Sent an email to them over a month ago- no response
Forum: rodboard

I don't particularly like the look of a decal over a sanded, natural gray graphite blank. I usually frame the location of the decal with a short decorative wrap and apply a very light of coat of epoxy over the wraps and the decal location. After the epoxy "cures" overnight, I'll apply and burnish the decal and then apply a light epoxy coat to the wraps and the decal. Most manufacturer
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Sent an email to Gabriel about a week ago asking when website would be up and when their thread would be available for purchase. Haven't heard anything so far- keeping my fingers crossed that they resolve their factory issues.
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Thanks guys- looks like I may have to buy a small bottle of each and try them all.
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I'm just about out of my bottle of Chromaseal and I'm looking for your recommendations on a substitute. I purchased a bottle of Mudhole's version and well, it's not Chromaseal. The two times I've used it, it does not dry clear and even after coating with epoxy it left a slight opaque appearance on the bare blank's surface around decals. Anyone use Color Lock (U-40) or Flex Coat color preserver?
Forum: rodboard

St. Croix/Rod Geeks, Stryker, NFC... as Tom mentioned there are lots of quality surf blanks out there
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Follow up on Spencer's comment about "...pinched in two jaws out of the three..."- if one or more of the rubber jaws are damaged or displaced, the blank will be gripped off center with respect to the chuck's rotational axis and the blank will wobble. Might have to replace the rubber jaws (about $8 for 6).
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on sale at Voodoo Rods
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Tried their website this AM. This is what's posted; Down for Maintenance Sorry, this store hasn't opened yet, or is temporarily down for maintenance. Please check back soon.
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I use a small high intensity lamp to provide some extra light while wrapping. I leaned forward to take a better look at my work and touched my forehead to the lamp's hot metal shroud- instant blister accompanied by several *&%$#'s. I wasn't scarred with the scarlet letter "A" but for about a week I was identifiable as an "RB"!
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Thanks Mike- much appreciated! Another awesome forum member!!
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Nick, here's the response from Hitena; hitenausa: "Hi Dan, Thanks for reaching out to us. Unfortunately we had some major production issue at our factory and unlikely to restock Aurora anytime soon. We'll let you know once we have them available for sale here. We apologize for the inconvenience caused." I've found the metallic Aurora thread on a black rod blank mak
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Metallic Aurora is a different series thread from Metallic Vivid
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I was just informed by Hitena that they've had major production issues at their factory and that they won't have this color back in stock for the foreseeable future. Does anyone have a spool of this particular color they would be willing to sell me? Thanks, Dan
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Sure, I would be happy to talk to anyone about the jig rods. I've changed my privacy options so you should see my email address.
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I saw a picture once of a knife handle made with pet hair and casting resin...whatever floats your boat but I second the ewwwww!
Forum: rodboard

I haven't had any trouble with edge lifting after I changed my technique. I make sure the blank surface is perfectly flat (no x-ray, x-wrap ridges unless you lay down a coat of epoxy), thoroughly clean the blank surface with alcohol, trim the decal's entire perimeter to remove dried out edges , apply the decal, and then burnish well. The decals are rather thick and frequently after burnishing, y
Forum: rodboard

Batson's Guide Spacing diagram for their REVSU110MH may give you some ideas on what components are needed. Keep in mind though that Batson's 11' surf blank is rated for lighter line and has a smaller butt size (.727 vs. .875) and tip size (8.5 vs. 10) than the NFC so use their diagram as a starting point. Sky's the limit as far as handles and reel seats options...every thing from shrink wrap ove
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Hitena's web site has some pretty good photos and wide selection of their thread wrapped on blanks and epoxy finished- may be able to help you in your search.
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Thanks for the research and this find. I found a retailer on Yahoo Japan that sells this for $109 plus shipping but unfortunately it's sold out.
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Somehow names like "Beastinger Extreme" don't quite match a line rating of 3-8lb. I'm going to have to be more creative in naming my favorite rods- names like "Ole Bessy" now seem inadequate. I think I'm going to use one of their names, print out a label and attach it to one of my ice rods..."The War Gazelle" Has a nice ring to it.
Forum: rodboard

Get Bit offers many of United Composites' Dual Helix blanks in the 5'6" to 6' length
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I've only been able to find silver on clear at LTR
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I used Mudhole's suggested ice rod guide spacing as a starting point and then adjusted spacing slightly as needed.
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" I doubt if anyone can prove any significant advantage to the unsanded blanks. Unless it's the cost savings advantage for the maker of not having to sand them." Michael, I think you nailed it!
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These are my favorite reels; 1. Surf spinning- Shimano Ultegra 5500 2. Surf casting- Seigler SM 3. General bottom fishing/jigging/slow pitch- Daiwa Saltiga star drag 4. Light chum/chunk/live bait- Penn Fathom 25NLD2 5. Heavy trolling- Penn International V 30VSX 6. Light trolling, chum/chunk for tuna to 100#- Shimano Tiagra Ti16 If I had to pick a favorite, this is it- smooth operation/dr
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Post your question on Alan Tani's reel repair forum and you'll probably find someone who can help you out. alantani.com
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Thanks David for your feedback on the value of the blanks even with the extra effort- I'll keep that in mind when I see another NFC sale pop up. I was hesitant to sand the blank because I didn't know what, if any, affect sanding would have on the performance. If I buy another X-Ray, I'll sand it and not bother the forum's "sages" with dumb questions.
Forum: rodboard

Well, the rod is done and it looks pretty good. Thanks everyone for your suggestions! I've been building rods off and on for nearly 40 years but I can always depend on forum members to provide constructive suggestions to improve my craft. For that I'm grateful. Since this rod is for a friend, I'll never personally know the attributes of this particular fly rod blank. For those who have fishe
Forum: rodboard

I'll try lowering the tension to see if that helps but I've already experienced some issues with the wraps staying in place even with up to 8 wraps before the tag end is pulled through- the ridges don't allow a tight cinch. I've done 5 guides which look presentable and have 5 more to go (toward the tip). Unless there is some extra ordinary (i.e. huge) improvement is rod performance by having the
Forum: rodboard