Hello Folks,

I typically build fly rods but have been taking a stab at Building Casting rods. I've built two Bass casting rods so far , a Phenix Recon Elite and Phenix K2. I know have a new client interested in a custom casting rod for his Steelhead Drift fishing. He is fixed on 8'6" 8# fast action Casting rod. So far my research has led me to considering a Phenix Black Chrome or the New Cicada rod (however have to talk Phenix into allowing me to purchase a rod blank..not currently offered). I'm also considering a Lamiglas S1 casting blank...waiting on some feedback from their support group on this. Have also been thinking about a G Loomis via NFC but a little trigger shy here due to a previous bad experience with blank lead times and bad quality delivered....I know how uncharacteristic this may sound to some of the NFC fans our there but it happened to me . Anyway due to a wealth of good feedback out there on NFC, I'm ready to possibly give them another try ...any suggestions for a Drift rod blank here ? Open to any options ....thanks for your time!

Lamiglas si are good blanks. Also look into Stryker blanks as they have a decent selection but I’ve never used one. Batson is another option I have a couple of their blanks built up. But out of all of them I have the most and fish with the most are the nfc blanks. They are light, sensitive and a great value during the many sales.

The 8 1/2 ft. drift rod is getting harder to find, an 8 lb. line one even harder. Lamiglas Si doesn't have any, as 9+ ft. has long become the normal drift rod length. Lamiglas makes a few, just not 8 1/2 ft. and no 6 - 10lb. line rods that I consider an 8 lb. line rod. I've seen quite a few fish lost on 8 lb. lime and the medium power rods and they don't fare as well throwing the light stuff in clear and or low water conditions.

There is the ST1022-MHX blank ...

Which NFC blanks have you used?

Agree that 8'6" are hard to find. Looking at this 9' Lamiglas:
Lamiglas SI 108 2M - 9' Drift

Lamiglas SI 108 2M - 9' Drift

Is this a Casting or a spinner blank? Does it matter just which side of the spine the guides are placed?

No, it makes no difference, in fact I roll the blank on a flat surface and build on the straightest axis, tip up off the surface. There is no such thing as a spinning or casting blank. I own two Si 90 M rods, they are on the stiffer tip side of the spectrum of like power rated drift rods, not my first choice if I'm throwing tender baits, last I looked that blank was not listed an 8 lb. line as it's lower limit, it was 10 lb. line.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/06/2024 02:19PM by Spencer Phipps.

Got it.. Thanks Spencer!

If you can adapt to a 8'3", the REVST83ML (formerly the IST993) is a dandy. Spencer was spot with his recommendation to me. Compared to a GL3-1024c, it has similar overall power but faster with a lighter tip. I built mine as a casting rod, and it is a really well balanced, versatile, and fun rod. I casted 1/8 oz hair jigs to bass with it a couple weeks ago.

For some, the tip might be too fast for launching eggs. For others, it might be fine...

Thanks Jordan. Looking at two Batson RX7 blanks :

RevST83ml and Revst86mh (8'6" , 10-17#,)

Depends on my client feedback on if he wants the medium heavy or light! Had one Batson blank tip break but Batson stood behind it and replaced it under warranty even though my other client was high sticking the rod when it broke

What about St.Croix Rod blanks ......can you purchase a Triumph Steelhead blank? I know rodgeeks handles their blanks but could not find any Steelhead level blanks . Just looking at all options here. Any feedback on Phenix blanks , good or bad??

Which NFC blank would closely match this rod?

G-Loomis E6X Steelhead Drift Spinning Rods

A Similar Lamiglas X-Factor LX1022M - Salmon/Steelhead 8'6" 2PC 8-12 1/4-3/4 Blank
$77.70

Thanks Rods. Looked this one up. Looks like a good alternative.

Thanks Rods. Looked this one up. Looks like a good alternative.


I now have a list of 7-10 options based on this forum feedback. Appreciate all the assistance!! Thank you

Well folks , my client just revealed some different specifications for his existing Drift rod , much heavier than I had understood. So it's kinda back to the drawing board.....so far Lamiglas appears to be only supplier that has anything to offer for the following specifications:
8'6" 2pc rod, 10-20#, 1/2- 1 1/2 oz lite, Med heavy , Fast action. I found two at Lamiglas that will work , LX1022MH (X factor series) and GP1022MH(old G series rod) . Both are a multipurpose steelhead rod blank . Are there any other suppliers that could fit this new specification that anyone could suggest? Also are the Lamiglas X factor rods better than GP series in your opinion? The GP series in this case is $60 more.

Well folks , my client just revealed some different specifications for his existing Drift rod , much heavier than I had understood. So it's kinda back to the drawing board.....so far Lamiglas appears to be only supplier that has anything to offer for the following specifications:
8'6" 2pc rod, 10-20#, 1/2- 1 1/2 oz lite, Med heavy , Fast action. I found two at Lamiglas that will work , LX1022MH (X factor series) and GP1022MH(old G series rod) . Both are a multipurpose steelhead rod blank . Are there any other suppliers that could fit this new specification that anyone could suggest? Also are the Lamiglas X factor rods better than GP series in your opinion? The GP series in this case is $60 more.

Stryker SH865-2 - 40% off sale going on this month.
2.75
10-17lb
3/8 to 1oz
Fast
Medium/Heavy
8' 6"
$75.00

I will second Lamiglas on the SI series. Blanks are much straighter coming out of the factory. I prefer the way they do business, in stock and ships to address delivered in a couple of days.