I am in the process of putting together a Sage SP196 9'6" blank and a St Croix SCV 4-8lb 9'6" blank. I would like to build both of these blanks identical to test their sensitivity.

I notice that the St Croix male/female ferrule insertion depth is shorter than the male/female ferrule insertion depth of the Sage SP196. I don't have exact measurements since I am at work but the St Croix has approx 2" male/female overlap whereas the Sage SP196 has a 2.5" male overlap.

My question is: If I cut approx 1/2" off of the top of the bottom section (the male) of the Sage SP196 so that the male/female ferrule overlap is shortened from 2.5" to 2", will this affect rod flex/performance? One of the things I am afraid of the most is that doing this will affect rod flex....it will flex more where the ferrule is since the male/female overlap is shortened.

Thank you in advance......

I believe the right way to compare two blanks is to build them exactly as the manufacturer intended them to be built. Any changes to either blank makes the comparison invalid. You wouldn't drill out the ID if you found a difference between the two blanks, arguing that you are making them identical.

Sort of like comparing the performance of two cars, noticing that one has 6 cylinders and one has 4. So you pull the plug wires on two cylinders and think you're making a valid comparison.

I'm listening, if anyone makes an argument for modifying one of the blanks. I just don't see it.

All St. Croix multi-piece blanks feature a 2-inch overlap. Sage bases overlap length on blank diameter - more on larger blanks and less on smaller blanks. Two different design criteria. So trimming the Sage overlap back not only changes the design criteria they built into that blank, but could result in a multi-piece blank that won't stay together.

Since the blanks aren't identical to begin with (two different makers, different diameters, coatings, etc.) the best you can do to compare them is leave the blanks as they are and simply build them out with the same components, in the same locations.

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Thank you for the info. I will leave the two blanks as they are because the Sage blank is beautiful and I would hate to mess around with it and have it fail on me after countless hours putting it together.

Lam, you have stated that you will build them as is. Good idea.

This is for others that may be considering shortening a blank. By altering blanks from those manufacturers,I believe it voids any warranty. This is often the case when shortening blanks, period. Shortening the length of the ferrules would be unwise,at best. That would certainly void any blank warranty. I have no idea about all manufacturers so it would be best to contact them directly before cutting any blank.