I was wondering how nymphing blanks (approx. 10' in length, 4wt) made by e.g MHX, Pacific Bay (Quickline) and in fact how fly blanks made by these and other makers (Batson, ATC, St.Croix to name a few) compare with blanks made by the fly specialists, such as Sage, Winston, T&T and the like.

I have built a few fly rods on MHX, ATC, Composite Developments and St.Croix blanks and love them. However I have had no opportunity to compare them side by side with the fly rod leaders. So again - how do they compare putting price aside and focusing just on their fishing merits?

Cheers,
Michal

They're every bit as good. It really comes down to your personal preferences. The thing is, you can't really compare based on price nor believe that a more expensive blank is better than a less expensive one. Sometimes they are, but sometimes they're not. I would dare say that any of the blanks you mention will be of equal quality to the "premium" names you mention. So it really just comes down to the particular action and feel that you prefer.

...............

I thought it would be something like this. When I replaced my aging carbon Fibatube dry fly rod (8' 4/5wt) with an ATC 8' 3-pc 4wt, I felt like in paradise - light, swift, delicate presentation, the tops.

I equally adore my MHX 9' 6wt and thought that they are as good as it gets, but a shadow of doubt remained ...

Thanks,
Michal

I build only fly rods, and my "go to" blanks are Batson and MHX! I will build on one of the major brands if the client has a strong preference, but firmly believe the these two are the equals of the name brands.

If you can make it to the ICRBE you will get the chance and hold many different blanks and pick for yourself. You will also be able to talk to people that use, make, and build them.

What type of line will you be using: weight? head length? floating? sinking? sink rate? sink tip? How far will you be casting? I figure rod and line are like a rifle and a cartridge - an integrated unit.
You need to consider how both elements work together to achieve the best results.

Sure would like to come to ICRBE, but my dear ladies (wife and daughters) wouldn't let me fly across the big pond all alone, plus they would want to do some shopping while at it. Complete bankruptcy would then follow ;-)

I can't answer the detailed questions for the simple reason that I was simply wondering how e.g. Sage, Winston, Hardy, T&T etc. blanks would compare with the likes of MHX, Batson or PacBay, taking the price out of the equasion.

Admittedly I am thinking of building a nymphing rod (Czech or Polish style nymphing that is), but the question was nevertheless a pretty general one.

For me, on 10 footer in light line (4 and under) there is some difference that you don't see on 9 footer or higher Line weight.
It's hard to find good 10' in light line weight, not tip heavy and responsive.

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Eric
[www.emfishing.fr]

They are very good, and you actually want a slower blank for nymphing as you are often using weighted flies or split shot. Wider casting loops help prevent tangles with multiple flies. You might look at 4 wt and 5 wt switch blanks for nymphing. The Batson models are 10'8" and really nice rods for this method. I believe both MHX and Pac Bay Quickline have switch models in 4 or 5 wt as well.

Terry

I built a Quickline 10' 4 weight for nymph fishing. The owner is a died in the wool Sage fan. He loves the Quickline. Not a comparison though because he doesn't have a Sage 10' nymph rod. I believe he put a #5 floating line on it.

Greg
Aptos, CA