Jim, you mentioned it stays where you put it. Does it still self level like epoxy as it is rotated on drying unit, or do I really have to put it where I want it? Thanks, Marc
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Rod Bond is the only gel I have used.
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I am considering a new power wrapper. Am wondering if anyone has used the DL747 much. I have not seen one in person, but in pictures it looks like it might be a little tight between the rod blank and back board that holds the rollers if you needed to reach behind the blank (mostly when fixing my screw-ups!). Any info would be great. Thanks, Marc
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Looking for a good source for one and 2 pc. spinning rod socks. I know Pac Bay has a line, but does anyone else offer them - possibly in a color other than grey. Getting a lot of requests for them with gift rods. Thanks, Marc
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Thanks JIm, I ordered the mixing gun and tips too. I'll post how it goes. Now we just need some rod glues with no amines too! Thanks, Marc
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Anyone used Diamondite much? They have a really neat system that dispenses and mixes the finish at the same time, just ordered one from Mud Hole. Also ordered the Diamondite CP. Does Flex coat CP do O.K. with Diamondite finish? Any info would be great.
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Hey Don, What # line do you use mostly? If you are brave enough to go down to 2# line, you may find that you can use lighter jigs. The 5'6" 2 pc. American Tackle Matrix blank is great for this. For 4# or 6# line you may want to consider the 6' Matrix lite SJ blank, and trim it a little if you wish. Have fun, Marc
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I tried the Pac Bay stuff too. It was nice to work with, but the odor was pretty stiff. Other than that, I think it is a great blend of properties.
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I am still a fan of Flex Coat 20 min rod glue. I like how it flows while assembling handles and seats, and can mix it in my epoxy mixer rigged with and aligator clip on an arm that holds a mixing stick. Just wondering if anyone else still prefers the liquid type, as all I read about are the gel types. And yes, I have tried Rod Bond. Thanks for any thoughts, Marc
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Alcohol works great on the rod or parts. After working with Rod Bond, I can usually clean the little on my hands pretty well with just soap and water. Keep smilin' Marc
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I grew up fishing Shakespear Wonder Rods, and still have a few I like to fish from time to time. For light freshwater spinning, a good glass rod still has a feel of it's own. Does anyone know if good quality, lighter glass blanks like this are still available? Any direction would be appreciated. Thanks, Marc
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I think Fishsticks4u has their discount right on their website. It might be listed under specials or sales. Otherwise give them a call. Good luck, Marc
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If you order a little larger qty/$$ from Fishsticks4u, they have a nice discount structure for regular retail customers - great service too! Marc
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The only chrome match guides I have seen are at Black Dog Tackle. Check them out. I think they have single foot fly guides to match if you are doing a concept type with them. Have fun, Marc
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Just wondering, have any of you tried the Flex Coat guide foot adhesive. The stuff is so quick and easy, and you can get the hang of it in probably 5 guides - good stuff and easier than anything else. Just my $.02 Marc
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Hello Mo, I am an ultralite nut myself, and have played with these rods quite a bit. I think for 2# line you will find most 3 wt fly blanks do quite well. 4 wts seem to get too beefy to me, as you really need the cushion on 2# line. I think on 2# line smooth guides become more important, and I have recently found American Tackle guides to be great - I think equal to Fuji with, more options.
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Thanks Jim - I'll order up some Diamondite today!!! Thanks, Marc
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Pac Bay's ruby red thread with CP is really nice. You can use gold, silver, or black guide frames, and match the trim bands to the frames. The black guides go with gold or silver. Pac Bay rose wood seats look great with this if it's a spinning rod. Have fun, Marc
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Thanks Erik, I don't have any allergic reactions, but am more concerned about long-term effects from using the stuff if that makes a difference. Anyone know what the large rod manufacturers do, as they have people that work with epoxy glues and finishes for a living? Thanks, Marc
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On many ultralites, the blank dia. is less than 0.250" by the time you get to the foregrip section. I usually build up two small spacers with 1/4" masking tape to center the grip, then epoxy it well. Anyone have any better or different ways around this? I like to use a lot burl cork rings, which I have not seen in inside dia's other than 0.250". Thanks, Marc
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Will these masks work if you are irritated by 2 part epoxy - glues or finishes? Thanks, Marc
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Just wondering what everyone sees on this one. It seems that production rod companies have pretty much dumped TN handles, even though they are some of the most comfortable and sensitive. Do many of you still have demand for this grip as custom builds? Thanks, Marc
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I have used Flex Coat, and Devcon 5 min epoxy, and they have quite an odor. Do all 5 min epoxies have this? Thanks, Marc
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I just received my first American Tackle guides - these things are awesome! I have done a lot of destructive test on various guides, and these are as tuff as any. The finish is second to none too. If you have not used them, check em' out. Also I spoke with Chase Foster there, and he was one of the most helpful people I have worked with. Keep smilin' Marc
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I am building an 8' bucktail rod for a customer. I have always used double foot guides on musky rods, but was thinking of using SF fly guides for the running guides on this one - probably 10's. Anyone have any experience with the durability of SF fly guides on musky rods? Thanks and happy 4th! Marc
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Batson's 5' UL fiberglass blank is tons of fun, bends all the way to the cork without breaking 2# line, yet is REALLY TUFF - good for kids - just a little shorter - but you could extend the butt. I also noticed Schneider's now has 1,2, and 3 wt. fly blanks that are reasonable, but longer than what you mentioned. Cut the butt end off of a 1 wt. to shorten it and that should give you all the bend
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No doubt St. Croix has great customer service. I do wish that the major manufacturers didn't replace so many rods for free when they were broke due to "operator defect" not manufacturer defect. People would be a lot easier to work with if they weren't so conditioned to break it, send it in, get a new one. I do believe in customer service 100%, and have built my share of freebie's t
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Thanks both Paul and Emory. I think I'll go with the RX6 for this one. Marc
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Just wondering if anyone has noticed the RX6 blanks being more durable than the RX7. They are both excellent. I am going to build some lite 2pc spinning rods for canoe float trips and durability can be important. I have read some of the RodMaker articles on graphite blanks, but just wondering if anyone has seen a real difference. Thanks, Marc
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I may have been one of the toughest to convert, but I am now a firm Forecast/Rainshadow customer. Blanks are too good for the money, reel seats are solid and have nice finish, and I would put their guides against any others on the market. I had not used much of the Forecast product until this year. I called Batson direct with some questions earlier this year and Bill answered the phone. He sp
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