Just finished my first spinning build. I kept it simple being my first one. I went with a High Modulus Carbon 7ft Liberty blank, Med Power, Fast Action, rated for 1/4-5/8oz. Opted for the split grip design and the Fuji SK2 reel seat. The guides i used are the Fuji KR Concept Alconite guides.

The idea behind this build is for a very light weight rod I can use for shore fishing and from the boat for all day casting.

The result is a rod thats light (2.8oz), fast, accurate, and deadly!

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[i247.photobucket.com]

[i247.photobucket.com]

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Looks great Will, You have to love a light weight naked rod after a full day casting! I like to build the same way light weight for fit and function. Good Job My Man!!!

Thanks Jay, Im happy with the way it came out

Looks good, Will. All the Liberty blanks that I've built so far have been well received, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

This was my first build using the Liberty blank. I only had two minor complaints. One being that the weight was more than the specs stated. The spec said 1.6oz and it weighed in at 1.8oz (13% difference). The other issue was either the tip was slightly larger than specified, or the tip top was smaller than specified. The blank tip was the exact same size as the OD tip top, and not the same as the ID of the tip top. I had to sand the tip of the rod a little to get the tip top on there.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/19/2015 10:36AM by Will Cooper.

Will,

You did a great job and you'll find that rod leaps into you hand just about every time you're wanting to use a spinning rod.

As for tip / tube size not matching, I would recommend you use a tip / tube gauge to check the tube size on the tip top and the tip size on the rod. A couple of years ago I ordered from Mudhole a ATC Tip Top with a size 4.0 tube. When I got it it would not fit. I contacted Mudhole and they when through all of the ATC tip tops in their 4.0 storage compartment and found tube sizes that varied from 3.5 to 4.3. They sent me, (at no additional charge), 3 different sized tip tops to make sure one would fit. The original tip top I received was too small and I definitely did not want to sand down a 4.0 tip to get a 3.5 - 3.8 tip top to fit...an accident waiting to happen. Mudhole could not have been more responsive and indicated they, at that time, were having problems with tube size on the tip top they had been receiving from ATC.

Don Campbell
don@sensorfishingrods.com

I hope the sanding doesnt prove to be an issue. It was very minimal to get the tip tip on there.

Do you have a tip top gauge? I have had that happen both ways..rod tip too big (bigger than listed size) and had a supplier send the wrong tube size. Kevin and the guys there at GetBit are usually pretty good about fitting a tip if you ask them to do so. It's definitely a pain to order the listed size and a size up everytime. Especially if you don't build a lot or you use lots of manufacturer guides. So I try to remember to ask the supplier if they offer the service. I know it's a little late for that advice, but maybe it'll save you the headache of sanding the tip a bunch or having to re-order and wait on a guide.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/19/2015 10:45AM by Jared Taylor.

I will remember it for future builds. For this rod, i hope it doesnt create any issues. Only time, and fish, will tell.

Will

Good work! I will look into doing one for myself.

Check out the Pac Bay minima 4 guides they are lighter than Alconites, and in my opinion hold up better than ceramic guides. I never had a problem with any type of luine.

God luck!

John

Hi John, those are on my radar for my next build. I had already placed my order when i learned of them.