Looking for a reasonably (<$200) priced blank to build a jerkbait rod for a friend. He has been using G Loomis IMX medium fast action model sjr 782. This rod has a fast taper as many of their best sticks do. It need to have enough tip to work a jerkbait deep and enough backbone to fight big smallies from down deep.

Lamiglas LP 844 ($99 before builder discount)

Or what I would buy NFC 704-1 IM...not listed on their site but they have it. Modeled after their old SJ 842 glx loomis blank. I personally like longer rods for jerkbaits, but you could always cut it down.

Bob,
Also, check out the Batson RX8 blanks for a suitable blank.
If in doubt, just call Batson, and they will give you the nubmer of the similar blank.

I suspect that the RX8 -- XSW68MX would be a nice match to the blank for which you are looking.

I have been building a lot of rods on these RX8 blanks and have found them to be some of the nicest blanks on the market for the particular applications.

Roger



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 03/03/2013 12:59AM by roger wilson.

Thanks Guys! One of the problems I have in evaluating blanks without the advantage of feel is determining the lock-up point. In fishing lite line and deep water, I feel that the more extreme tapers or even mult-tapers excel. I can handle a parabolic bend for a tube or even and drop-shot but I really want to be able to move my Lucky Craft when it gets a tick. Determined to improve on the IMX that I am currently using and will post results as I plan to try to build 2 this year.

I haven't owned the Batson, so I can't speak to their tapers...but I've heard they have good backbone.

IMO that NFC blank is as close to the taper on that IMX 782 as you're going to get. In the old loomis blanks I found the 842 to be similar in tip to the 782 but with more backbone/power in the mid and lower part.
The same guy designed the NFC blank and that one...so I'm guessing if you really liked that rod the NFC would be a safe bet.

Bob,
I would give Jon at NFC a call. He should be able to pinpoint you to the exact blank you are looking for. I would be willing to bet that even in the event you were to purchase a blank and find it not to your liking they will work with you in finding exactly what you are wanting. They are good people and have offered that to myself in the past.

Tom