Theory is that extra size guides will pass knots and snarles. Personally I would rather deal with the knots at the stripper or closer. Other theory is that too large guides allow line to "clatter" around and not engender smooth line flow. Again - personally - in normal weather conditions I would rather have the smaller guide as long as it doesn't constrict line and leader to fly
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Eric, Very good point, I forgot to mention it. I try to use "00" thread on my running guides - especially in the tip area. But "00" no longer available except in silk. But I would go to "A" for any wrap over "D". BTW - you are not compromising strength. More wraps of a thinner thread is just as strong . Herb
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Tony, Like Tom says re amount of epoxy applied. My opinion more weight can be saved by proper guide choice. I only build fly rods and I am very sensitive to weight - especially in the tip area. I have used PG on many rods in the past . But no longer. I ended up refinishing with thread epoxy for various reasons. Regards, Herb
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Daniel The Honey-Brown color in the CTS collection is gorgeous. Herb
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That is why I will only use titanium or titanium alloy guides. Fuji "T"'s and REC Recoil. Herb
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Bill, I am now having CTS blanks built with a stiffer tip - to lift line off the water - and a moderate butt. It's not enough to state "fast". These blanks get very specialized now so more conversation is really in order. Got to know how the rod is going to be used and the owners expectation of how rod will perform. That configuration is now my go-to rod in a #10 for the Cape Cod
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Crappie are a blast to catch on the fly rod. I did it when I was blown out of a Muskie trip in WI. The guide had me use his 9', #6 sage TCR which is a moderately fast rod by todays standards. We used small poppers. From the CTS menu - if money is not an issue - I would go with a 9'0", #5 Affinity-X or a 9'0" Affinity-MX. for guides - hands down the REC recoils in single foot
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Going to the gym now - back later. But someone else may come in to help. Herb Distrib CTS Fly Rod Blanks
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Sorry for dupe post Regards, Herb Distrib. CTS Fly Rod Blanks Sponsor RodBuilding.org
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Steve, You obviously prefer softer rods. A lot of my customers do also. Some have bought both my CTS moderate action and fast blanks and alternate use as their whims dictate. The CTS blank is so light in the hand that those who bought one of the many #10 models have found that they do not even need a #9 or sometimes even a #8. If you do prefer a less aggressive blank you don't have to go
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Steve, Better put tape under those rollers on the stand. Also - for high RPM's much better to use large (2"-2.5") rollers. Herb
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Tom My current favorite is the CTS Affinity-MX 8'9" #8. The MX blank is rated as med/fast . But rolled as an 8'9" blank it is blazingly fast with a very nice progressive action. I actually like it better than the faster Affinity-X in a 9'0" #8. I built one for one of the fly fishing world's greats and he likes it very much. Herb
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I order a lot of shorter blanks from CTS. Build some also. Static test a must as stated. A few inches off of a fly blank will quicken it up substantially compared to its sister 9'0" blank.
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Thanks to all. Will check colors again. Must have missed it. Thanks, Herb
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Hi, Trying to find an electric-blue metallic thread (A) Herb
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You can cut a graphite blank with a triangular fine file, Dremel cut-off tool or any other cut-off tool. If using the file just attack the blank directly. If a cut-off tool wrap with paper tape first. Herb
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Michael, Since it is only a #5 rod - I would do the following Using REC components: Get: 1 - REC RSLS reel seat. They come in black or Titanium Smoke. 1 - REC Removable fighting butt threaded insert that fits the RSLS. Do not get the threaded post. You will not need it unless you also want the option of a short FB also. 5 - REC 1" FB extensions. Install the seat leaving 1/2"
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There is something I use to dull finish for 2nd coat - if needed - but in package are other grits for polishing that I have used very successfully to restore shine. It is marketed by Santa Fe Jewelers Supply called Micron Paper kit. $15.00 It has grits from 400 to 8,000. Best of all it is not stiff like wetordry. It is woven into a cloth-like sheet. great stuff. Herb Distrib. CTS Rod B
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Thanks Chip, Yes CTS has - or will build - what you want. Herb
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What they said. you need a very light touch until concentric. If you lean into it will go oval. I use a half round Stanly SurForm - LIGHTLY. Herb
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It looks as though there will some (upward) adjustment to CTS blanks for 2014. So if you are thinking of one you should get your order in before the new year. I will be placing a bulk order soon so you will save $60 shipping from NZ Distrib. CTS Blanks. Herb
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Bill, if it's a boat rod for the salt - for fluke, stripers - my bet it is for jigging. Consider the CTS Elite Slow Jig blank Can get it in 2 pc, 6' Line, Lure weights, Power: EM601-2, 4-8#, 1/4oz, Med/Light EM662-2, 6-12#, 1/8-1/2oz, Med/Lite EM663-2, 8-14#, 1/4-1/2oz, Med. EM664-2, 10-17#, 1/2-7/8oz, Med/heavy EM665-2, 12-20#, 1/2-1oz, Heavy It would help to know what kind of cu
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Bill, CTS - of course. Spinning or conventional?? I assume it is for boat use. Stripers are my passion. Is this for saltwater stuff - or the "new(ish) hybrid stuff in lakes?? Herb
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Thought of it - but I feel it would be a sharp stick in the eye for my customers who paid full price past few weeks. Maybe because the CTS ordering and delivery mechanism take 4-6 weeks so it does not lend itself to the Black Fri thing gracefully. Herb CTS Fly Rod Blanks
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Hey Mo, The CTS Affinity-MX, 7'6" 4pc #4 weighs 13/16th oz. It would be lighter 7'0" and lighter still in 2pc. Herb
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Not al ferrules are created equal. There is a major manufacturer whose female ferrules are splitting under the wraps of some of their TH rods. Gatti says to wrap all of their female ferrules 15mm. I split a #10 wt's ferule just by spining it - and it had the manufacturers tape on the female ferrule. CTS' ferrules do not have to be wrapped at all. You will never know what happened. Her
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Will get back to you later with something from CTS Herb
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Hi everyone, I am placing another order with CTS this week. All are invited to piggy-back on my shipping from New Zealand. Members seem to like the ease of ordering this way. Just shoot me an email - hnlcustomflyrods@gmail.com - or - from my profile. BTW - most are u
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John P. Interested why you changed to turning on mandrel vs blank. Herb
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X2!!!
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