For lack of better sense or for reasons of ego, I have caught myself coveting thy neighbors Cape Fear Rod.

He has a 6'6", Medium power, Fast action designed for 6#-14# line.

The Scot in me is telling me that $170 for a blank is crazy. I tend to agree with my Scot side.

My question is what other high quality blanks will give me the ruggedness of their Hextex design, the action of the blank, the strength, etc.

I am more interested in strength and durability (along with the sensitivity) than I am the excotic sensitivity of an IM 10, or a Gloomis GLX, or a St. Croix V. I have built and used these high modulus rods in salt water and don't like them

Thanks.

Think GUSA tough to beat ,rugged yet still light enough and sensitive

Excellent suggestion,John. GUSA says it all!!! Lighter for the same or less money.If there any fish left in 2525,"if man is still alive", someone will be fishing the GUSA.Or paying about $25,000 dollars for it on @#$%&.LOL

I would compare the HexTek I have to most any inexpensive, heavy wall fiberglass blank. Maybe like an Ugly Stick. Not much performance, but very durable. If you want a really tough rod, any of the heavy walled fiberglass blanks should do it. And for a lot less money. I can't believe what I paid for mine and would never buy another unless they were to drop the price to under $40 per. I'm not an expert rod builder and may be missing something, but for my own use I didn't like it.

The Graphite USA blanks are the most durable of all the high-performance blanks, still offering a blank that is light in weight and has a very good level of the sensitivity factor. Their product feels much better when built into a rod, instead of just the blank in hand. Many folks are reluctant to try these fine blanks, but once you do, you will figure out what is said about them, to be on the up-and-up. They are tough mothers!!
Bob McKamey -- Custom Tackle Supply

GUSA. I will put it up against any rod on the market. It has no equal!!! Incredible strength and oh so sensitive. Do yourself a favor, call Bob, and get one of these blanks. You WILL NOT be disappointed.