I couldn't think of a more descriptive subject topic. Bear with me.

I've purchased 3 four-piece fly rod blanks from different sources. Two did not have the issue I'll describe.

I'm working on a blank from a name manufacturer, and the issue is the O.D. size difference between blank sections.

I have a "production" rod that I'm comparing it to for the measurements I'll provide. Both the production rod and the blank are advertised as five weights.

The measurements are taken from where the second section and the tip section join.

The production rod goes from a 3.53mm O.D. to a 4.44mm O.D. where the sections meet.

The blank goes from a 3.8mm O.D. to a 5.05mm O.D. in the same spot.

The blank looks "knobby kneed" compared to the production rod, with the tip section actually looking substantially larger than the second section before tapering to the tip top.

I plan to buy more blanks.

I person, I can inspect the blanks - no worries there.

If I buy on line, is there any way to figure out if there is a "smooth" fit, or the knobby-kneed look that I really don't like?

Many thanks -

Tom

Probably brand/model specific.

The two piece NFC blanks I bought have that "knobby kneed" look you mention.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

It depends upon the manufactures ferrule method. Some make the taper at the ferrule, long, while some make it short. They can both accomplish a good fit and action. If appearance is important to you, go with one with the long taper

To answer your question: If you are dealing with one of the suppliers on the left, call them and ask.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/19/2022 12:20AM by Phil Erickson.

Tom,
I prefer a “knobby kneed” rod to match my personal silhouette when wearing shorts while fishing. Sorry to be of no help but couldn’t resist.

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

Looking at a FW702-2 (rated 4-8#). Right before the ferrule (on tip side) the diameter is 0.191" and right after (on butt side) it is 0.221". Diameter of the ferrule is 0.275". The straight wall part of the ferrule is 3.37" long and there is a tapered section about 2.1" long (on the tip side). It looks like a 1 piece blank cut in half with a long over-sleeve on it.

I can see how a new builder would find this strange.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

People from other parts of the country that historically have used long 2 piece rods, fly in, or packed in to fish don't think it's strange at all. You'd get the look and answers like, " Yeah, so?
Buy spigot ferruled rod blanks.

This may offer you some help:

The production rod, how old is it compared to the blank? The company they are from, do they roll their own blanks or do they source them from another company that does third party work?

I'll give you an example where the model name did not change (or very little). Back when Swift Fly Fishing came on the scene with their Epic Glass rods, the blanks were rolled by CTS, Epics designs, Epic labels on the blanks, it was no secret that CTS was rolling the blanks. Fast forward a couple of years and CTS made a decision not to offer third party or private label blank work. Epic had to source their stuff from another blank manufacturer. They did and the resulting newer Epic blanks have a different look to them, the original CTS rolled blanks were smooth, sanded finish with a paint top coat. The latest offerings have an unsanded spiral look, with a paint top coat, but the male ferrule area is sanded smooth.

If you are talking about a "belled" ferrule that is the preferred type for best continuity of properties. The top ferrules that do not have the swelled section are essentially the old Fenwick Feralite style where the entire tip section has been enlarged to accommodate the butt (male) end. The latter are a bit easier to make.

.............

Thanks, everyone - I needed a little information to chew on, and you've provided it.

And Mark, I personally am part of the knobby-kneed crowd as well.

I appreciate that info Tom. I hadn't bought a two piece blank in a very long time.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.