I had a feeling you flexed it in a rod holder or vise. It applied pressure to an isolated spot. Like Tom said it might have been damaged in transport but what you did will easily break a blank if you apply too much force. IMO it's best to brace the butt end against the arch of your foot and use one hand to hold the rod and the other to flex it. Less chance of breaking. I do put rods in a rod hold
Forum: rodboard

Like Ken said. If the cracked location can be covered with grip or reel seat build it. I don't see the point of returning the blank if the shipping and replacement will cost more then the blank. You can keep it and turn it into a reamer or practice decorative wraps, etc. How did it break? Did you support it against your foot when you applied pressure or was it in a vise or rod holder?
Forum: rodboard

Why not buy all components from mud and the blank from utmost or another company. You never know a dealer that sells rainshadow might match the mud 10% off deal. Doesn't hurt to ask. Sometimes I build a rod from 2 or three different suppliers.
Forum: rodboard

Thanks Phil, I received the email. Much appreciated. MH
Forum: rodboard

Hey Phil, can you email me the line grain charts or the link to it? Thanks.
Forum: rodboard

You can go to their website and look up guide spacing charts. They might have a build sheet for that blank. Good luck
Forum: rodboard

800 grain??? Wow, that's phone line cable. My 425 grain is rated 10/11 wt. I'd agree with you and Tom, that's about an 18wt.
Forum: rodboard

Check out Thomas & Thomas Bluewater blanks. I believe all are 8'6" and 12-16 wts. Good luck.
Forum: rodboard

Great thread. I'm not going to get in the middle of herb and phils debate but I think they make good points. As for Jays last post about albacore. Next time you are out albie fishing try a steady retrieve with 5-10sec pauses. The high speed retrieve can work but I've caught more on a slow steady retrieve with a pause that let's the fly sink. Easy target for the fish and when it strikes the hit is
Forum: rodboard

I've done that both ways. Depends on the grip and how I want the finished product to look. I like to hide the flock ends. Sometimes I shrink it so the reel seat covers the end of the button grip and sometimes I shrink it on a fore grip so when I slide it on the end is tucked behind grip and hidden by reel seat. Do what works for you.
Forum: rodboard

Since you are in Florida it shouldn't be hard to get flex coat or another finish. Build a drying stand out of a cardboard box. Turn often for a couple hours then less frequently. You can do that while you are home at night. If the hard as nails worked and you are happy with finished product then it's good to go. UV exposure overtime might affect it's appearance or begin cracking. I use that produ
Forum: rodboard

Overnight shipping of the right product is an option. Why risk time invested on a rod, driving to stores, and spending time researching when you know the best product for the job?
Forum: rodboard

Do you mean raw or matte blanks? I would try rod geeks.
Forum: rodboard

David, most sit on top kayaks are made to carry lots of weight but two people might not work out, especially if you are both fishing. Jackson kayaks makes a large kayak that can be used as a one person or a two person. I believe it's called the big rig. It's very stable and can carry lots of weight without throwing the center of gravity off. My kayak loaded weighs over 100# plus me 220#. Paddles
Forum: rodboard

I agree with the TFO BVK and Bushido Fly blanks. I've built for others and personally use both and they're great. I prefer my Bushido over the other. Good luck
Forum: rodboard

I would contact Alex directly. Go to Web site and use their email.
Forum: rodboard

Good point Phil. A sit inside kayak can be frustrating to re enter. When I used to paddle long distance in a 17' touring kayak I brought along a paddle float and a rope. The paddle float slides over the paddle and allows you to hold it across the deck and use it as an outrigger. If that fails the rope can be looped around the cockpit , tied tight and about 2-3' extra hung next to kayak. Tie a loo
Forum: rodboard

Rod length depends on length of kayak, your height / reach, and the type of propulsion. I'm old school and I paddle my OT predator so I use a 7'-7'6 spin rod and a 7' bottom rod. I can't paddle and fight a fish at the same time so I need a rod that will reach around the bow of my yak. Most of the time it's not an issue but when fighting a false albacore or alligator bluefish it's important to hav
Forum: rodboard

I've been building kayak specific rods for salt use for a few years now. Rod lengths, grip lengths, grip materials, rod actions, and weight are all important for kayak fishing. I also build mine with loops for a leash and reflective materials for day and night fishing. I tell my customers to sit on the ground or beach and then cast and retrieve from that position with their favorite spin rod. The
Forum: rodboard

I buy beer in 12 and 24 cases. Haven't bought rods like that, but thanks for clarification. Take care.
Forum: rodboard

I'm pretty sure Tom can do math. His point is 24 rods is a strange request. Why not 25 of each?
Forum: rodboard

Another option is get all of their contact info then contact a fishing Lodge in Fiji. I believe there are a couple in Viti Levu. Ask them if they know the person or company in question. Even if it is legit they might know more then the "firm" is telling you. I have to agree with Tom. It does sound sketchy. Plenty of rod builders in Australia, New Zealand, and Asia they could contact
Forum: rodboard

You will be pleased with the results. Like Tom said spiral turns towards the reel handle so you can lay rod on flat surface. The "Tuna" guy needs to learn how to tie better knots and adjust his drag properly.
Forum: rodboard

How did you apply the finish?
Forum: rodboard

X2 Tom. I don't see the need to use a guide larger than a #30. Braid will allow you to move the stripper guide closer to the reel. Attach guides with tape and static test with reel attached. Make sure the line follows a clean line without angles. Once you have an acceptable setup take a few test casts to make sure the line doesn't slap the blank as it travels from reel to stripper guide. Good luc
Forum: rodboard

Lol...herb...I have to agree. I do the same thing. Put the rod together and sight down the blank. I'll put dots on blank if customer asks for them otherwise no dots.
Forum: rodboard

Hijack has begun. Lance, which guides do you want to know the size of? If you are talking the entire train that can be tricky. The stripper guide needs to big enough that when you are fighting a large fish the line isn't cutting into your hand when holding the foregrip (#16-#20). I usually use 2-3 transition guides then the guides placed at 180 are large enough to pass line to leader knots(#10).
Forum: rodboard

You can try the NCP thread with a couple coats of perma gloss let dry then epoxy. Do a test wrap.
Forum: rodboard

Yes, #8-#10 are good for surf spin running guides. You can go bigger of you want but I find #10 pass knots without issue. I also match my tip top ring size to my running guide size or go one size greater. ** in my earlier post I wanted to write "surf chunking" rod. Spell check got me.
Forum: rodboard

Add a zero to that 45 and I'll ship it to you. No refunds on specialized "super rods". You want snake or single foot guides?
Forum: rodboard