Hey all,

I have only built a few rods and they have been on CRB or MHX blanks from Mudhole so I'm trying to branch out a little and see what some other companies blanks are like. I'm looking to build a shallow Crankbait rod and have basically landed on either the Rainshadow Judge (JDGCB70M-CG) or the RodGeeks Bass 4 Series (B473MM).

The Judge blank is a 7'0" blank with similar specs except the butt is .665 inches and weighs in at 2.5oz vs the RodGeeks 7'3" with .434 inch butt and 1.7oz.

Are these differences due to the fact that the RodGeeks blank is a strictly carbon fiber blank while the Judge blank is a composite glass/graphite blank or is it more because of the MH power of the Judge vs. M on the RodGeeks?

Are there any real gotchas for building on different materials or is the only real difference the functionality and performance of the finished product?

Any reviews from builds you have done on either blank is also greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

Jason

Great question, could be the additional material in the glass/graphite that is the added weight.. Honestly not sure, but I am assuming you will get some great answers. I built my shallow cranking rod on a Bushido CB series of blanks. Heard a lot of good things about the Judge, but it is a thicker blank than the RodGeeks option.

Jason it looks like your are comparing apples to oranges on this. Are you wanting a 7ft or a 7'3" rod and what power medium or Medium Heavy? I think you are on the right track with the Rodgeeks and if graphite is your choice by all means go for the Bass 4

However, Rodgeeks makes one of the best S Glass rods I have ever built and I have over twenty of them out there getting the job done. These brutes have carbon fiber in the base and the moderate fiberglass blend in the tips. The SG70MHM is powerhouse if your throwing bigger cranks or even chatterbaits this is the rod to have. The weight is on the base not the tip. The SG70MM is light as all get out and is my choice for smaller crankbaits like the square bills and One minus ,size baits. Another point is that these rods are almost HALF the price of the Carbon 4 rods.

Good luck in your new adventure

Tom

Tom,

I'm really sorry for the mistype....both blanks are medium power but the Judge blank is moderate fast action and the Bass 4 series rod is a moderate action blank. I was just curious if the materials used to make the blank would be the main cause of the shorter blank to be so much heavier than the longer one or if the ACTION (not power) could actually have that big of an impact.

To answer your question though, I do want (need?) to build a medium and a medium-heavy crankbait rod so half-priced glass blanks are the best thing I've heard all day. haha!

The heavier blank may have the same action, but that action might not continue further down the blank as far as the lighter rod. Stiffer back bone. Probably better suited for throwing heavier baits or non-treble baits.

you,ll like how glass fights a fish and if you use braided line you,ll still have most of the sensitivity of a graphite rod..

The American Tackle Bushido CB 72/6-12 and the Bushido CB72/8-15 are both excellent crank bait blanks. Both are Mod Fast, Medium power blanks with great feel. The CB72/6-12 is a favorite for smaller cranks, used for Smallmouth, with a soft easy flex that tricks the Smallies into staying pinned, while loading well to bring the fish to the boat. The CB72/6-12 comes in at a touch over 1.5oz. While the CB78/8-15 comes in at 1.7oz. Check them out.

I know you didn't mention it, but the American Tackle Bushido CB72 8-15 is a great crankin blank. Very light and sensitive. I have made several for customers and use them regularly with clients.

Capt. Craig Freeman
Grading Scales Sportfishing and Back River Rods