Got my brand new C602 blank in from NFC last week and played with it a bunch this weekend. I wanted to post my thoughts on here.

I got the St 10105-2, and the closest blank I have to compare it to is the St 1065-2 (HM).

The 10105 is a MH ex-fast (1/2 - 1 and 1/2 --- 12-20lb), while the 1065 is MH moderate (3/8 to 1 and 1/2 --- 10-20lb).

The 10105 weighed in at 86 grams on my scale, while the 1065 was 92 grams. 6 grams doesn't seem like much but when you consider that the 10105 is longer and the butt section diameter is MUCH larger, its pretty incredible. It balances so much better than the 1065, which is already pretty light, but I think this has to do with the amount of material in the butt of the 10105.

The color is a matte carbonish grey, while the HM has a little bit of a sheen to it, the C602 doesn't really (hard to explain without pics, this is my first post on the forum, how do I post pics?)

The ferrule is different too! It looks more traditional and straight, vs the HM ferrule which is thick then tapers quickly down. I think Gary patented the ferrule on the HM (and maybe IM/SM) rods, and I would love to know the performance reason of using a different ferrule design on the C602 rods. Maybe Aleks can shed some light?

Addtionally, the male part is sanded down, but mine seems to be sanded down about a half inch past the point where the ferrule fits snuggly together. Is there a reason for this too? in certain light it just looks a little odd.

The C6O2 blank sounds different also. The HM blank sounds hollow, and lightly tapping it makes sound reverberate through the blank. The C602 blank sounds muffled almost, and (this is going to be hard to describe haha) sounds "denser" in a way? its like tapping an aluminum pipe vs steel pipe, but if the steel pipe was lighter. Really cool and unique.

Its crazy sensitive, I didn't think my HM rods with carbon grips and exposed blank reel seats could get any better, but this will be on another level. It is going to be crazy.

Is it worth it? Yes! Its lighter weight, balances better, and is more sensitive than the HM blank. I don't know how NFC found this material but they knocked it out of the park! Now I want all the steelhead air carbon blanks haha.

Sounds great , the lighter the better , every ounce counts .

It's especially important with surf rod builds , not nearly as critical in shorter length rod builds at least in my view because they're much easier to handle and fish with without fatigue anyway .

chris c nash Wrote:
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> Sounds great , the lighter the better , every
> ounce counts .
>
> It's especially important with surf rod builds ,

I totally agree, NFC has a surf blank made out of this stuff and I want that one now too ????.

Problem with that surf blank for me is I believe it's a 12 footer with a lure weight range from 2-10 or something along those lines . You would have to acquire one and see where it excels at which will certainly not be that wide a range . Could be anywhere from 4 to 8 ounces.


I rarely if ever throw over 3 ounces and I personally prefer surf blanks in the 9 to 11 foot range with lure weight ratings along the lines of 2-4 , 2-6 , 1-4 and I believe at some point NFC will offer those in the C602 material . Crossed fingers

I haven’t built my 10105 but did on the 10’ 4”. I built it as a cp float rod for salmon and steelhead in tight water where you need to put the boots to them. Feels great in the hand, has a 4 3/8” Milner bushing on it with the carbon fibre grips and high frame guides. Haven’t caught any fish on it but it casts great and feels like it’s be able to pull which some traditional cp blanks tend to lack in. The 10105 is going to be a great chinook stick.

Ross Montgomery Wrote:
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> The 10105 is going to be a great chinook stick.

Thats what I though too! The chinook in my river are smaller than average, and I think it will be perfect. I noticed that mine seems pretty powerful as well, you were saying the 10'4" feels like it can pull. I think this is due to the super crisp action maybe? Feels pretty responsive and stiff, which I like.

Is your ferrule sanded past the mark for the joint by any chance? Mine is and I am wondering if this was done on purpose.

Definitely sanded on purpose. Over time the ferrules will wear and this allows for that.