If not NFC, feel free to make offers. I’m really only familiar with NFC and Rainshadow’s lineup.

Jeremy,

This is a great question with a variety of quality answers. Of course, I have different favorites for different purposes....but I like your general question to snag a variety of responses! I am going to answer with a couple of my best All-Rounders I am very familiar with. Since there are many coming on the forum for the first time, or expanding their caddy into other techniques, I value input about blanks that are proven winners for me.

A.) NFC MB 725 X-Ray C602. This blank is absolutely one of the most "sensitive" (bite detection) and versatile blanks I own. I use it to fish T-Rig Senkos and Worms (Yum Dingers, Zooms, and Yamamotos 5" to 10"), T- Rig Creatures (Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver and Double Wide), Flukes (Zoom Salty Super and Mags), Frogs and Walking Baits of all sizes (except the smaller types), and Any Skirted Jig I can tie on the line.

You'll need a 5.5 mm tube tip top for this stick, which is a bit larger than I like....but I am glad to make the compromise.

B.) NFC SJ 703 X-Ray C6O2. Another rod I can't put down. Lures for this rod are the same as above but on the smaller/finesse end of the spectrum. A very good Ned rod to boot, IMO. I have not fished top water with it and probably won't in the future.

Needs a 5 mm tube tip top.

C.) I am torn if I go too far into my Tops List because that 'Rod Hamster' starts running around the wheel endlessly:

a.) All-Rounders: NFC SJ 705 and 706 Delta. Don't sleep on the Delta line! They remind me of the St. Croix III series which are also an incredible bang for the buck!
b.) Cranks: NFC APFG 744 and 745. If your hands had taste buds, these are Bacon and Butter. And IME the 745 is a pretty good frog rod, too!
c.) Tubes, Jigs, and Swim Baits (in the medium weight range of 1/2 oz. and under): St. Croix SCV 610MXF. I love the SC tapers, especially in the XF models. Really another All-Rounder in that middle spot of rod power.

That's my take.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/30/2024 12:44PM by Les Cline.

I have limited time and locations to fish so I don't really get into the big ones. But for my Smallmouth fishing I have really enjoyed Rainshadows RX6 2 power popping blank. Built as a casting rod, using a Daiwa Alphas SvTW S with souped up bearings. I fish open rocky shoreline with small paddle tails/grubs, as well as Zman Ned plastics on 1/16oz to 3/16ths oz jigheads.

NFC Delta SJ705 and 706- I bought 1 of each and I feel that the 705 that I got is on the heavier side of MH. There was very little difference between it and the SJ706. I use them for flipping 1/2oz weighted brushhogs in brush piles. Very sensitive and is by far the most sensitive series of blanks in that price range

Delta MB692- I use this as a ned rig and weighted wacky rig rod. Works very well

Xray SJ703 cut down from the butt to 6ft 7in makes for an awesome Vision 110 rod if you are like me and use light line and the standard light wire hooks that come on the Vision 110.

Xray SJ736- makes for a great open water structure fishing rod. Be it 1/2oz jigs being drug on points or 10" worms with a 3/8oz weight. It handles them well. I can definitely see where it would be a good senko/7" power worm rod with some 15lb fluoro spoiled up

Xray MB736- I honestly can't say that I'm a big fan of this blank. It's way too parabolic IMO to be used for jigs/plastics and too underpowered to be used efficiently for chatterbaits. I think it could be a good soft swimbait rod if you're spooled up with braid.

Xray MB736 cut down from the butt to 6ft 10in- for whatever reason, cutting 5" off the butt seemed to give the rod a slightly faster action. I have 40lb braid spooled up on it and throw swim jigs and buzzbaits on it and love it

HM MB735- I love this rod for 7" power worms, senkos, and 5/16 or 3/8oz finesse jigs

Rainshadow Revelation 69mmf spinnerbait rod- holy @#$%& is this rod light. I would never throw a spinnerbait on it but it is incredible for dt4/6s and frittside 5 cranks and poppers.

