Sounds like a "casting' reel set-up? If so, we like something like this; Batson XBLXNLG 16, 06, 06, 06 (2 foot), then XBFLG06 (low frame 1 foot) the rest of the way. Set up as a "Turnover" style, with the turn being done in the first 2 sz 06 2 foot going up the rod.
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Take a look at the IST1025 Steelhead blank. They are on sale right now. here is a link;
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Just 2 days left for our Free Shipping offer. Also, still many discounted Items on our "Hot Specials" page. "As a response to the Great Gift of Easter, We are offering Free Shipping on components orders over $ 50.00. Add blanks to the order for just a total of $ 6.00 to cover handling. From Sunday, April 19th thru Sunday, April 28th "
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The OD of the GBS18 is about .840. A Batson Black Rubber Hozel in sz 06, 07, 08 butts right up to it. Don't know about a metal winding check, at a quick check ours are a littl too mall on the OD. We do have the reel seat and Hozels in stock.
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Are you needing a reel seat? If you are looking for sz 18 GBS reel seats, we have some.
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As a response to the Great Gift of Easter, We are offering Free Shipping on components orders over $ 50.00. Add blanks to the order for just a total of $ 6.00 to cover handling. From Sunday, April 19th thru Sunday, April 28th "Thanks"
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A "kit" is a good way to go. Unless, you have some ideas about components yourself. over the years we have helped many who were just getting started, but had some ideas about color of guides, thread, type of reel seat. So then we help them get the correct sizes, etc. The Mudhole kit looks like it will give you a good start. If you want higher end wrappers for instance, Batson mak
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Tale a look at the RX6 graphite Saltwater blanks. I have a personal rod built on the RCLB70XL, nice moderate action with plenty of power in the butt. Here is a link;
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We show a couple in stock. They are still listed in the new Batson price list. "RDR76L", Here is a link;
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Or, use a larger, heavier tip top.
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The earlier AT-Matrix were Green Gloss finish. The later are Black finish. We do have a very few of the earlier left.
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Just wanted everybody to know that we do have some of the Aero size 16 seats with comfort finish still in stock. Both color hoods, limited quantity. Here is a link;
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We show the American Tackle Aero Spin seats in both size 16 & 17 in stock, both colors. And also the non-comfort finish at economy price of $ 6.45 in the 16, again, both Black and Silver hoods. Here is a link;
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Thank you all for your comments. We have had all kinds of struggles getting our web site to not only be more up to date, but also have a shopping cart. So far that has not panned out. I will make every effort to have more pictures, especially if it is something new or special. In the case of the Pac Bay Minimas I posted, there is nothing different from the ones we have all been used to seei
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We have just added the Latest Pacific Bay Black Frame/Black Ring Minima PVD finish guides and tops. Here is a link; Also, changes and updates to our Hot Specials page, with more to come.
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If you are building for yourself, go with whatever you feel is best. However, if the blank has a curve that goes noticeably off to the side when the spine is used, I would always go for the straightest axis. The only time I go with the spine anyway is on a trolling rod, especially a heavier power.
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I think Herb has it right. Size 1/0 1 foot are a pretty small opening, different from a snake guide. The smallest single foot closed loop I would use is size 1, except maybe on a 2 wt with no knots to clear. Sometimes I think we carry the "smaller is better" idea on guides a little too far. The rod still has to fish and cast properly. The old adage "using the smallest guide
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Without knowing what kind of EVA your are using, I have found that a certain amount of heat generated by friction is actually your friend. Similar to Billy, I've turned a fair amount of EVA over the years, including some that were glued up from strips to make designs. Always went faster once they got warmed up from friction. That being said, the designs had to be well glued and set. I usually
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Another blank that has been popular is the SW967 1 pc, 8' or the 2 piece SW967F, easier transport and shipping. Here is a link;
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Wish we could be there. Hope you all have safe travel and a happy show!
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We have 1 left of the RX7 Batson IC847-3-M Here is a link;
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We may have that. Email me direct with your needs.
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We use rubber bands, or something like ortho bands, and sometimes just masking tape to start the layout. That allows some force to be put on the blank with line running thru to see where guides need adjusting. Whatever works for you that will hold them and still allow you to adjust position. Then, I measure from the tip down, taking measurements between each guide ring. Write them all down, r
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I do not take the chance and always make a small ferrule wrap.
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Or, wrap the guide where you think is best, with whatever color you choose, wrap the ferrule with a color that will blend into the blank color after finishing. Use some alcohol dabbed on to the ferrule wrap first to mimic how it will look when finish is applied. Then you can have whatever length ferrule wrap you like, but not have the visual of that same color as the guides at that ferrule.
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If you are able, use a short (5-6")section of wood dowel slightly larger OD than the OD of the blank. Trim it down on one end to go up into the butt of the rod a couple of inches, then sand the very butt end and taper to just under the ID of the EVA. Then use whatever glue works for you on the ID of the EVA and rod blank. I like to use a little alcohol to lube the blank and to pour a li
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Sorry for the duplicate!
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We have used Black Permanent Markers (like to identify clothing), that when allowed to dry (at least a couple of hours) it did not smear when finishing the wraps.
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Usually the tip top epoxy is 5 minute type, which will loosen with heat. I have used it on heavy Salt water rods, and have replaced damaged tiptops later. But, the amount of heat is more than hot melt glue would need. We do the same kind of epoxy on reel seat components and on metal ferrules. That way they can be dismantled if need be.
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We like to use a small candle in a holder, that allows both hands to be free. Be VERY careful with heat, and touch just the metal of the tip top itself. If you get the blank too hot, it will fail. Just try for a very short time in the flame, and try removing. Just carefully repeat until you get that magic temp. I would not "twist", but pull straight off. If it is very stubborn, th
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