Is the Affinity X blank the same as the Affinity S blank with just a name change? I own a Maxim but no longer see it offered. What replaced that blank?

Ellis,
The "S" blank was the original "Saltwater" CTS blank. The "X" became its replacement. The first "X" after the "S" was a little more refined than the "S". But is was made from the same material. The biggest change in refinement took place a couple of years ago when CTS went with its current material that is a low-resin material. The blank is thinner and more lively.

The Maxim was one of my favorite blanks. It was made from a blend of 44msi material. So it was slower than CTS' other blanks - 57msi.

CTS still makes some "custom" (non-stock) blanks for me on the old Maxim mandrel - but I order the blanks in the 57msi material. I makes a very sweet rod - especially in a #10 blank. fishes like a #8 or #9 rod.

I have one 9', 4pc, #10 demo fly rod that is out for testing with a gentleman in VT.
I have , I think, 6 "one-off" #10 rods. I have the "Maxim" taper in both 9'0" and 8'9" in a 10wt.

Nothing replaced the Maxim in a stock blank. But you can come close with CTS' PF program where you can design your own blank. Or better - just order a blank built on the maxim mandrel.
I will get a price for you if you wish.
email me : hladen@hotmail.com

Regards,
Herb

Thanks Herb. I own both rods that I mentioned. At the present time I don't need another blank but who knows, I may change my mind and order one for my son.

Ellis,
You are welcome - anytime.
What weight rods do you have in the "S" and "Maxim"?
Herb

Both of my rods are 8 wts. I first built the Maxim and couldn't cast very well in our coastal winds so I bought the S when Andy Dear was still selling them. I really like them both. I use the Maxim for freshwater bass and the Affinity down on the coast.

I bought my first CTS from Andy. He disappeared. Do you know where he is??
Herb

I lost track of him also. The last time that I saw him was in Rockport, Texas and that has been a while back. I don't think that he lives there though.
Cheers, Ellis

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Bill - willierods.com