Need Help On My First Custom Rod

[ETX-Trevor]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum and looking for some guidance on my first custom rod purchase. I was really looking for something to resemble the G Loomis GLX/NRX line of rods. I have about $400 to play around with so I was thinking I could maybe get something remotely close. I'm not only looking for guidance on components but also a great reliable builder (I live in Texas but any builder from any location is ok) so if anyone has ran through this process a time or two I would love to hear about some things and tricks of the trade!

 

PS - I'm trying to build a 7' 6 Jig Rod for 1/4 to 3/4 oz 

[roadwarrior]

Mike at DVT

http://www.delawarevalleytackle.com/

 

[MickD]

I don't know what "remotely close" means.  But I think it means you would like to get something close to the performance of the Loomis rods (Loomis does not sell blanks any more).  

 

I think you're probably talking in range of $200 for components and $200 labor.  Decide on how much priority to give "bling" and how much for function, because you can spend significantly on "bling" with fancy seats, seat thread covers, winding checks, fancy butt wraps, etc.  For me function is more important so I would opt for "good" but not necessarily top of the line guides, a top of the line tiptop, and decent $10-15 seat, cork grips (I think EVA and other softer stuff may compromise sensitivity too much, and cork, properly maintained, can last forever) and put the rest into the best blank I could find.  This strategy would lead to about $140 for the blank.  Go over all this with your builder and get his/her opinion on how to best fit your priorities.

 

For $140 you can get some great blanks.  A Rainshadow Immortal will run less than that.  A Rainshadow Eternity II will run about $190 for the blank.  Point Blanks blanks are about the same price, and wonderful blanks.  Think long term, you can find an extra $50, right?  Rod should last a lifetime if treated right.  Bushido blanks by American Tackle will run less than $100, and are very fine blanks.   These would be ideal if you find my labor estimates way off or you want to prioritize the bling more.  Think of the Immortals, also, if that is the case.

 

If I were dreaming of a Loomis, I would wait until I could get the $$ for the Eternity or Point Blank or other top of the line blank.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

If you'd like to contact me directly I'll be glad to do a quote for you. 

 

Mike

[roadwarrior]

I own G. Loomis GLX, Rainshadow Immortal and two Eternity. I do not own, but have briefly fished

the NRX. Frankly, in my hands I can not appreciate much difference. You are dealing with the top of

the food chain!

https://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/batson-rod-review.html

 

[spoonplugger1]

G Loomis founder, Gary Loomis now owns North Fork Composites. You want NRX like qualities, here is where you'll find them.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Gary was long gone by the time nrx came around. He was a pioneer and still makes nice blanks but the offerings are somewhat limited and the prices are high. 

[sarcazmo]

DVT knows his stuff.  Send him an email. Top notch work.

[Collin W]

If you are looking for a quality blank comparable to a Loomis, I would look at the St. Croix blanks. You can buy them at Mudhole.com. 

[Josh_Bovaird]

Mike @ DVT is a stand up guy that will get you hooked up and I really like the Rainshadow Eternity blanks

[roadwarrior]

The Rainshadow Immortal is available for about half the price of the Eternity. I have two of each and

have decided to go with the Immortal on a new rod I am having built.  In my hands both blanks are

VERY sensitive and I cannot distinguish between them.

 

[MickD]

On 6/29/2017 at 6:19 AM, roadwarrior said:

The Rainshadow Immortal is available for about half the price of the Eternity. I have two of each and

have decided to go with the Immortal on a new rod I am having built.  In my hands both blanks are

VERY sensitive and I cannot distinguish between them.

 

Suspicions confirmed!  I really think there is a lot more to great blanks than the highest tech materials.  I have an RX7 spin rod that I would swear was a very expensive blank, and it's about a $60 blank.  I think the Eternity may be justified for fly rods if it really is as tough (nano tech) as advertised since fly rods (at least my 8 bonefishing) takes some abuse in the boat and fishing.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Ya a well done  build on a quality blank will outshine a poor build on a top end blank. I did a rebuild on an LTB blank that had overly large , poorly spaced guides and it was night and day.