Looking for some advice. A few times this year I found myself wishing for a fishing rod. Time to build a dedicated truck/travelrod. Want to go with something around six foot, four piece,light to med light fast action. Four piece is a must. Want to have smallest package as possible.

Rainshadow offers their RX 6 in a 4 pc light model SB720-4. Not familiar with this particular line but used other rainshadow blanks in the past been happy with them. Med light would probable be a bit more practical though. Which brings me to Rodgeeks.

They offer the C260LF4 which specs out nearly identical to the rainshadow. Don't specify the modulus just say mid range. Rainshadow calls it standard some dealers list it at 33 million. Rodgeeks then offers a 4 pc 6'6" Med Light model C266MLF4. Which is not that much different spec wise.The rodgeeks blanks are a bit more expensive but not enough to sway my decision one way or the other.

So throw some thoughts at me to make my decision a little easier or confuse me even more.

St. Croix travel rods in the past I've used were stiffer tipped than the Rainshadows I've used.

I've built 2 of the RodGeeks 4 piece travel rods. They are excellent and super compact when packed. Seriously, these are excellent fishing rods and uniquely short. I've never used the Batson ones mentioned, but they are likely good too.

The really cool part about RodGeeks is the easy custom colors for $15.

The custom colors has me leaning that way. How is the quality of finish? Any issues with thread finish sticking to the blank finish?

I have not experienced any difficulty with their product

Ron Weber

Rodgeeks finishes are like glass, or a high quality car finish. I cannot imagine the finish not satisfying someone. They also have a very fine customer service operation. If you have questions I suggest you call them.

Rainshadow and Rodgeeks are both excellent blanks. I doubt you would be disappointed in either. Why not make both and compare?! If you want a custom color, Rodgeeks can provide that. I think you will be pleased with either.

I just built a 4pc. ultra light spinner with a Rod Geeks blank. Was very happy with it.

The custom color RodGeeks are really great. You're getting an excellent St Croix blank in any color they publish. It's a unique opportunity. I've been very happy with them. I've only built the fly rods and travel rods, for full disclosure, but very happy with both.

Drew

Thanks for the input. Going to go with 6 6 rod geeks blank I think. Still kicking around ideas. I was thinking of just going as basic as possible and spend as little as possible. After all rod will see minimal use. But the custom rodbuilder in me is saying, if your going to spend the time use the best components and make it look as nice as possible. So probable be burnt copper blank, orange and black maple burl reel seat insert, pac bay minimas, some shade of brown thread, pale gold trim wraps. Be a real close match of colors to my King Ranch F150. Just got to figure out what reel to go with so I can set the rod up as best as possible.

I've used both myself and built them for customers. No complaints either way you go as both are excellent.