Just be cautious when drilling so as not to make the wall of the wood grip too thin and taking a chance of a crack in the future.
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We stock the Butt Plugs that can fit inside a reel seat or at the end of a grip fitted into the blank ID. Here is a link; Also, the sz 16 and sz 18 Black rubber Pac Bay Butt Plugs that fit into the end of a reel seat. Not on our site, but still in stock, BP16 or BP18 @ $. 50 each
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Don't forget to allow for knots passing easily thru the running guides. I would think at least sz 8.
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If you want to disguise the ferrule area, just wrap the female upper ferrule with a thread color that will blend into the blank color when finished. We typically would use something like a med gray with no CP on a Charcoal finish blank Just dab some alcohol on after wrapping to mimic what it will look like with finish on it and see what you think.
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I agree with Roger that 4' is a good length. You might want to consider wrapping for an "under-spin reel" (spinning set up) That makes it user friendly like a push-button, but easy to hold since the weight is under the rod like a spin reel. Then you can change later on to a true "open face" spin reel. What I've noticed is that sometimes smaller hands have trouble holding a
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Our free shipping and 10% off of our entire website ends at midnight tonight. Take advantage and load up while you can! Our free shipping applies to all components, even "Hot Specials" which total $ 60.00 after discounts. You can then add rod blanks, any quantity for just $ 6.00 shipping.
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Whatever works for you on the stripper and running guides, we usually tape guides on and then put the rod into a "fighting load bend". Make a note of the spacing, then turn the running guides under. But, the transition guide usually wants to be somewhere in the 6-7" range. I like to transition in 2 guides, and keep them and the runners the same size. A 'simple spiral with just
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Just a reminder, this continues until Midnight Wednesday, Nov. 28th. Take advantage now, new items are going up on the "Hot Specials" page. Not just a "Black Friday", but an entire week of "saving the Green". 10% off EVERYTHING on our web site! This includes even all the "Hot Specials". Free shipping for component purchases over $ 60.00, and add
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Not just a "Black Friday", but an entire week of "saving the Green". 10% off EVERYTHING on our web site! This includes even all the "Hot Specials". Free shipping for component purchases over $ 60.00, and add blanks, any quantity, for just $ 6.00 more. Use Code "Thanks2018" on the order. Starts Wed Nov 21 thru Nov 28th "Happy Thanksgiving"
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That is why we recommend and use 2 foot guides for the first 4 up from the reel. Transport and handling are the usual culprits in damage.
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Take a peek at the Batson Forecast blanks. The ISB841-3 is an excellent multi-species travel blank. Here is a link;
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Take a look at the Batson Revelation series. Here is a link;
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I find using a larger "stripping" (butt) guide helps with the "stacking" issue. Something like a sz 12 or 16 stripper, then whatever the running guide sizes are for the rest. We like 2 foot for the butt guide and the next 3, 2 of them "transition". Then 1 foot the rest of the way, or also 2 foot if you want extra security. Sizes might be 04 or 05 for all except t
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To help celebrate all our veterans, past and present. For 48 hours, component orders over $ 40.00 will ship for free. Add blanks, any quantity for just $ 6.00 more. And check out our "Hot Specials" page for new items. Also, Batson blanks on sale there.
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If you just want to move the reel seat down 4 inches because the butt grip is too long, why not just cut 4" off the butt end and install a new butt cap?
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Remember, guide sizes are measured on the inside of the FRAME opening. So, you would need a size 06 ring in a ceramic ring top to match up with the ID of a size 05 Minima type guide.
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We use our special factory ordered Batson tip tops. They have an extra hard Gold Zirconia insert Here is a link;
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How much weight will you be using? We may use as much as 2 oz when fishing deep on Lake Norfork or Bull Shoals. That might require a stouter rod, typically we use an E-Glass, or Composite like the RDR series.
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If you only have an inch or so to move it down, why not use a round file and "open up" the ID of the reel seat? Just be careful not to make it too thin. We like using those seats in an "up-lock" position. I believe not having to use an arbor is a good thing.
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Celebrating Columbus Day! Free shipping on Component orders over $ 50.00. Blanks can be added for just $6.00, any quantity. Additional fees for drop shipments. All week long, Monday Oct 8 thru Saturday Oct 13.
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What we do is tape the guides down in approximately the position we want. Then after finishing layout and stress testing, make a note of spacing starting at the tip and between each guide. Then take them all off, clean up the blank with Alcohol, and then following the spacing layout, mark the spot and attach one guide at a time with FlexCoat Guide Glue. That glue is soft enough to allow &quo
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More reduced prices on Batson Rod Blanks. Check out the many other "Sale Bundles" Here is a link;
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If you like something X-Fast, consider a "drop-Shot", like American Tackle "DSS69/4-10 or Batson IMMS610MXF-TC Still has a very soft tip, but goes into backbone quicker. Here are some links;
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I like a slightly "softer" tip, like the Batson RX7 REVIP70L or ML
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WD40.
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You might want to look at something in the "BP" or "RDR" series by Batson Here is a link;
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Just listed, more Reel Seat Bundles. Great saving on Spin Reel seats, up to 75% off. And Fly Reel seats. Also, mark downs on discontinued Batson RX6 Fly Blanks and RX7 Spin Blanks. Here is a link; *
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What we do if not using CP is make a wrap (or 2), and then flood with alcohol. That will mimic epoxy finish and you can tell in just a minute whether you like it or not. Sometimes on a repair I've had to do that a few times to get thread to match the original. Hope that helps.
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Somethings to consider; A long, slow blank makes a good rod for casting (lobbing) live bait or smaller lures, also helps protect the line when fighting a big fish, more "forgiving". We have done a lot of that in N. Arkansas for Striped Bass on Lake Norfork. I had built some rods for a gent who was after the 2# class record. He broke it for both Striped Bass (30#) & Hybrids (14#
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I suggest a larger butt guide, maybe a 20. The extra height off the front grip when under load will come in handy. And putting the transition guide (not necessarily at 90) on the same side as the handle works well for storage, but you might like it better on the left side (assuming right hand retrieve) so you can ease the line over when retrieving if you have a stacking problem. Best bet i
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