Does anyone know if the blanks used by Epic in New Zealand come from CTS in New Zealand or do they build their own blanks?

All companies build blanks to other company's specs on their specific mandrels and material/resin specs, so from the get-go they are not the original company's blanks, they just supplied the capability to build and supply blanks.

Short answer, not any more.

When Epic first started up they only had S2 Fiberglass, 3pc models, CTS rolled these blanks to Epic’s specifications. They also did some 4pc blanks for them. CTS stopped doing “3rd party blank work” and Epic took their business to South Korea. Easy way to tell if a Glass blank was rolled by CTS, they are sanded. All current Epic Fiberglass are unsanded and painted, the Carbon blanks are unsanded and have a clear coat on them. The new Epic models, both Fiberglass and Carbon have a “smooth” male ferrule while the rest of the blank is unsanded.

Personally, I think the CTS rolled Epic Glass was much better, lighter weight blanks also. The Epic Carbon blanks are broom stick stiff in my opinion. Quality control and customer service is top shelf.

I know the Epic Carbon G blanks are produced in Korea in a factory that makes a number of companies' graphene resin blanks. All the Epic rod tapers are designed by Carl McNeil of Epic, whom many consider a true master in rod design.

Craig,
Take a look:

[ctsfishing.com]

And at the Glass Turbo Taper

[ctsfishing.com]

Contact me for pricing.

Bill,
Thanks for the accurate history.
Herb