Have this blank XF864-4M . Would trimming 6 inches off the butt make that much difference ? The rod is graded as extra fast action.I am aware what happens to rods that are trimed, but because of the taper and fast tip would it alter the action that much? thanks

Measure the section of the blank starting at the butt.

If the blank diameter changes very little, then the action is going to change very little.

Since the rod is extra fast, removing that much blank will still result in an extra fast rod, just shorter.

Sure the power is going to change some as well, but it does not appear as if that is your big concern.

Pretty easy thing to do.

Just build the rod, without the reel on it. i.e. put on the guides and apply finish.

Then, tape the reel in the rod blank in different positions and see how it works for you. When you find the spot where you want the reel to be, then go ahead and put a reel seat and rear grip on the blank and trim off the excess.

A bit backward; but it works.

Good luck

The action will become slower than it is now and will be less powerful. Whether it will still fall within your requirements is something only you can determine. You can always mock up a handle and locate the rear of that on the point where you plan to cut the rod. That will give you a feel for what the finished rod in that length is going to feel like.

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thank you for those great ideas