A question came up on the board a ways back about the most popular colors for fly rods. Well searching all the manufactures large and small it seems that the "lack of finish" is becomming the norm.

Many of the blanks id like to try are only available in matte. Did the customers drive this practice or did the manufactururs do it to save costs and then market no finish as hi tech!

I guess thats why im trying to find a good paint method to offset this lack of choice. The primary rod mfgs have color available but not many and some of the lesser priced blanks have a few choices. but many of the mid priced blanks are just well ,Graphite.

just an observation happy wrapping "John"

John the matte finish probably is a little less costly to produce but where the problem comes in is the manufacturer is forced to produce a product that will appeal to the largest segement of the buying public.Now as custom builders we attempt to produce a rod for an individual.it would not pay for company A to produce 500 blanks in blue 500 more in green etc,simply not cost effective and would raise the prices to high.Some companies will special order blanks for you in color if you are willing to pay the additional cost involved.
John

According to an article interviewing Gary Loomis, one advantage to the no finish on the blank is that blanks without a seperate finish are slightly lighter. I think that may be what drove the no finish trend so far.

My favorite color is the old orvis PM10 green. Gosh, what a nice, semtransparent finish. I also wonder if a coat of finish provides some protection to the blank when it get hit by a bead head, etc.?

A blank with no finish is going to be one that offers a bit better performance due to its lighter weight. There is enough difference that most can tell the difference by feel alone. Is it a night and day difference? No.

Sometimes colors are helpful to the manufacturer in keeping track of different blank series. Other times it is a marketing factor in offering something that will be appealing to the consumer.

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Do you guys have any suggestions as to what kinds of paint can be used on blanks. Prefferably with brush. Where can they be purchased? Thanks

I for one prefer the look of a gloss blank. I'm also of the opinion that the small amount of weight saved by no finish is probably negligible.

The trout probanbly are. Glossy blanks produce a real glint when viewed by the trout in sunlight. Matt finish is much better for fishing. Glossy is OK if you are interested in a display rod.

I have 2 of the New Fisher Black Widow blanks and they have a matte finish, I can tell by far they are lighter than any other Fisher Blank I have, but everyone wants Green or Blue Blanks, I dont care about color myself I care about how the feel and preform.. These blanks are What Hal Bacon designed for the Fisher Rod Company, and they are the sweetest feeling blanks.. I only have 2 so you better hurry.. Thanks Davesrods