Hey guys,

Its the dead of winter and it has been downright awful which has left me sitting at home doing much of nothing. The only thing I can do is attempt to get ready for the upcoming guide season on Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River, which last season left me needing to replace a few rods that are broken.

Last year, I built my first rod and I got pretty hooked on the idea of being able to take the blanks of the rods I love and make them better and more personal. So as i'm shopping around to replace some of these broken rods, I keep thinking to myself, "well I don't like this about that rod or that about this rod." and the rod building bug has bit me again.

I built my first rod on an Avid blank and was considering just using more of their blanks. But the more i've looked around the more i'm intrigued by other blank manufactures, namely Phenix with their M1 and Recon line.

So i'm asking you guys for help in choosing blanks. For those that have built on both SC3 and M1 lines, which do you think is superior? What about other mid level blanks? What have you found to be the lightest and most sensitive rods in the 100 dollar blank price point? Whats the best bang for the buck?

Jose

When I was buying rods, I had a few St.Croix and a bunch of Loomis.
Since I've been rolling my own, I have mainly used Batson Rainshadow blanks.
I like the look, feel and the price.

St. Croix SCII and SCIII blanks are big time bargains. Made in North America and priced in line with blanks that are far less in quality and performance. They are my "go to" blanks for most bass and light saltwater fishing projects.

Hi,

Batson blanks. They sell basic blanks for a reasonable price that make very good catching tools. As you move up into their product line the blanks just get better and better. Many of my customers are catching on Batson blanks. You will not be disappointed. Any questions then call Adam and Kary for spot on answers.

Capt Neil Faulkner

Not All SCII's are US made, some are in Mexico.

Chester

May your line be tight and your beverages be cold!



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 02/17/2014 07:23AM by Chester Kiekhafer.

I'm really impressed with the Batson XSB-783, I've built two for walleye fishing on Erie and will most likely be building a few more before spring.

Mexico remains part of North America last time I checked.

Ken Finch Wrote:
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> Mexico remains part of North America last time I
> checked.


Yep, Ken you're right, my mistake.

Jose, I would vote for the Batson line also.
why don't you join the other Michigan rod builders at the gathering on April 5. you must be in my back yard if you are fishing the Detroit and St Clair.

Gary,

That sounds like a good idea. Where do you guys usually meet? I live in the downriver area.

[www.mirodbuilders.webs.com]

I really like the Rainshadow X series RX 8, which can be both above and below your $100 range. Check out Get Bit Outdoors, a sponsor on the left. I've been hearing good stuff on Revelation too, and they are really reasonable.

Cant beat the MHX series for selection and versatility!! I love em!!

Chris Beverley Wrote:
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> Cant beat the MHX series for selection and
> versatility!! I love em!!


X2

Based on my experience with MHX, some of their blanks tend to be heavier in action than other blanks that use the same "rating," so before getting heavily into them I recommend discussing the rating of the blanks you're interested in with Mudhole experts. I have had no other issues with them.