Could you please share your go-to products and suppliers of 2019?

I have been getting more serious about rod building these last few years, and feel like I have been burned a few times, by suppliers I thought were reputable and products that disappoint. Some brands, like fuji, I have come to blindly trust, liking all their products (until I tried their graphite arbors), other brands I really wanted to like, but have been consistently disappointed in the quality.

Outside of specialty builds I tend to gravitate toward Fuji reel seats/ guides/ thread, flex coat lite rod finish and I'm not really sweet yet on any other components or vendors. I would like to try new products but have fairly high standards and low on funds these days, so the endorsement of any products or vendors that you find consistently reliable would be much appreciated.

Check out the sponsor list on the left. They have most everything needed.

As Lynn said the sponsors on the left side of the page are all first class trustworthy suppliers , Tom doesn't let garbage on his site, (Except me but we're discussing vendors here not members) anyway , all the sponsors are superb and carry EVERYTHING you could possibly ever need . I have used many and have been exceptionally satisfied.

Joseph,
From a component aspect, no one can go wrong with Fuji. Their commitment to the industry and vast R&D has produced products and complete systems all the others can only mimic. Yes, I employ Minima M guides on certain builds but if Fuji manufactured ringless guides, I would probably purchase them from Fuji. With the exception of MicroWave guides, virtually all advancements in guide technology has stemmed from Fuji’s involvement, dedication and persistence to the fishing world. While other manufacturers may produce very fine products, I never have to question it when purchasing anything from Fuji.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

I thank everyone for taking the time to reply and share their thoughts. I was very tired when I posted earlier and think perhaps I could have worded things better! I was mainly trying to figure out if there were any new products or components you pros thought were worth trying.

I don’t produce the volume or have the margin for trial and error of every product that seems interesting. For efficiencies sake, I just meant to ask those who do.

BTW feel free to PM me if appropriate. I don’t want to bash or advocate for anyone, just efficiently learn.

Joe the microwave guides are something to try. I like batson for blanks . you did not tell us what kind of rods you would build fly ,freshwater ,.saltwater , ect

It might be easier if when you see products that interest you, ask about them.

My favorite - by far - is Karen at Bingham Enterprises. High quality personalized service.
Herb
CTS

Vendors and their customer service is a different, yet should be considered similar, subject. Some excel, others pale at best. If you do not receive your order from a vendor within 4 days, there are many other who will. Without naming names, a few of the biggest suppliers to the left are the worst at customer service and prompt shipping. Amongst the best is Anglers Workshop.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

The Rod Room has excellent customer service, and get their orders out very quickly.
Norm

if we,re voting, i have to say Carol at Utmost is one of the best, but all the sponsers do a great job..