Hey guys. I just got a new 6'6" med. fast action inshore blank. While checking it out trying to decide what exactly I want to do I was sighting down the rod and notice at about 5'4" or so from the butt end there is a subtle bend. I chucked the rod into my wrapper and turned it on the dryer motor. The bend equates to about a 5/16" wobble at the tip. The wobble is pretty much on the spine. Is this normal or would you guys want this replaced. I doubt it would affect the performance unless there is a weak spot there. Thanks for your advice and input.

Mike,
If you ever get a perfectly straight blank, consider yourself lucky. That being said, .312in over only 14in is border-line too much considering how advanced the manufacturing processes are these days. You have nothing to lose (except possibly return shipping) by asking the seller if you can return it for a straighter blank. It probably would not ultimately detract much from the performance, but you and/or your customer will look at that bend all day long while fishing. Of course, if it is an ultra-cheapie blank, = you get what you pay for.

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

If the blank is going to be built into a spinning rod, putting the guides on the outside of the curve or belly of the blank will straighten the look of the rod due to their weight on that axis.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/22/2021 07:03AM by Ross Pearson.

Thanks Mark, Its not a real expensive $95 blank but not super cheap.I think I will contact the maker and see what kind of response I get. I had just built a rod on the same model blank and that one when turning had no wobble at all. I had also just got an UL blank from Phenix so I looked down that blank and put it on the wrapper and it is straight as an arrow.

Is this a gentle bend or curve, or a sudden crook? Most blanks have a gentle curve along their entire length. Sudden, distinct crooks may not necessarily be cause for concern but you could certainly raise an issue with quality control on such a thing.

...........

Mike,
Return the blank and ask for a blank that has no bends in it. You may or may not have good luck doing that.

If we could "cherry pick" every blank we buy, but unfortunately we take our chances when we order online. I always roll mine on a flat level surface, then decide. If it won't roll, send it back and tell them you need a straight blank. If you send enough back they may take the time to actually look at it before they ship it. Good luck.

Well I emailed the maker and they handled it perfect. They have a new blank being sent and they sent a return label for me to return the blank that is now on the way back to them. Cant ask for much better service than that.

As long as the guides and the ferrules don't slide around during the cast a rod will cast to the same place given the same input. Capable casters instinctively compensate for crosswinds. As long as there is a steady wind (or no wind at all) a slight bend in the rod blank will not harm accuracy. The "looks" of a rod are a different matter. But to answer your question: Yes, a rod blank should be perfectly straight - but it won't be.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/27/2021 03:05PM by Phil Ewanicki.