I'm planning a 10wt build for pike fishing, casting bunny strips with a wire leader. My two main rods are TFO lefty Kreh Signature Series 1 rods, and I really enjoy casting them. I guess they are a moderate-fast action, they say IM6 graphite on the blank. That would make them something like 44 million modulus? I'd like to find something similar to this action, but try something other than TFO. So far my options are a Tiger Eye blank, a Batson RX7, American Tackle Matrix blanks, and whatever PacBay sells. Anyone with experience casting these have any advice?

Hands down CTS Affinity-MX - if you like a moderate action. But you should really - for pike - try something a littlle faster and faster like the CTS Affinity-X.
Regards,
Herb

[www.rodbuilding.org]

I rock a 9' 10wt Batson RX7 for Muskie. It is a nice rod for the money, tosses a custom shooting head (417gn 18') like mad!

Haven't messed with the newer TFOs, but if they are similar to the earlier rods the least expensive rods/blanks were fast actioned, but lesser powered than the TiCrx and other upper end models. For instance the 10 wt. Professionals were CC'd at 8.9 and the TiCrx versions were CC'd at 14.65 if I remember right. Both were action angled at over 70 degrees, which is a fast action blank.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/07/2012 07:56PM by Spencer Phipps.

I can't tell you what to get, but I can tell you you will not like the 10wt Tiger Eye. It's heavy and slow.

3 that would be in the running for me in that situation:

MHx
Quickline
Batson Rx8 (probably my top choice for this kind of fishing unless you want to spend a bit more) maybe a 9wt!

Good luck.

I would go with a Batson RX-7! I have a 10wt i use in Alaska for salmon and its a superb rod. I am sure there are better out there but not for the price. Its the best value out there. The RX-7 is a rod that fishes like a rod that costs a few hundred more dollars!

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

Check out the Pac Bay Quickline - just plain old excellent. I have heard it easily compared to some good Sage rods by someone that is a better fly fisherman than me.

Thanks - Marc

Keep it simple - that's all I can handle!

Thanks for all the opinions. I was leaning toward the RX-7, I never thought of the quickline. Maybe I'll build both...

I'm with Herb on the CTS recommendation, superb blanks. The Affinity X is a fast taper and a powerhouse of a blank, but a pleasure to cast big flies with. If price is a concern, look to the Quickline blanks or maybe a MHX.

IF9010
Rainshadow RX7 Fly Rods

Component Part Number Part Description
Rod Blank Model # IF9010-M or IF9010-OG 9' 2pc 10wt Fly IM6 Matte or Olympic Green
Butt cap: CEVAFB-3 1.5" Cork EVA Fighting Butt
Reel Seat: RA8L2-SG #8 Alum Fly Reel Seat w/recessed hood & Double Locking Nuts & Trim Ring - Shiney Gunsmoke
Reel Seat Shim: SHIM/16/SPIN Proof Board .590" OD 3.70" Length
Grip: FW7.375CS-340/900 7.375" Full Wells Fly Grip .340 bore/.900 Real Seat Cut Out Super Grade Cork
Winding Check: AWC476 Aluminum Winding Check .476" I.D.
Hookeeper: HKS Hook Keeper
Tip Top XHFTL6.5 SS316-Chrome Plated Large Loop Fly Top 6.5 Tube
Guides (see below for size and quantity) XHSNGP SS316- Snake Guide - Polished
Guides (see below for size and quantity) XMXNZG ALPS SS316-MXN Guide w/'Z' ring Polished

Guide order from the tip top Guide Guide Placement - In inches from the tip top
1st XHSNGP3 4.5"
2nd XHSNGP3 9.5"
3rd XHSNGP3 15.5"
4th XHSNGP3 22"
5th XHSNGP3 29"
6th XHSNGP4 36.5"
7th XHSNGP5 44.5"
8th XMXNZG12 54"
9th XMXNZG16 64"
10th XMXNZG20 76.5"

Karry Batson
Batson Enterprises Inc.
Ph: (877) 875-2381
Fax: (360) 683-3579
karry@batsonenterprises.com
www.batsonenterprises.com

I am finishing a 12'6" 9/10wt spey rod from anglers roost and its the best casting rod I own. Check them out I know they make single hand rods too and you can't beat the price. This will be one of many blanks I will buy from them.