Howdy.

5 years ago I picked up a couple blanks from Andy Dear that I understood to be All Star blanks. They have a sticker on the butt saying RXF8610-M which seems easy to accept as a 10 weight fly rod that is 8'6". Someone at a later show told me they were spinning rods, where "M" was for Medium. I think it was a partner in the original All Star rods, Bob or Bill Brown? He later started Tour Star grips company. I called them and their number was "temporarily disconnected".

If anyone can help me identify this blank and confirm its intended use, I would appreciate that. If it is a spinning rod, I would love to know what lure weights and line class it was designed for.

Thanks,

Tony

Just to clarify...the phone number works. I transposed 218 for 281

Back in the old days All Star did the US built blanks for many manufacturers. Some I can think of is Pacific Bay and Batson. I believe you have a Batson blank 10 wt fly as you said with a "Matt" dull finish.

Hi, Spencer.

I knew you might have an idea!

If it is a fly blank, do you know what the "M" was for?

Thanks,

Tony

"M" on that blank meant it had a "Matt", or duller finish on the blank versus a shiny finish, in their blank line you could have different colors or clear finishes.
It really isn't a true Batson blank as it never went thru their quality control, bagging, label, etc. It simply was at the All Star plant when they decided to quit selling blanks. By that time Batson had moved on to a company called Cascade Composites, if I remember right, to make their blanks. Now of course they have moved on again, such is the industry.

Spencer - thank you!