.
Thanks,
Greg Marshall

You just didn't want to buy a Falcon LowRider XG blank for the client? Or doesn't falcon sell blanks?

By the way, if you want a match, try a Batson RX8 blank.

Give the folks at Batson, if you don't have one on hand and they will give you a very close match.

Roger

Nope, to my knowledge Falcon does not sell blanks. And, they do not let out who they get em from.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/06/2012 11:40AM by Greg Marshall.

Greg,

Give the boys at Swampland a call, they should be able to hook you up with a very similar blank. They will not dissapoint you what so ever, they are a first class run operation that truely cares about their customers!

Tom