Some years ago I built an 8'6" 4/5 wt. rod on one of the then-popular Sevier "TIger Eye" blanks. It quickly became my favorite rod and remained so until yesterday, when it was unceremoniously snapped in half while fighting a large bass.
Naturally, I want to replace the rod, but as I recall from my last attempt to locate the Tiger Eye blanks, no one has them anymore. Therefore, I am hoping that some of you who have used the Tiger Eye fly blanks might be able to recommend another blank that has a similar action and feel.
I would classify the action as moderate to moderate-fast, depending on whether it was used with a 4- or 5-weight line. More important to me, though, was the feel. It was very smooth, much more so than any other rod I've ever cast except the old Winston WT, which I actually remember others comparing it to favorably back when both were still available.
I have some money to spend this time around (unlike when I bought the Tiger Eye blank), and I don't mind laying down considerably more than I paid for the Tiger Eye blank for another that could replicate that action and feel.
I'm open to suggestions--anyone?

Thanks,
Bryon

CTS Affinity-MX, 8'6", #4
Or the new CTS Affinity-M, 8'6", #4. This has a stiffer tip than the MX but a softer butt section.

For a faster blank: the CTS Affinity-X, 8'6" #4.
They all may overlined to a #5 but the "X" more so.
Herb
Distrib. CTS Blanks

Herb,

Thank you for those recommendations. I had never checked out the CTS website before but I must say they have some impressive-looking offerings and customer testimonials. It will be a little while yet before I'm ready to buy but when the time comes I will certainly be looking at those and will likely be e-mailing you for more detailed information.

Thanks again,
Bryon

Bryon
While he doesn't have quite the selection as CTS - you might want to consider the Dan Craft GXT series. I am quite impressed with their action. Much different than the CTS but nice enough for me to have the 7,8 9,10 as some of my personal rods. But in the #4 they only have a 8'0" and a 9'0".
Herb

The "feel" you are looking for in a blank suggests you might be happy with a fiberglass blank. You could do an online search for such blanks. "S-glass" blanks are an attractive compromise between graphite and e-glass.

Phil,

I do have some interest in fiberglass blanks, especially if I could find one with more of a moderate to moderate-fast action. I do own a couple; one I believe is an old Shakespeare Wonder Rod, which is much too noodly for my taste. The other is newer, a little 6'6" 4 wt. from Cabelas that actually fishes better with a 5 wt. line. I will do some reading about the S-glass blanks you suggested.

One of the downsides to building your own rod is that you rarely have the opportunity to "try out" a blank before you buy it unless it's made by one of the major brand-name manufacturers. Still, it's worked out well for me with nearly all the rods I've built, and I enjoy the process, so I'm still willing to give it a go.

Thanks,
Bryon

Bryon,
I have some un-built and many built blanks that I am willing to send to builders. Some sort of security is needed and shipping costs have to be covered..
In your case, however, I only have 9'0" blanks. but you can get a general idea.
Herb