Alex,

Looking at the MB704 @ 2.5oz and the MB683 @ 1.7oz

Why is the 704 so heavy?

Why are the models lure ratings so high?

The MB704 is rated to 1.5oz but listed as Medium and labeled a 4 power?

There seems to be no consistent formula here.

I'd be open to ordering a blank but I have zero idea what I am going to receive.

Rob,

"Why is the 704 so heavy"

The "regular" IM 704 weighs 1.7oz, when you are creating a travel blank, (and this one is 4 pieces) you are adding 3 ferrule sections that need to be properly reinforced. Reinforcing ferrules adds weight.

"Why are the models lure ratings so high"

Once you add ferrules and re-enforce them, they stiffen the blank up, since one has to go into the other three times (three ferrules) you start out with a larger diameter butt and go to a smaller mid, second, and so on. Doing this, increases the wall thickness of an adjoining blank section. As the wall thickness increases, so does the blanks tension and compression data = higher lure ratings.

Best,
Aleks

Alex,

Thank you for the insight into the blank construction.

Looks like the mb683 is a good all purpose bass rod.

What would compare to the Delta SJ705 or SJ706?

Thank you very much for the help. Too much cool new stuff!

Looking again, the travel MB705-4 will fish completely different than a traditional MB704?

Why not adjust wall thickness to achieve performance we are used to for said model numbers? I am failing to understand the lineup. Seems to go from Medium straight to Heavy+. There are rods in the FW series with 1-6 line ratings with lure ratings over an ounce.

Does the rod 4-piece have a normal 705 like tip and crazy stout backbone?