Who has build a fly rod on the NFC Gamma Alpa/Beta and/or X-Ray blanks? I am curious as to how stiff/fast the blanks are, and how the Gammas compare to the less expensive X-Rays. Thanks.

I have built the Gamma Beta and one Xray. The difference between the the two is overall weight and finish, with the Beta being lighter and not having the ridged surface. Both are fast action, with the Beta seemingly just a little bit more so. I would not classify either as "stiff."

I have built a couple on the Gamma Beta and about to start another. Have not messed with any of the X-Rays. Compared to a NRX in the same weight and a Sage One, I would say somewhere in between with it being a little closer to the NRX in stiffness. I have not compared them though with the CCS so this is general opinion.

By stiff, do you mean a blank you most overline to fish effectively?

Maybe my bad for using the word "stiff" as it is not a very precise definition for a fly rod. In terms of action, I guess I am asking how fast is the action. In saying stiff, I was wondering if it is boardy at all. I have a 9 foot 5-wt. TFO TiCrx which I think is quite "boardy" or "stiff" and could readily toss a 7 weight line (and in reality may be better rated for that.) I have a Batson Eternity 9 foot 6 weight that I just wrapped up that is pretty fast in its action, but is quite crisp and light in its feel. I have a 9 foot 5 weight Hook and Hackle Xi rod which I find to be more moderate in action with plenty of bend into the middle of the rod. I have made two rods in recent months after a several decade layoff, and the hobby addiction is coming back and kicking in, so I am wondering what blank is next. I would be curious how the NFC blanks compare to the Batson Eternity. As always, I appreciate the generous insight, expert opinionsand willignness to share information of the users on this forum. It has been a long time since I cast a high-end OEM rod I should probably go test drive a Loomis, Sage or Orvis.

David,
I personally think you will like the NFC blanks and because of the discount given they are half the price of a Sage in the equivalent model.
Lance