$3.00 per ring for really nice Flor rings is normal. Fortunately for me I like the look (charactor) of B-Grade rings which can be bought for $.50 per ring.
Forum: rodboard

I have an SB 724 X-Ray and it is my all time favorite spinning rod for bass fishing. I have it paired with a Diawa Tatula 2500 spinning reel and use 20 pound braid with 10 to 15 pound flurocarbon leaders (depending on what technique I'm fishing). I use it for drop shotting, tube baits, ned rigs, etc.... I recently order 2 more SB 724 blanks to build as spares. It's an all around great spinning ro
Forum: rodboard

Hi Guys, I'm trying to find out who sells decorative carbon fiber type sleeves that go between the front and rear grip on a split grip for cosmetic purposes. Only thing I have found are the Fuji Decorative reel inserts that would probably work. Does anyone know who sells something similar?
Forum: rodboard

I'm hoping some of the experienced rod builders on here can help me get a better idea of the correct way to find a blank without actually having it in hand. I have a few older rods I really like such as a G Loomis Spinnerbait Rod and All Star Crank Bait Rod from about 20 years ago that I would like to replace by building new ones on blanks that mimic them. I believe I read somewhere that there ar
Forum: rodboard

I have been using Fuji BYLAG Alconite Guides with a 2000 Diawa Tatula.. Does anyone know of a spacing calculator or if the spacing will be the same as the KR guides? Thanks
Forum: rodboard

After building spinning rods for myself on various blanks using identical reels (Diawa Tatulas 2000 Series) and identical Guide Brand and Model (Fuji Alconites), I find that guide spacing for the first 4 guides starting from the reel to the choker guide is always the same because placement of the guides from the spool to the choker guide is based on the reel dimensions which for me is always the
Forum: rodboard

Michael Danek Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I think the best guide train would be the Fuji KLH > positioned per the KR software on the Anglers > Resource site. I'm sure others will recommend > Microwaves, but that is not my preference. > > It is my opinion that 12 pound test FC is never > going to be an easy line to manage on a spi
Forum: rodboard

Northfork recommends using their Catalog Specs for choosing a blank. They list their recommended line, lure weight, and techniques for each blank. They are usually very good recommendations.
Forum: rodboard

For those interested in the MB704 as a spinning rod, the following YouTube link is from a fishing trip I took last week that you can see the rod in action. I was fishing in about 14' of water for schooled-up largemouth on the deep weed line. Most fish were in the 3 to 5 pound class (18 to 20 inchers). I was casting a 3/8 ounce Jig. The reel was a Diawa Tatula 2500. The line was 20 pound braid wit
Forum: rodboard

The SB684 is what I like for a little shorter tube rod for skipping under docks with 1/8 to 1/4 ounce weight. For fishing open or deep water, I like the longer SB724. The power rating on both are similar but the longer rod has back bone farther up the rod. Both blanks are good for any tube and ned rig type baits in the 1/8 to even 3/8 ounce range.
Forum: rodboard

I have the MB664 and the SB684. The MB has a lot more back bone. For me, the MB664 is a great 3/8 ounce jig rod and the SB684 is a good light soft plastics spinning rod (1/4 tubes and 4" weightless senkos, or light drop shot, type rod (it's a lot more buggy whip type feel than the MB). I also have the MB704 and the SB724. I built both as spinning rods. The MB704 is a carbon copy of G Loom
Forum: rodboard

The MB664HM can toss any bass lure you would like to, up to 3/8 ounce. More than 3/8, it makes sense to go to a heavier action rod. The the feel and action of my North Fork MB664 HM is almost identical to my older factory made G Loomis MB663 GLX rod, and my North Fork MB705 HM is almost the same as my G Loomis MB843 GLX. The MB664 HM to me is a great rod for 1/8 to 1/4 oz. slip sinker wi
Forum: rodboard

My favorite casting rod for Finesse Plastics (4" Weightless Senkos, Texas Rigged 1/4 oz Craw Papi, 1/4 oz Finesse Jigs, etc.... is the North Fork MB664 HM. For a little bigger lures like 5" Senkos and 3/8 oz jigs, I like the MB705 HM.
Forum: rodboard

