SoInBassman

.ghoti. I could not agree more about the torque and the tip heavy rods. We did something pretty interesting this weekend, I had my customer bring me his 3 favorite rods so we could discuss this custom build in detail and we found some interesting data. His 3 favorite rods were no where near equal he just found subtle things about each rod he liked the best. I'll try to describe them in short. #3 I found this interesting because he is a casting guru, but this rod is a spinning rod of a major mfg, and is the farthest from being a balanced rod. It's old school, large guides 7'2" and he uses it for mostly drop shop, shakey heads and other light weight plastics, Said he likes it because it has backbone and he's caught a lot of bass with it, sentimental value I think. #2 7' MH Casting Rod from another major mfg, but this rod has a full cork handle that he's covered with a wrap of sorts, tennis racket wrap I think. This rod is pretty balanced and has some higher end components, fuji guides, seat, etc. This is his go to rod he said, but when I put in on the scales it was heavy my way of thinking? #1. 7' 2" Custom Rod, he had built a couple of years ago. This rod has cork split grips, a MVT seat, and micro guides 13 guides I believe?, anyway this rod is what started him thinking about the weight of his next custom. It's fairly light but a good HM Blank, and this is where I think I was able to shed some light. He is a jig fisherman 75-80% of the time, and he's wanting to build another upper end Jig rod. He asked my opinion on the handle assy and I've been trying to explain the best I can why it makes a difference to him. He fished a rod that had a carbon handle and the guy told him how much lighter it was so he believed it and liked the way the rod fished. It's all about perception, and personal preference but the guy really liked the rod and his buddy would not sell it to him because it was built on a shakari blank that is no longer available, thus he's come to me looking to duplicate that rod. I think I have him convinced and at least now I have him focused on the blank, weight, action, and power more so than just the grip assembly. I even laid out a micro guide train and explained how the components that go onto the rod are just as important, or more so than the handle assy. So we have decided to build a couple of rods, his rod split grips and the other a full handle CF, and he is going to examine them and make his decision on which he prefers better, my guess is he will end up with both, only time will tell. Thanks for your input and information, it is appreciated Rich

Thanks Mick, I'm getting ready to do some testing myself on the PB Blanks, and looking forward to it. One thing I've noticed, they do offer a few of the higher power blanks in a moderate action which is welcome news, and I'm curious to see how they perform. Another thing is several of the mid power rods are extremely light with good power and I look forward to testing / fishing those as well. Overall I've heard / read god things and look forward to getting familiar with them here in the next few months. Thanks again, as always I enjoy reading your post on this subject.

Mick thanks for the detailed info regarding the Point Blank in question, the guy wanting the rod has done his homework and is fairly familiar with these blanks and has used a few in the past. From everything I have read or heard I'm with you on thinking they are one of the premier blanks being offered today, refreshing and something new always has a learning curve. Thank you for your knowledge and info.

All great information, thank you. The rod will be built on a Point Blank - blank as well. and the guy wanting it built has many custom built rods and is very particular when choosing all his components & equipment, he does his homework and studies these things before he jumps, I think he has some experience with the PB Blanks and has a certain model in mind. I will try to keep you informed as to how the rod turns out. As to the PB -blanks being over rated, I've been told by a few others, that the problem has been corrected and the guys using them really like them. Thanks again.

I would like to know on a casting rod what is the lightest handle configuration, I'm mainly interested in the following handles. 1. Split Grips in Cork, EVA, Carbon Fiber, Winn grips or combinations of these. 2. Full Handles in Cork, EVA, Carbon Fiber, Winn Grips If you know what each of these weigh that would be awesome, trying to make a decision and weighting all the options. Or does anyone know where to find such information, Lets say Premium grade split cork is lightest, then how much more weight will EVA, Carbon Fiber, Winn grips add to a rod build? Thanks

Great! thanks for the replies and input. See this is split just like I stated last weekend, now out of the guys that preferences or commented, let me ask you this. For the guys that do take into consideration the handle, & components in a rod what portion of this are deciding factors. Or better yet, lets say you were gonna have a Custom Rod built for X amount of money, which handle configuration would you choose? I have several buddies that will buy the cheapest rod they feel comfortable with no matter the layout, or they will only buy a rod that they feel saves them money, but--- other competitors of mine think differently and will buy a rod built to their specs, needs, no matter the cost ( within reason ) LOL! and they think that rod gives them a slight advantage. ? So when I'm off the water with friends / competitors I would like to have some information to back up my statements. As far as buying fishing rod as an investment, that should never be a determining factor, we are hard on our stuff and usually fish it till it's no longer fishable, or has any resale value. I agree if you do not fish as much, or use the rod as a tool like the competitors I hang with, maybe resale value would come into play, but these guys use, pack and eventually destroy a rod after a couple seasons on the road. The reason for this post was to hear your thoughts, opinions and get some insight as to why bass anglers, Pro & recreational are buying certain type rods. I thank you for the insight and the information will hopefully be put to good use. Thanks P.S Yes I have fellow competitors / buddies that destroy $500 G- Loom rods, we see it all the time, not the rods fault by no means, I have buddies that can tear up an anvil. LOL Thanks

Thanks for all the input so far, it's great to hear others perspective and to see what makes us buy one rod over the other. So to switch gears a little bit. If it's not the handle or grip, then what is the major factor in your decision when buying a Brand New Rod. The blank, guides, length, brand, cost, etc. At the FLW event there were all sorts of rods from $100 off the shelf to full blown customs costing $700+ and up built to that Pros liking specs & technique. A lot of us were talking and there is a group of anglers that are making decisions based on rod performance, and then there is a group that seem to just fish whatever is given to them or available at the time. Anyway thanks again for the input, it's very informative to hear others thoughts & opinions.

Last weekend- Ky. Lake & Barkley Lake were full of Tournament anglers, it was neat to see the vast differences of rods used by the Pro's, and it sparked this conversation amongst a few of us, and got me thinking, that's why I'm asking your opinions. * Spinning rods it seems split grips unanimously, but casting rods it seems divided? So if you don't mind sharing your favorite handle configuration and why, I would appreciate it. Thanks

Thanks Bluebasser86, just wanting to get some more information on them. Would like to know their actual size, weight, thickness before purchasing one.

Can anyone tell me how thick the blade / spoon is ?.020 -.060 ? and what is the actual length. I've heard it's 8" but is that from top to bottom of the hook? or is that just the length of the blade? and what does one actually weight? Thanks in advance