Rod Geeks fiberglass series 7ft MH- cut a couple of inches off the butt of this rod and you have an awesome squarebill rod! I've fished quite a few fiberglass rods for cranks and none of them are as sensitive as these.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 08/30/2024 02:38PM by Jacob Clark.

I currently have built these and find I own many you guys listed
1) MB-725 X-Ray C6O2 (have 2 of them)
2) SJ-736 X-Ray
3) MB-736 X-Ray
4) MB-735 HM

Blanks I got in recently i’m about to start on or waiting to be delivered
1) SJ-764 X-Ray C6O2 (will cut down to 7’2”, Spinning build) Not delivered yet
2) DS-710 X-Ray C6O2 (Spinning build)
3) SJ-725 X-Ray
4) MB-765 X-Ray NEO (will cut down to 7’2”) Not delivered yet
5) Immortal 7’3” Heavy/Ex Fast


I REALLY like the MB-725 C6O2. Initial impressions on the SJ-725 X-Ray I really like. Going to start building it and my DS-710 this weekend.

Most of you listed the SJ-703. It’s at the top of my list. My FIL wants a couple and I’ll probably order 1. Will order these 3 over the weekend. Will use for crappie. I think i’ll order the SJ703 C6O2 for myself and X-Rays for my FIL.

Thanks guys. I was curious on what your favorites were. I’m done ordering blanks for awhile after I order these SJ-703’s. My plan anyways. We’ll see if it sticks. lol.

I’m debating on using the SJ-703 C6O2 as a BFS build for crappie. I’m not sure if this will work or not. Finding a good BFS casting reel for light jigs is my main worry. Never tried this before crappie fishing. I’m making the DS-710 a spinning rod for crappie. My idea was a BFS for crappie on the SJ-703. If you don’t think I should, please speak up. Would use it for crappie jigging and when not jigging, “tight lining” with live minnow for crappie.

Jeremy Moore Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I’m debating on using the SJ-703 C6O2 as a BFS
> build for crappie. I’m not sure if this will
> work or not. Finding a good BFS casting reel for
> light jigs is my main worry. Never tried this
> before crappie fishing. I’m making the DS-710 a
> spinning rod for crappie. My idea was a BFS for
> crappie on the SJ-703. If you don’t think I
> should, please speak up. Would use it for crappie
> jigging and when not jigging, “tight lining”
> with live minnow for crappie.

I feel like the SJ703 is too powerful to be used as a bfs rod. I think the rod excels with lures in the 1/4-3/8oz range. I built a Xray SJ722 for my brother in law for a ned rig rod and I think that rod would be better suited as a BFS rod

Jeremy, I agree with Jacob. I'd suggest taking a look at the FW 702-2(IM).

That said I do think everyone should try the SJ-703 and the SJ-736.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

1 or 2 power popping blank or a bushido sj 6-8 or 4-8. For reels the Ark Gravity BFS will fish 1/16 th oz total weight comfortably (Assuming light line) The P700 would be pretty fire of you aren't horsing big fish out of cover. If you wanted to get crazy, the Alphas Air TW is very capable as well.

I’ll stick with using the SJ-703 X-Ray as a spinning crappie rod. I ordered three of them (1 for me, 2 for my father in law). VERY nice crappie lake where I live. I don’t really care to use ultra light rods. Light or Medium light. I think (and hope) the SJ-703 will work good as a spinning crappie rod. If not, will repurpose.

As far as bass fishing. I’m more of lipless crank, crank bait, buzzbait, frogs, soooks, spinners, etc. I rarely don’t fish with soft plastics. My son, wife, and FIL.. They use soft plastics a lot. I just haven’t got into the “finesse” bass fishing in my life.

I’ve got a few favorite bass rods, but my build on the St. Croix (Rod Geeks offers it, now) SCV72MM is high on the list. It launches small crank-baits distances they shouldn’t be able to fly. It’s also great at keeping fish pinned. I never read or hear of anyone building on this blank and I can’t recommend any other crankbait rod more. There are a few blanks in most fishing spectrums that clearly differentiate themselves as being something very special.

