I finally took the opportunity to try the thread epoxy on a new rod build. And I have no affiliation with Hitena or any of their distributors.

There is no need to even use the epoxy before you can recognize some pluses. In the 4oz packaging (2+2), the top is capped with a pre-drilled needle nosed type dispenser. The caps are color coded, black for hardener and white for resin. The hardener has a slight amber cast so there should be no reason to mix up the two.

I use small, chef style spoons for measuring the epoxy and the diameter of the pre-drilled cap holes allow the epoxy to flow smoothly from the bottle making measuring very accurate. I also tried a slightly new method of mixing utilizing a metal cup purchased from Mudhole as opposed to my normal method of a shot glass for mixing. This allowed me to both mix and let the epoxy spread out similar to pouring onto a piece of aluminum foil. Mixing in the cup created less bubbles than the shot glass and were easily burst with a couple of breaths through a straw.

The Hitena epoxy consistency seems to be a tad thinner than the Threadmaster regular I have been using for the past few years. But I was working on the butt section of the rod where I normally use multiple light coats to cover decals and decorative thread work. I did cover one of the wraps with a heavier coat and it would again, appear that one heavy coat would be sufficient and no sagging occurred. It also flowed very quickly into the tunnels of the hook keeper that was covered.

Application was done with a brush and there was an absence of bubbling that I have had with other epoxies. I did my straw breathing exercise any way. The rest of the epoxy on the guides will be applied with a spatula. I did not monitor the cure time, I forgot, so my dryer ran for about 12 hours. Today, approximately 24 hours later, the epoxy seems hard as a rock, hyperbole of course, as it should have some flexibility.

The final test will be how the epoxy covers when using a spatula but I suspect no problems will be encountered. I know it may be a little premature, but so far this just might be the best thread epoxy I have used over the past twenty-five years. Disclaimer: actual results may vary.

Ray Zarychta
Glastonbury, CT

I got the sample from hitena, and although im not crazy experienced, i agree that jts a nice epoxy to work with.. I ended up buying some as i prefer it over others ive used.. I used a brush since the start of my obsession.. One day i didnt feel like reaching.. Decided to just use the mixing stick.. Ill never usr a brush again! Atleast with hitena, applying with a spatula (i use a coffee stiring stick) is the way to go

I also liked the Hitena finish. To me it seemed very similar to Threadmaster.
Norm

24 oz kit for $18.00 is cheaper than others out there and that alone will entice people to try it , most 24 oz kits are in the $24.00 range it sounds like it's definitely worth trying . I decided to wrap my two latest surf rods with their NCP thread and it turned out fantastic , i already had Threadmaster or i would of tried their thread epoxy .

Hitena has a lot of interesting items on their website that no other supplier offers , line conditioners , terminal tackle , high tech braids from Japan etc. Superb customer service & lightning fast shipping .

I picked up 4 spools of their thread at the fly fishing show in Marlboro in January. Just started using them last night so I don't have much experience but so far so good. THe guy at the show had lots of interesting colors and several sizes. Little more expensive than ProWrap but not enough to worry about.
Quinn

I really like the Hitena thread and the fly/ jig head boxes are very nice for the $. I will have to try their finish.

I should have added this before.. There shipping really is fast.. Its coming the furthest away from the few dealers i use.. I can order a day after the others and jts usually here 2-3 days before.. Im my opinion, thats worth a look alone..