Is there a UL to Light, 6-7ft telescoping rod available out there in which, when deployed, offers proper guide spacing when performing a static load test? Actually, being a rod builder, I am more interested in finding a proper telescoping BLANK, but could replace the guides with my preference on a pre-made rod. I can only assume there is a whole lot of compromising going on with a telescoping rod / blank, but the possibilities could be quite attractive for a trout pac-rod. The telescoping rods I have seen are for heavier applications and while reasonably priced, are kind-of cheesy. Maybe I’m expecting too much and barking-up-the-wrong-tree.
I learned of a source for an 8ft, 7-piece, 3-4 WT IM8 blank from a member on this site. I’ve built 2 fly and 2 spin rods from them and am quite pleased. While I have never owned one, the possibilities of a telescoping rod intrigues me.
Wha-cha-got?

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

Mark, keep in mind you do not have many choices where the guides go! They have to be placed so that the sections can fully slide within each other., which says one guide per section.

Phil,
Thanks for the reply. I am totally aware of the limits of a telescoping blank / rod, guide spacing in particular, hence my original comment “I can only assume there is a whole lot of compromising going on with a telescoping rod / blank…” It is a compromise I may be willing to accept given the other possible attributes of a telescoping rod. But I have worn-out my fingers and keyboard condom searching for a suitable rod / blank, hence inquiring here within the best internet source of which I am familiar. While satisfied and pleased with the 7-piece UL blanks previously mentioned (as the one sent to you for your respected evaluation = thanks), the possibility of a proper UL TELESCOPING blank is very intriguing. But one cannot shoot-the-moon if they cannot see it on a cloudy night! I will graciously accept any and all ideas and possible references, iffy and questionable included. Thanks!!!

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

Mark...do a search for "Shakespeare Travel Mate Pack Spinning Rod" (glass rod) (STM66SPT)

I dont think you can find a telescoping UL graphite rod...the inside diameters are too small.
You can certainly make one but would probably be on the heavier side vs just a two piece rod.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/07/2022 11:07AM by Chris Catignani.

Chris,
Thanks for taking the time to reply. As with other telescoping rods (no blanks yet) I have investigated, the Shakespeare is not quite what I’m looking for; close but no cigar.
You are probably correct that such a rod will probably be FG rather than CF, which is certainly fine with me. Besides the diameter issue you mentioned, a blank of this sort will probably need to have a rather steep taper as well to afford short enough sections which will yield more / better guide positions. I realize that I may be expecting too much and that a compromise will be required, but so far the compromises I have found are weighted too far in the wrong direction.

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

Mark, how about looking a a TENKARA rod. They are way beyond the length you want, but you might be able to utilize the middle sections to get the action you want.

Thanks, Phil. I am unfamiliar with the Tenkara rods but will investigate.

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