Jeremy Moore Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I’ll stick with using the SJ-703 X-Ray as a
> spinning crappie rod. I ordered three of them (1
> for me, 2 for my father in law). VERY nice
> crappie lake where I live. I don’t really care
> to use ultra light rods. Light or Medium light.
> I think (and hope) the SJ-703 will work good as a
> spinning crappie rod. If not, will repurpose.
>
> As far as bass fishing. I’m more of lipless
> crank, crank bait, buzzbait, frogs, soooks,
> spinners, etc. I rarely don’t fish with soft
> plastics. My son, wife, and FIL.. They use soft
> plastics a lot. I just haven’t got into the
> “finesse” bass fishing in my life.

The 703 is a big bass rod. Sure you can catch Crappie with it, but it will fish half ounce baits for 18 inch Bass better.

I'm with Kendall on the RodGeeks/St. Croix blanks 100% , some of my all time favorites .

St Croix, Rainshadow, Point Blank, NFC, as well as others make excellent high end blanks. Don't dismiss blanks from other manufacturers, there are a lot of very good blanks out there. Very hard for me to recommend a given blank because there are so many choices.

Norm

Derick Jahnke Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Jeremy Moore Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I’ll stick with using the SJ-703 X-Ray as a
> > spinning crappie rod. I ordered three of them
> (1
> > for me, 2 for my father in law). VERY nice
> > crappie lake where I live. I don’t really
> care
> > to use ultra light rods. Light or Medium light.
>
> > I think (and hope) the SJ-703 will work good as
> a
> > spinning crappie rod. If not, will repurpose.
>
> >
> > As far as bass fishing. I’m more of lipless
> > crank, crank bait, buzzbait, frogs, soooks,
> > spinners, etc. I rarely don’t fish with soft
> > plastics. My son, wife, and FIL.. They use
> soft
> > plastics a lot. I just haven’t got into the
> > “finesse” bass fishing in my life.
>
> The 703 is a big bass rod. Sure you can catch
> Crappie with it, but it will fish half ounce baits
> for 18 inch Bass better.
Well crap. One reason why I tried to tell my FIL to only order one incase it wasn’t ideal for crappie. Initial impressions on my DS-710 X-Ray C6O2, I think it will work great for crappie. I paired it with the NFC XO-Skeleton. I have the guides taped on now. This is my first spinning rod build, so i’m stressing over guide spacing. I used the KR Concept spacing. After I do the 2 line static test, I’ll take it outside for some test casts.

Kendall Cikanek Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I’ve got a few favorite bass rods, but my build
> on the St. Croix (Rod Geeks offers it, now)
> SCV72MM is high on the list. It launches small
> crank-baits distances they shouldn’t be able to
> fly. It’s also great at keeping fish pinned. I
> never read or hear of anyone building on this
> blank and I can’t recommend any other crankbait
> rod more. There are a few blanks in most fishing
> spectrums that clearly differentiate themselves as
> being something very special.


My birthday is in a few days and my wife asked what rods I wanted. What’s the best Rood Geeks MH/F and what is the model name of the medium
for cranks? I’ll have her order me a couple. I definitely want to try Rod Geeks.

Jeremy,

Yeah, brother, you can't go wrong with St. Croix blanks. The Rod Geeks Carbon 3 series have terrific quality for the money if you want to save a couple bucks, OR get two blanks +/- for the price of one if you are wondering about whether to invest in (1) high end blank, or (2) a tad lower end . I built many SCIII blanks (from Karen Hapka and Bingham Enterprises back in the day) and they were and are unmatched, IMO, in terms of what you get for what you pay....and have been for years. Get the one that fits your criteria, and I have no doubt you'll be happy with it. (Same I am sure for Rainshadow, too)

I'd say again, when NFC has a good sale, and you want to try a crank rod that is under the radar, take a hard look at the APFG series. Like Gary Loomis said, this isn't your granddad's glass. And it won't cost you your weekly grocery bill to try a couple or three of them.

You sort of flipped the script with the topic of, "...for bass" and then switching to crappie. Not a criticism to you, and a familiar reality for me as a bass, crappie, and walleye guy on Reservoirs with multiple species in play on every cast.

