Rod Blanks

[Iluvsmallies]

So I'm wanting to build a rod for drop shot fishing as my first build.  I've seen so many brands and I'm just not sure which way to go.  I do know I want a good quality rod that has a good back bone and that's sensitive.  I have been looking at mhx, st Croix, rainshadow, etc. what do you guys like?  Thank you in advance. 

[Hatten]

I built mine on a MHX High Mod Gen 2 blank. 7'1" with Fuji KR concept alconite guides, aluminum reel seat and carbon fiber grips. Paired with a Shimano Stradic Ci4+. This setup is light and sensitive. I would upload a pic but file is to large. If you would like to see a pic of it you can go to my Facebook page (Hatten Custom Rods) and check it out. I only have pics of two rods on there, it will be the one done in red!

[Iluvsmallies]

Thanks for the reply... I dont have facebook or i would definitely check it out.

[roadwarrior]

RainShadow Eternity or Immortal.

 

http://batsonenterprises.com/

 

 

 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I've used all three with excellent results. You can muddy the water even more with Rodgeeks, Phoenix, AMT Bushido. Rainshadow and MHX are hard to beat bang for the buck wise (or otherwise for that matter)

[MickD]

How much are you willing to spend?  Roughly.

[Iluvsmallies]

I eas thinking 100 bucks just for blank... I would like something thats really sensitive like a g loomis or croix

[S Hovanec]

I'm going to offer a suggestion that typically isn't too popular. Don't go too spendy on your first couple builds. There is a learning curve and you will screw something up. Practice by rewrapping a couple junkers and build a couple cheapies to get your procedure figured out, then build your good rod.

[Hatten]

One of the things that has helped me with getting the guides ligned up straight is to take the rod outside after the guides are tied on and look down it. You can see misalignment better. (Iluvsmallies - I sent you a message)

[Glenn]

Rainshadow.  Batson makes over 700 rod blanks.  Your problem won't be finding what blank you want from them; your problem will be deciding exactly which one!

[Iluvsmallies]

Yes i agree there is so many to choose from... Thanks hatton for the tip... Will check message

[Big Bait Fishing]

check out GetBit for some discounted/discontinued blanks , you can find some for around $10 - $30

 

http://www.getbitoutdoors.com/specials/rainshadow-discontinued-blanks.html

[Iluvsmallies]

Thanks for all the replies

[Iluvsmallies]

Anymore opinions??

[Batson]

You pretty much have it.. If this your first build, I would suggest going with a cheaper build to do your trials and errors. I think a few dealers of ours have whole rod kits for $60 or so.. Then after you can bump up to our Eternity2 and Immortal lineup by RainShadow. 

 

 

FYI, the head of product for ST Croix for so many years is now our designer for the past 13!! Soon there will be a video showing some info about Batson! Be on the look out! 

[Iluvsmallies]

Ok thanks for all thw replies

[cjam93]

I have built a lot on MHX blanks and I like them they are solid blanks. However, my main stay now in blanks is Rainshadow. I love the Eternity2's they are like no other blank I have handled. It is pricey though so for a first time build you may want to look at some of RS's other blanks. The other option I would suggest is Liberty. They are GetBit Outdoors house brand and in the price range are some of the best you can get. I have had nothing but good things to say about these blanks. 

[Iluvsmallies]

Thanks I was just looking at the eternity 2... Thats about the price range i was looking at actually. I will have to look at the liberty's

[cjam93]

I just built a client a spinning rod on the 7'2 ml Eternity2 blank. It would make a great dropshot rod. I also am working on the 7'2 ml Immortal blank and it is really nice as well. The Immortal feels like it is slightly stiffer but both feel great for dropshot, shakey head, ect. You cant go wrong with either. Also I love Fuji components, but for spinning rods the only thing I use is Microwave guides by American Tackle. You should check those out they are great. I don't buy that the casting microwaves work, but the spinning ones are great.

[Iluvsmallies]

gave you ever used any mhx high modules rods?

[Hogsticker]

Don't forget the Phenix Ultra MBX line - Great rod blanks imo. Iv'e come across countless threads that state the Rainshadow RX8 822.5 is the best drop shot blank ever. Being out of production I assume the Eternity 610mxf would be the same thing with even newer technology built in. Personally for me, I don't much care for painted blanks, but that's a personal deal. The thing about blanks is while it may be general thought that St. Croix / Rainshadow makes the best drop shot blank, It may be general thought Phenix / NFC makes the best jig rod - or vice versa. It's really about finding the best tool for the job that fits your specs and criteria. The best way to go about this is on line research via any and all forums. That being said, I've been really impressed with what Phenix has to offer as a whole. At the price range you suggest, I haven't found one better, but I also have not tried the Rainshadow Eternity line. Good luck and let us know what you end up with.

[cjam93]

gave you ever used any mhx high modules rods?

I have built a pretty good number for myself as well as clients out of the high mod blanks. To be honest, they are nice, but it is hard to tell a difference between the high mod and mid mod. It is slightly lighter and thats about it. The high mod sensitivity is a bit more crisp, but the mid mod is plenty sensitive. To be honest, I do not see myself ever building another high mod for my own use as the difference is not enough to justify doing that over a mid mod. Also being a higher mod the blank will not be as durable. If you take care of your rods then that does not matter, but something to remember is with any brand when you go up in modulus you go down in durability.

 

Something I do with all of my rods is I build them with a very minimalist approach. What I mean is unless a customer asks for it I do not do any fancy decorative wraps, trims work, or labels outside of the blank info label. The less you have on a blank the lighter it will be, the more sensitive it will be, and just the better it will preform all around.

[Iluvsmallies]

Thanks for all the replies i cant wait to get started on my first build. Cjam do you use microwave on the whole blank? I was gonna use micros after the first three guides.

[cjam93]

Thanks for all the replies i cant wait to get started on my first build. Cjam do you use microwave on the whole blank? I was gonna use micros after the first three guides.

 

 

I just use the 9 piece guide set. It comes with size 5 running guides if I remember correctly. I just use those. You could though buy the stripper guide, transition guide, size 5 guide, and then your choice size running guides to the tip. If you go that route I'd suggest looking into Fuji Kt guides or Alps PMK Mini guides. I have had great luck with both of those. 

[Iluvsmallies]

Thanks cjam those are the guides i was looking at