Hi all,

I have a question in regards to choosing a rod blank. The reason that it needs to be an Aussie builder is because it is comparing Samurai reaction 302-2 to MHX blanks, and to the best of my knowledge the Samurai reaction blanks are not available else where. (I could be wrong!)

I broke my samurai reaction 302-2, but before I go out and buy another one, I was wondering how the following to blank by mudhole compares to it as Im willing to try one as the samurai blank is quite expensive.

The blank im looking at is the SJ842-2-MHX

Also is there any other 2 pce blanks that are comparable to the samurai.

I have one more question that every one else maybe able to answear for me, what are the difference in characteristics between a spinjig blank and a mag bass blank?

All help will be greatly appreciated.

Hi Mark,
The broken rod can be repaired for a lot less than a new one!! Check the article in the library, it's a good one. I've fixed a few and the owners tell me that they can't notice any difference. The only tell tale is the difference in size where the outer sleeve sits and that's not a standout if it's done properly.
Where in Oz are you as I used to now a Mark James well..
I've got a HM-MB843-MHX and it's really nice. I don't know the difference between the Mag Bass and Spin Jig but a blank is a blank and doesn't care what style of rod you build on it. There is plenty of American builders here that can tell you the difference.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

G'day Mark

If your going to build another rod you can definitely do a lot better than the samurai blank for cheaper if you buy in the US.

They are dear as poison here.Not sure where you are located but if your near Col or I we could help you out.Let us know.

cheers

Ray Balmforth
Figtree
NSW
Australia

Mark,

From what I have seen and dealt with the Mag bass they all seem to be fast action with a medium to heavy power rating and heavier in line rating I like using these for the likes of Barra, school Jew, Murray Cod and big flatties when I’m really ripping plastics

where the spin jig blanks are generally fast action but light to medium power and lighter line ratings I normally use these for my general fishing etc. heavy breaming, flatties and small school Jew (by catch from the flatties).

I have to say I’m with Ray there are definitely a lot better blanks than the samurai out there and for less but buying them here they can be dear as poison but postage can kill you if you buy in the US. (If you’re buying one offs, I generally buy enough to build a few rods and I come out way in front)

I would also look at the St. Croix, Lamiglas, Phoenix and American Tackle blanks (I haven't had any issues with any of these; they do fish well and feel good).

As Col has said there are plenty of American builders here that can tell you the difference between Mag Bass and spin Jig a lot better than most builders as most blanks are designed for their market

Dave O'Brien
Port Macquarie
Australia

Hi mate,

Take a look at american tackle matrix these are what i use when replacing the sams. I have some here if your local or let me know where you are i can get one of my prostaffers to show you thiers, my guys cover most of the east coast. Drop me an email if you want me to arrange something.

Cheers

Mark Newcombe
Old Bar NSW
Australia
markscustomfishing.com
American Tackle Pro-Staff

Mark,

Mate, personally I would say support your local builders as much as you can. Mark Newcombe will look after you and not steer you wrong. He is building some really nice rods at the moment. The other option for a blanks is to speak to Peter Williams at GCCR in Surfers Paradise. He is the owner of United Composites USA and has some great blanks. He knows his blanks like no-one else and will give you some great advice. Many of his blanks are also built specially for the Aussie market as we have slightly different fishing styles than in the US.

Regards
Mark Fisher
Outback Rods