I have fished the NFC DS 721 X-Ray for crappie (with a Curado BFS reel) and it casts an 1/8 oz jig very well with #6 floro line. I think this rod and reel would also handle light braid (like 2/10 or 4/15 Power Pro) if you wanted. I would not recommend the 703 for BFS. I love the concept of BFS and its promise on our increasingly pressured lakes, rivers, etc. It is wise to include BFS in your skill set, IMO. Even old-timers can learn new tricks.

The SJ 703 will absolutely work well as a spinning rod for crappie. If you are drifting or bank casting with 1/8 to 3/8 jigs, this blank can serve you. If vertical jig (usually double 1/8) or minnow fishing, I personally want a lighter tip (4 to 4.5 tip/tube) and that's where my SC XF action rods shine in the 6'3" to 6'6" ML to M power range. I want that light and soft tip for light bite detection that tapers into some power rather quickly to control a hooked fish. My bite detection is 95% feeling the take and not seeing it on the rod tip. However, IME, the taper and bite detection work together.....sometimes I see the tip twitch and feel nothing on my finger/hand.

It takes about a half dozen rods for me to dial in what I want "exactly"....and even at that, I'll "re-discover" a rod I liked, built, and abandoned for a reason I cannot recall. I fish it on a whim and fall in love with it all over again. I find new uses and techniques for rods all the time. Sort of like being in love with someone for many years......ahhhhh.

Dude, when you said, "I'll have Her order me a couple...." my Envy Meter hit 11. Ha!

Rods and Relationships.....

I hope you find what you want and fits you best.

Les Cline Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Jeremy,
>
> Yeah, brother, you can't go wrong with St. Croix
> blanks. The Rod Geeks Carbon 3 series have
> terrific quality for the money if you want to save
> a couple bucks, OR get two blanks +/- for the
> price of one if you are wondering about whether to
> invest in (1) high end blank, or (2) a tad lower
> end . I built many SCIII blanks (from Karen Hapka
> and Bingham Enterprises back in the day) and they
> were and are unmatched, IMO, in terms of what you
> get for what you pay....and have been for years.
> Get the one that fits your criteria, and I have no
> doubt you'll be happy with it. (Same I am sure for
> Rainshadow, too)
>
> I'd say again, when NFC has a good sale, and you
> want to try a crank rod that is under the radar,
> take a hard look at the APFG series. Like Gary
> Loomis said, this isn't your granddad's glass. And
> it won't cost you your weekly grocery bill to try
> a couple or three of them.
>
> You sort of flipped the script with the topic of,
> "...for bass" and then switching to crappie. Not a
> criticism to you, and a familiar reality for me as
> a bass, crappie, and walleye guy on Reservoirs
> with multiple species in play on every cast.
>
> I have fished the NFC DS 721 X-Ray for crappie
> (with a Curado BFS reel) and it casts an 1/8 oz
> jig very well with #6 floro line. I think this rod
> and reel would also handle light braid (like 2/10
> or 4/15 Power Pro) if you wanted. I would not
> recommend the 703 for BFS. I love the concept of
> BFS and its promise on our increasingly pressured
> lakes, rivers, etc. It is wise to include BFS in
> your skill set, IMO. Even old-timers can learn new
> tricks.
>
> The SJ 703 will absolutely work well as a spinning
> rod for crappie. If you are drifting or bank
> casting with 1/8 to 3/8 jigs, this blank can serve
> you. If vertical jig (usually double 1/8) or
> minnow fishing, I personally want a lighter tip (4
> to 4.5 tip/tube) and that's where my SC XF action
> rods shine in the 6'3" to 6'6" ML to M power
> range. I want that light and soft tip for light
> bite detection that tapers into some power rather
> quickly to control a hooked fish. My bite
> detection is 95% feeling the take and not seeing
> it on the rod tip. However, IME, the taper and
> bite detection work together.....sometimes I see
> the tip twitch and feel nothing on my
> finger/hand.
>
> It takes about a half dozen rods for me to dial in
> what I want "exactly"....and even at that, I'll
> "re-discover" a rod I liked, built, and abandoned
> for a reason I cannot recall. I fish it on a whim
> and fall in love with it all over again. I find
> new uses and techniques for rods all the time.
> Sort of like being in love with someone for many
> years......ahhhhh.
>
> Dude, when you said, "I'll have Her order me a
> couple...." my Envy Meter hit 11. Ha!
>
> Rods and Relationships.....
>
> I hope you find what you want and fits you best.

