Besides being decorative…what is the purpose (if anything) if a split grip/fighting butt? Most of the casting rods I see for sale lately have that as a design element. I’m just curious if they serve any functional purpose?
Forum: rodboard

Hi Tom: Unfortunately, no help yet. Raymond's article was not quite what I am asking. If the Rodbuilder article is still available, I'd be most appreciative. To restate my question... I've seen wrapping guides for a fade wrap that state the thread pattern used to achieve the desired effect (i.e. 1-1, 2-9, etc.) While the basic concept is clear, I'm having difficulty visualizing the
Forum: rodboard

Can anyone point me at a step-by-strp "how to" (preferably pics or video) that will teach me how to do a color fade? I've seen thread guides that explain the pattern (i.e. 11-1, then 9-2, then 7-4, etc.) but I'm having difficulty visualizing how to handle the two threads as I rotate the blank such that I'm laying down one color versus the other while the blank rotates. Basically...
Forum: rodboard

I've decided to try adding crosswraps to my rod projects. I just purchased the butt wrap alignment tool from mudhole. I'm a bit confused as to how I use it. Does anyone have a step-by-step set of instructions (ideally with pictures) ?
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Hi Bill: Thank you for responding. I'll check out your website. -Dan
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Hi Skip: Your post is what I'm asking about. You say Baston is your first choice...why? Seeker and Cal Star are always my first choice...why? In my case, I have experience with them and like them. However, I'll be the first to admit, I started with them on the recommendation of others. I haven't tried others. So, while I'm happy with what I get...I don't really have anything in my own
Forum: rodboard

I live in San Diego. When I was younger, the blank brands Sabre, TruLine and Fenwick had the a pretty firm lock on the market for offshore rod blanks. Today, the brands Seeker and Cal Star appear to have the same kind of lock on the market. My own experience with these two brands has been 100% positive so I believe they deserve their excellent reputations. From time to time, I'll see ot
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Hi Tom: Thanks for the info. I just ordered Volume 5 #6 RodMaker. Thanks again. -Dan
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Hi Tom: Yes, definately a stand up rod. -Dan
Forum: rodboard

Maybe you guys can educate me a little. I've seen factory trolling rods built with all roller guides, all ringed guides (except the tip), and roller guides on teh stripper and tip with all the rest ringed. What is the rationalle for the different configurations? Is it just personal preference? Do they do it for cost savings vs. performance trade off? Or, is there a different purpose for ea
Forum: rodboard

I've built many rods, mostly moderate to heavy offshore saltwater rigs. I'm about to build a trolling rod for the first time and was wondering if there is anything unique or different I should know about. The blank is a 5 1/2 foot Seaker 660XXH. I plan to use AFTCO roller guides, triple wrapped. Hypalon grips and an aluminum reel seat and gimbal. Please don't recommend "Spiral Wra
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I'm building a 15-lb class, conventional offshore rod on a Seaker 196 glass 6-foot blank. Looking at factory versions of this rod, I see they typically have 8 guides (including tip). However, when testing them in the store, I find that the line always drops below the blank at about the third guide from the tip when under load. On my own blank, I tried every positional adjustment can think o
Forum: rodboard