Hello all, I am building a surf spinning rod using 10' MH titanium graphite blank from Dblue. I like using Fuji KW guides as strippers starting from size 30, 20 and 12. Then I have no idea what to have. Maybe single foot KL guides from 10, 8 and 7 all the way, or just stick with KW all the way to size 7. Any body has built on this blank? What did you use? Martin
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Thanks. I will try citristrip. I tried scraping but it seems taking forever.
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I just stripped a spinning rod built on earlier US made Batson RX7 (charcoal). I am going re-build this into a casting rod. When I removed old guides the blank coating has also peeled off and it doesn't look good. So I am going to remove the coating completely. What would be the best method to remove the coating without damaging the blank? Thanks
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It's been awhile since this blank is released but no reviews. I am thinking of building a 5wt for trout in lakes. Anyone fished with this?
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Thanks all, All your replies are very informative and give some more choices. However, could someone compare these rods (and CTS) to XP and/or DC V. I have these in different wts so I know what people are talking about. I understand there are no bad blanks but for some there are better suited blanks. Thanks Martin
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Hi all, I am after a 4 or 5 weight fly rod blank that is medium or medium-fast taper and light in swinging weight. I am keen to try a CTS Affinity MX blank. How does it compare with XP or Dan Craft V in terms of swinging weight and castability? Or is there any other blank that fits my criteria. Thanks Martin
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I would suggest FT 6 wt. You can cast #7 without any problem and if you want quieter presentation you can use 6wt or even 5wt line.
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Alps Tri reel seats are awesome stuff. Hold reels very tightly and looks great. Unfortunately, it is not comfortable in hand. Spinning... no. Overhead... maybe but not casting overhead. Fly rods and light game rods are perfect candidates.
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Following my previous question re building a switch rod using Dan Craft FRSV 9'10" blank, most people think FT10' is better for the job. As you guessed, I am new to double hander rod. What are the characteristics that I have to look for?, action?, lightness? Cheers Martin
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Hi all, Thinking of building a #7 switch rod using DC blank. Many people talked about FT1007 for the purpose but what about FRS V 9973. It's lighter and faster then FT. Has anyone built the switch rod using FRS V blank? How does it perform? Cheers Martin
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Hi all, I have used A8L2 all aluminium reelseats from Pac Bay and Forecast before but my redington AL reel does not seat tightly. It is a bit anoying. Can anyone recommend other brand of L8 all aluminium RS? Cheers Martin
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Wayne, thanks for your good advice. I think I will single hand cast most of time. Taking your advice, I will turn fore grip to suit single handed grip. Cheers Martin
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Thanks guys, I will play with 10" foregrip see how it fits. Cheers Martin
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Hi all, Switch rod is rod that can be casted single or double hand, right? I am looking to build my first switch rod of #8 wt 10' long. Do I have to use double hand type grip, ie 5" butt and 12-14" slim fore grip, or can I use 5" butt and normal 7" full well?????? What are the pros and cons of long fore grip? Any other suggestions? Remember mine is only 10' long. Ch
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Craig, Check out the GUSA blanks from The Rodworks (See left - Aussie Sponsor). With regards to handle assemby, mine has palm support reelseat - very comfy with round baitcating reel. It has 14"/6" butt/fore cork grips. Guides are MNSG for larger strippers and LNSG for small ones. Smallest is (incl. tip) is #8. Hope this helped. Cheers Martin
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Craig, What you need is #6 power for that beasts. I have Batson RX7 6 power built for barra tick. Still losing a few to the stumps. Cheers Martin
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Thanks guts, As suggested by Bob, I might seek an arborist for his advice. It is quite large (and old) tree, and if I kill it i may have to leave the country. Cheers Martin
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Thanks Bob, That's an easy solusion but I am looking at one particular burl which grows on lower trunk. cheers Martin
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Looking to turn reel seat inserts using burl wood. Is there easy way of harvesting burls without chopping whole tree down or harming the tree? Cheers Martin
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FT906 is my choice for Tongariro River. Fast line speed is what you want there to beat the wind.
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Brian, Have a look at AmTac Matrix. Quite fast and crisp. Good looking blank too. I recently built a #5 and I fell in love with this rod.
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