I'm interested in the NFC lineup of fly blanks. Can anyone who has built on their blanks give a comparison or review of them? I'm looking at their current sale prices and thinking of winter projects, particularly the Classic series and the LMX, likely for a 5 or 6wt trout rod. How do they compare to other manufacturers blanks available?

Andrew,

I am biased - because I love NFC.

The classic lineup of blanks will feel and behave very similar to the IMX and GLX blanks that Gary made at G.Loomis. The materials have gotten better over the last 30 years, which has allowed him to design a similar action that is lighter and stronger. The classic blanks have a wrap/reinforced ferrule (it looks like a spiral in the ferrule area) which is difficult to manufacture, but allows the ferrules to flex with the blank. The actions of the classic series are a "moderate" action (even though it says fast, it is more of a moderate fast).

The LMX series is a true fast and extra fast series of blanks - available in many lengths and styles (from 9 to 10 ft on singlehand) to Spey/Switch)

Alex

Thanks so much Alex, this is exactly what I was hoping to learn.

I just built on a classic 6wt and it is my favorite rod. I sold my production 6wt after a day of casting it. I'm switching over the rest to either the classic or the gama beta. I really like fast action rods. Either way I highly recommend them. Gary

Taste in fly rods varies with the caster's ability, casting style, and whether it will be used for wet or dry fly fishing. It's a great help to be able to test cast a rod built on a particular blank before you buy that blank. That can save time and money. Quality retail fly fishing stores have rods to test-cast and places to do so. It's even better if you can join a local fly-fishing club which has a casting range. Members are usually quite willing to let you test-cast rods they have built or bought. Nobody, including advertisers, can tell you which blank or rod you will like best.