Has anyone used NFC fly rod blanks? I’m building on an LMX FAF 909-4. These blanks come with ‘Ferrule Lite Joints,’ which doesn’t allow the male end of the ferrule to completely insert all the way into the female end. This leaves about 1/2” of exposed ferrule after the rod is assembled. What can I do to alleviate this aesthetic issue? Anyone have any picks of their build using NFC fly rod blanks?

They leave a bit of additional length to accommodate future wear. Nothing wrong with them. You don't want them to seat all the way at the outset - if they do, they'll become loose as they wear in.

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Should I wrap the male section (to a certain point)-?

Tom, how is it even possible for you to have this incredible knowledge???

You'd have to ask NF about the need for ferrule reinforcement wraps. Often, the manufacturer will reinforce the female ferrule with wound filiment which negates the need for a reinforcement wrap. Of course, adding a reinforcement wrap to the female ferrule won't hurt anything even if it's not needed.

As far as wrapping the male ferrule, that won't do anything for you (or the rod). Not necessary unless you run into a spigot/plug type ferrule where wrapping both the male and female sections are often done.

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Te male end does not need a wrap. Nothing there to reinforce..

Any chance of posting a photo of this condition? I don't understand. I looked at their web site and the ferrules just look like any other ferrule. I'm curious.

If you are wanting to put a decorative trim band on the male end, go ahead, but make sure it is far enough back not to interfere with complete insertion after it wears down in the future. Be consistent with each one as far as progressive spacing so that it looks right. They are not necessary and I do not use them on my NFC fly rod builds.

I questioned the same same when I built my first LMX. The LMX blanks have an unsanded look with exposed cellophane spiral look as well. I really like the look and feel. The male sections are sanded smooth for the ferrule to fit into. What Andrew is seeing , I'm assuming, is they sand smooth plenty more than a new ferrule joint appears to need so as the blank ferrule breaks in and wears it has room. That portion isn't the most appealing to look at since it transitions from the production spirals to visible sanded blank.

Mark, that’s exactly what I’m talking about. I understand the reason why they designed it this way, but it just looks horrible when put together.
From an esthetic standpoint, I much rather prefer tip-over-butt ferrules. I was just wondering what I can do to make this a little more pleasing to the eye, yet maintain its structural integrity.