I did speak with Karry Batson today - it seems all I have heard about great service is spot on! Thanks for the help Karry. Marc
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Thanks Rich - good to hear from you!! Are you ready for the ice? Marc
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I build a lot of bass-walleye-panfish spinning rods, and have had some issues with fragile tips (top 6"-9"). I don't build on Batson blanks, but was considering a switch. I have heard over-all good ratings on their rod durability, but can anyone specifically comment on tip section durability? I would be looking at the RX6 and RX7 lines. Thanks, Marc
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Hey Mike - that would be a very good guess, but I am actually in Wisconsin - very similar stuff. Maybe with the proper guide layout, we could build rods that cast across the Big Pond and cast weighted messages to each other! Have a great day, Marc
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Thanks Bill, I do sell both fact-to-face full custom rods, and "rack rods" at several dealers. The face to face sales have generated ZERO breakage so far, with all broken rods from rack rod sales. I definitly need some better info to go with the rack rod sales. I am interrested in multi-modulus blanks, but don't see most of what I am looking for yet (walleye spinning/spin-jig, u
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Just wondering if anyone sees a general percentage of rods sold that come back broken? Not just pure defect breakage, but total, including operator error. My reasoning is that I am building more rods that I ever have, and want to get an idea of what to expect. I don't plan on covering the operator error, but each of those is a customer service issue to deal with as well. Thanks, Marc
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I am glad you posted this Buzz - I was going to drop you a line on those panfish blanks but couldn't.
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They may hold up ok - but unlike good ceramics - they will groove if you fish them a lot - even with mono. Just like the Berkley SS304's - there's no magic here - they are just plated stainless steel, and much softer that the cheapest aluminum oxide's. If you were building retro glass rod, they would finish out the look very nice though. Have fun - Marc
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Most of the rod finishes out today are really good stuff. I tried almost every finish out there, and found that technique is far more important than the finish alone. I would recomend Flex Coat or Threadmaster, both in the high build, to start. Pick one, and then do some searches on mixing finish, applying finish, spatulas, and finishing speed. Work on your technique, and you'll be able
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I never met Gene, but had been meaning to post a thank you to him, as I really enjoyed his articles - they were my favorite part of the getting RodMaker! My prayers go out to his family. Marc
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I have some muskie rods in use with single foots, and they are doing great. They will hold up very well to fishing, it's really the fisherman abuse that will do the damage. If you are building for yourself or people that take decent care of their stuff I would go single foots, no hesitation. Good Luck, Marc
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Just wondering if anyone still uses standard V frame (SV style) guides as butt guides for FW spinning rods, and have any tips for reducing line slap with them. They are one of the few styles that you can still get gold frames in, which I get a lot of requests for. Thanks, Marc
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Thanks Tom! I have a rod shop on our residence, nice hand carved sign out front made by a local wood craftsman, and do some advertising, but still find just what you said - many in my own town don't even know I'm here, much less surrounding towns. Now the only trick is going to be to find a place with high enough ceilings! Thanks, Marc
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Just wondering if any full time builders out there have a store front, and if so, has it helped boost your business? Thanks, Marc
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Thanks Mark! I'll be sure to call before placing my next order. Marc
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Does Gudebrod still make metallic braids, and if not is there an alternate source. I had so much on hand I haven't had to shop for it for a few years. Thanks for any info. Marc
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I would just love to see those boys swinging 3 pound bass in the boat with a fly rod!!!!!
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You really shouldn't need a 30, assuming this is a freshwater spinning rod. Those big rings are heavy, and add unnecessary weight, and will not improve casting at all. I would actually suggest a smaller ring on a higher frame, like the Pac Bay M style in a 20 or even 16 ring. You'll feel the weight difference, and casting is just as good if not better. Good Luck, Marc
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Thanks Russ - just wondering, on the warranty against breakage, is that blank defects only, or do you cover operator error as well? Thanks, Marc
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Has anyone ever lost a sale because of not offering enough warranty. I offer limited lifetime, but people only hear "lifetime" and seem to think anything goes. In reality, one year on breakage should be good, as if there is a true defect it's gonna give in the first season's use. Any thoughts appreciated. Thanks, Marc
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Can't say I have done this, but I would not recomend using a file. Sandpaper backed by something solid would be much better, as even a very fine file could grab and delaminate the graphite fibers. Good Luck, Marc
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Try seaching for marbling. Also, if you are really interrested, Putter's DVD from Acid Rod will really give you a great start. With the money this DVD will save you on experimenting it will pay for itself.
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I have no idea, have never used one. Was just looking to see if anyone else has. But thanks Mike - sounds like it's not worth looking too deep in to.
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Anyone checked out the Dymo Label printer for rod use? It looks ok, but from what I can tell it only prints in black, so you would have to use light color label material (yuck). There is a custom rod builder testimonial on their site.
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Sorry to stray - but I was wondering if the Penn SSg series spinning reels are still US made?
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I am starting to use CP more on guide wraps, and was wondering how many coats of finish you usually use. I usually only use one coat on guides with epoxy only. Thanks, Marc
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Don't know about the bobbers, but for blanks - give Karen at Bingham a call. She has a bunch of Croix ice blanks with tthe guides already wrapped at a really good price if you are interrested.
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I think Mike hit an important point. FC hot melt tip top adhesive works great, but the tip must be a very close fit to the blank. I have had the same problem when there was a little too much gap to fill Also, I now belt sand a small chamfer on the rod blank tip so it seats all the way in the tip top, this really seems to help.
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Hey Jim - I think you hit it right on!!! The point is that 2 pc. rods hold up every bit as good as 1 pc. under fishing conditions, and way better under travel conditions. If I had my way, I would build only 2 pc. rods. I look at it like 4 wheel drive on your truck, you don't need it every day, but when you do, it's nice to have. Now, the real trick is how do we convince the general fisherm
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Has anyone found a Gel Pen with a tip as fine as the fountain style pen from Jann's?? Thanks, Marc
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