Hi everyone,

I'm thinking about getting my own rod build by a rod builder here in Holland. I have found someone who's working with NFC blanks and I know they deliver quality, but I have no idea about the blanks.

I just know that the LXS76MLXF2 is fantastic as I've fished with it before, super sensitive, felt everything in this rod even the smallest nibble. This one is now completely sold out and production has stopped, otherwise I would have gotten this one.

So getting to my question: What blank is as good as the blank ST croix used for the LXS76MLXF2 or perhaps even better?

7'6
Medium-Light
Extra-Fast
2 piece

Will be mostly using it for carolina rig, ned rig and small plugs/topwater

NFC is preferable as the guy is working with these blanks mostly, but open to any other quality blank brand.

It just needs to be the right one and there's tons of experience here!

Thanks everyone!

Btw, I'm also open for rod builders in europe or perhaps outside if they deliver quality.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/05/2021 09:31AM by Martijn Ferio.

I know of the rod you speak of, I have the 1 piece version I built from a blank and just love it. The super light tip and bend will not be easy to find. For us old guys, we're looking for a blank with bend characteristics of the G Loomis P8400, or the Shikari P7000, IP7000, or PP7000, material wise at least the PP7000, but St. Croix has an even softer tip, same abrupt lock up after the tip folds over.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/05/2021 11:28AM by Spencer Phipps.

Maftin

I did notice that Rodgeeks has the St Croix SC5 with the exact specs two piece but only in a 7 ft length is that is an option ??

I was going to suggest that Tom but it isn't XF (unless I missed one). The blank referenced above is actually a blend of SC 6 and SC 5 .

Spencer, would the HS 7600-2 be a candidate (assuming he wishes to stay with NFC)?

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

The NFC Hotshot blank Russell mentions will be a stiffer in the tip and have more backbone, unless Gary found a way to fix it, as his G Loomis versions modulus went up the tip got stiffer and slower, at least that is the experience I have had between my GL3 AND GLX versions, even the IMX is considerably stiffer in the tip. Few sticks out there have the soft tip of my St. Croix 5S76MLXF. The MHX 9000 that was discontinued I believe may be now the MHX HS9600 and -2 two pc. may have a similar tip, but the 9000 I think was lighter powered and it's lower modulus material. I have had no need to try the MHX 9600s in any form, I have plug rods coming out my ears, but it's a possibility.

I do happen to have the MHX version you mention. They call it SJ9000-2. The tip is soft and it is XF. However I would not call it sensitive. You see hits , not feel them. Fun and versatile rod, but I don't think it is remotely in the class of blank being discussed. They still offer it though.

So much for that train of thought.

I have tried some of the fresh water NFC blanks (FW series). The FW 702-2 is a nice blank, and they call it XF, but I wouldn't. I have the SJ 703-1 and SJ 732-1. They are listed as XF but I think it both are more powerful than desired. I'm really reaching, but maybe one of their drop shot blanks? I don't have any but I have read they aren't as strong as the ratings suggest.

Spencer is suggesting a zero power inshore popping rod. I can tell you the old titanium chrome RX8? Rainshadow ones were very nice if you can still find any. I would call them XF, especially for a popping rod, but the tips aren't soft. But then mine are the two heaviest powers they offered so I wouldn't expect a soft tip.

Good luck with your quest. Sounds like a tough one. Maybe look on-line for a used St. Croix (best get a couple while you can).

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Thanks everyone for all the replies. I know it would be a tough one, thought I could get close to that blank but seems I have to get an used one. In my country (Holland) they are rare, so I guess I have to look elsewhere.

Do you guys have any suggestions where to look and keep watch for possible offers?

Thanks everyone for all the replies. I know it would be a tough one, thought I could get close to that blank but seems I have to get an used one. In my country (Holland) they are rare, so I guess I have to look elsewhere.

Do you guys have any suggestions where to look and keep watch for possible offers?

Look at the reviews for the 7-6 mlxf and the 7-0 mlf St. Croix rods on TackleTour.com. The way they compare blanks in the graphs makes the two of them look fairly similar, at least to me. Maybe you could extend a 7-0 blank?