Thanks for all that info. She offered and I’m definitely going to take advantage of getting the best quality. lol. I was thinking one top quality Rod Geeks blank (I think it’s their Carbon 5?) and one Carbon 3. Something like that. Both will be casting rods.
I’ll keep my eye out for the APFG. It’s definitely on my list now along with building a BFS set up sometime in the future. I’ve never tried it before and I’d like to.

For NFC

XRay SJ736- it’s not a heavy power like the specs state. It’s a true MH power rod with a soft tip. I’ve used for weightless Senkos, 3/8th and 1/2oz finesse jigs, 1/4-1/2oz texas rigs etc. the sensitivity is great (not mind blowing like I anticipated based on the hype), lightweight and perfect for what it’s used for.

A sleeper rod is the MB704-IM. Can be had for a great price when sales come around. I built one as a spinning rod and honestly is probably one of the most versatile rods I’ve used. Good sensitivity, lightweight, good all purpose action. I’ve used it for wacky rigs, neko rigs, Senkos, finesse worms, finesse jigs, 3.3” swimbaits, underspins, topwater, tubes.. I liked it so much I bought another to build a multipurpose casting rod, it’s the only blank I’ve ever bought multiple of.

Les Cline Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Jeremy,
>
> This is a great question with a variety of quality
> answers. Of course, I have different favorites for
> different purposes....but I like your general
> question to snag a variety of responses! I am
> going to answer with a couple of my best
> All-Rounders I am very familiar with. Since there
> are many coming on the forum for the first time,
> or expanding their caddy into other techniques, I
> value input about blanks that are proven winners
> for me.
>
> A.) NFC MB 725 X-Ray C602. This blank is
> absolutely one of the most "sensitive" (bite
> detection) and versatile blanks I own. I use it to
> fish T-Rig Senkos and Worms (Yum Dingers, Zooms,
> and Yamamotos 5" to 10"), T- Rig Creatures
> (Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver and Double
> Wide), Flukes (Zoom Salty Super and Mags), Frogs
> and Walking Baits of all sizes (except the smaller
> types), and Any Skirted Jig I can tie on the line.
>
>
> You'll need a 5.5 mm tube tip top for this stick,
> which is a bit larger than I like....but I am glad
> to make the compromise.
>
> B.) NFC SJ 703 X-Ray C6O2. Another rod I can't put
> down. Lures for this rod are the same as above but
> on the smaller/finesse end of the spectrum. A very
> good Ned rod to boot, IMO. I have not fished top
> water with it and probably won't in the future.
>
> Needs a 5 mm tube tip top.
>
> C.) I am torn if I go too far into my Tops List
> because that 'Rod Hamster' starts running around
> the wheel endlessly:
>
> a.) All-Rounders: NFC SJ 705 and 706 Delta.
> Don't sleep on the Delta line! They remind me of
> the St. Croix III series which are also an
> incredible bang for the buck!
> b.) Cranks: NFC APFG 744 and 745. If your hands
> had taste buds, these are Bacon and Butter. And
> IME the 745 is a pretty good frog rod, too!
> c.) Tubes, Jigs, and Swim Baits (in the medium
> weight range of 1/2 oz. and under): St. Croix SCV
> 610MXF. I love the SC tapers, especially in the XF
> models. Really another All-Rounder in that middle
> spot of rod power.
>
> That's my take.


I couldn’t handle it, I went ahead and ordered the SJ-703 X-Ray C6O2 too. The SJ-703 X-Ray wasn’t enough. I’ll have both now. I think I’ll build both as baitcasters (ant least the C6O2) and use them like you use your SJ-703. I think I’ll have all the C6O2 bass blanks now… I know, I have issues. lol.