Hi guys. I don't post here very often but I've been lurking and reading every night :)

Need some help. I'm looking for a blank thats similar or identical to a Falcon Original graphite spinning rod.
Model : FS-4-17
Medium action
8-17lb test
1/4 1/2 oz

Is there anything out there that's close? Or does anyone know where I can get the Falcon blanks - who makes them?

Thanks in advance for any input!

Cheers
Linus

Linus,

I haven't yet used a blank similar to the action and power of the 3 and 4 power Falcon Original. You may be able to produce something very close by using a 1/4-5/8oz. or 1/4-3/4oz. popping blank and trimming/extending as needed (if overall length is of major concern). The 3 and 4 power Originals have a moderate action, but have stiffer tip sections than you find on cranking blanks with similar ratings. I haven't had the opportunity to build on a 3 or 4 power popping blank to see how similar they might be. Also, the Swampland boys may have something similar in a Castaway blank.

The Falcon Original series blanks seem to me to be made from your typical standard modulus material, RX6, IM6, or similar. At one time I was under the impression that Falcon rolled their own blanks, but their current web site doesn't seem to indicate that anymore. They do not offer blanks to the public.

Those Falcons are nice blanks, but their assembly technique and material selection leaves a lot of room for improvement ;). That rod can easily shave off over 1oz. or more in a proper strip down and rebuild.

Joe

Hi Joe.

Thanks for the input. The combination of moderate action and stiff tip in the Falcon Originals is exactly what I'm looking for. It seems to suit my style perfectly :)

I agree totally about Falcon's assembly and choice of components. I have rebuilt two of these FS 4-17 rods - one was a total stripdown and the other had just the guides replaced. In both cases I used a 27x guide train consisting of Fuji YSG reduction guides and LSG running guides. The improvement was mind-blowing!! Casting and fishing the rebuilt rods was like night and day compared to the factory rods. That's why I'm looking for these exact blanks or something that's similar so that I can replicate this work without the usual hassles and scuff marks associated with a re-build.

Cheers
Linus

Linus,

Give Lance at Swampland a shout, he should be able to match you up to something very similar.