Hey guys I just got a classic old blank from the payne/graphite diamondback era up here in Vermont was wondering how rare r those blanks its in great shape and its brownish red in color and its 8ft 5-6 wt if anyone knows any info about it let me know it would be most appreciate.

Thanks
Rich

Payne was a bamboo rod crafter with taper designs all his own,such as Paul Young and many others. Although I once owned a Diamondback rod,I don't think he was ever affiliated with Diamonback rods. I could be wrong. I would imagine they were made to replicate Payne rods casting characteristics,powers,etc. Much the same as modern bamboo rods are crafted on the same tapers as the better ones of the last century,by the top craftsmen.

The last I knew Cortland bought out Diamondback rods, but that was many years ago.

Diamondback, the original Vermont based company did roll blanks for Payne for a very short period of time. They did "third party" work for a number of companies, LL Bean, Cabelas, HL Leonard and Cortland to name a few. In some cases they built out the rods or they just rolled the blanks. Once Cortland Line Company bought Diamondback, they still did a small amount of this "third party" work also. Then Cortland shut down the VT operation and all the Diamondback stuff went off shore for a few years until the brand was sold by Cortland.

In the case of your Payne blank, it is pretty rare, they did not roll many of them and for only a couple of years at best. It is mainly "rare" because of how long ago it was made. They are good quality blanks, Diamondback did make nice stuff and they do have a following with a small amount of people.

Neat find in my book, but I'm in that small amount of builders that enjoyed fishing their stuff.

Thanks guys for the info and bill hickey glad to hear that the blank is rare that's awesome.
Rich