Just wondering what brand / model reamer you guys could recommend? I am new to rod building and will do it as a hobby only. I have the parts to build 6 rods this winter and then maybe 1 per year or so after that. I have seen the all-steel ones with the machined cutting teeth but don't want to spend $350 each since I'm not building rods for profit or that often. I also looked at the Batson econ
Forum: rodboard

Building on the spine sounds good in theory, the problem I have is that so far all the blanks I've checked have multiple spines. Do it if you want but don't worry about it if you don't. The rod will perform fine either way.
Forum: rodboard

I logged in on 3 different computers (work and home) with 6 different browsers and it just doesn't show up, atleast for some. Below is the HTML code that comes through from the server. The correct navbar "logged in" code is just not being delivered to all users for what ever the issue is. A computer can not display what is not delivered. Good luck figuring the true issue out. You'll nee
Forum: rodboard

Tom Kirkman Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Try using a different browser. Or, refresh the > page a couple of times. The upload button is there > but for some reason your system isn’t showing > it. I have no control over your computer or > browser. > > ............... I tried MS Edge as well a Google Chrome. I do have a relativel
Forum: rodboard

The Upload Button does not show on mine either. And yes I'm on the Photos Website and it says Logged In.
Forum: rodboard

The Instructions and Rules for "How and Where to post Photos" are on this page near the bottom:
Forum: rodboard

Sounds like an old Abu Garcia.
Forum: rodboard

I will be using the VSS 17 spinning reel seat and I am trying to find the best shim for this seat. Any recommendations of what works good and part number to order is appreciated. I've seen the Fuji Arbors that look like they are an inch long. I've also seen the Batson Shims that look like they run the entire length of the seat. I thought the Batson 17 (17 mm OD) would be best and trim it to t
Forum: rodboard

After doing some more research I came across some specs on Fuji's website with their VSS dimensions I thought I'd share: The ID of the VSS 16 is 13mm , The ID of the VSS17 is 16mm. The Short CORK & Duplon for size 17 is 111mm long 25 mm out side diameter , 6 mm bore The Short CORK & Duplon for size 16 is 99mm long 23 mm OD x 6mm bore The Long Duplon Rear Grip 16 (only) is 24
Forum: rodboard

Just received a handful of NFC X-Ray (with and without the polished Black Mirror finish) as well as some HM (sanded) models. I thought a review of how the Black Mirror finish actually looks may help some that may think it is shiny (mirror). The polished finish looks a lot like the sanded HM finish, like a satin finish except with faint rib lines like in the original X-Rays. Really like all 3 ver
Forum: rodboard

Question, Do commercial rod builders like G Loomis apply any sealant to their cork handles or are they bare cork (on their bass spinning and casting rods) ?
Forum: rodboard

Does anyone know what the differences are between the "Standard and Deluxe" models?
Forum: rodboard

What is CP?
Forum: rodboard

I have some older rods where the clear coat over the decal, name and action description, has scratches from years of use. I was wondering if anyone has tried sanding out the scratches and then reapplying a fresh coat of thread wrap epoxy? I know on cars, the clear coat can be sanded and when a new coat of clear is applied the two melt together for a clear like new finish. Will the above techn
Forum: rodboard

Just ordered a couple rods to add to the arsenal. An X-Ray (Black Mirror) in SB 683 to serve as a spinning rod for skipping tubes and ned rigs around docks. And, a MB 705 HM (sanded) to be back up for my old GLoomis MBR843C GLX casting rod which is a great rod for Jigs and Senkos.
Forum: rodboard

I recently purchased an X-Ray blank and was considering ordering a HM model from North Fork. Just looking for opinions from those that have built and used both. The X-Ray I have is nice, really nice. If I purchase a HM model (sanded) is it of the same quality. I own a few older pre-Shimano Loomis GLX's and love them. I'm hoping the HM's are similar with a smooth sanded finish and crispness. The X
Forum: rodboard

Question on selecting the correct size Reel Seats and Tips - Advice needed So my NFC XRay blanks showed up today. The SJ736 (881 Skew #) Butt measured in at .613. The reel seat area measures .555 (14.1 mm). The tip measured .075 inches. The MB736 (890 Skew #) Butt measured in at .550. The reel seat area measures ..550 (14.0 mm). The tip measured .080 inches. The real seats come in 1/2
Forum: rodboard