Custom Rod Anyone?

[Glenn]

This custom rod was built using a Rainshadow Immortal blank, and components from Batson Enterprises. It performs as good as it looks! If you're a rodbuilder, or want a custom rod, check out Batson Enterprises.

http://batsonenterprises.com/

 

 

[GrumpyOlPhartte]

While not all that qualified to judge, I can certainly verify that rods built on the Rainshadow blank feel and handle beautifully! I received one of the Warrior Project rods built by @.ghoti. and he used a Rainshadow blank.  While trying to choose a reel to mount on it I stuck on a Lew’s Tournament MB just because I was dying to try it. Oh, my!! What an experience. I tried a couple of different weights by casting in the yard and though I probably looked like a danged fool considering the weather, I can definitely attest to the fact that my rod (6’8” M/F) cast 3/8- and 3/4-ounce lures like a dream!! I don’t know for sure how much can be attributed to the blank and how much is due to the craftsmanship of @.ghoti. but I was stunned by the accuracy with which I was casting.  (I almost wonder if it is partly a confidence thing but I doubt it.) So, for what it’s worth, if I ever get the chance (that really means “cash”) to buy another rod based on a Rainshadow blank, I’m there!  I often questioned the high-end fanatics, but now I think I’m beginning to understand.

[Glenn]

Oh, did I mention the rod was built by @.ghoti. ?  It was.  He does great work!

[.ghoti.]

Over the last three years, I've built about three dozen rods using Immortal blanks from Batson Enterprises. The first of those I built for myself, and have since made myself two more. Also, all of the Warrior Projects rods built by me have been built using Immortal blanks, Alps Textouch reels seats, and either Alps F series or Forecast MK series guides. All from Batson. Batson donated all the components for the first four Warrior Project rods, and I have stuck with them ever since.

 

None of the Immortal based rod I sent out received any negative feedback. All generated very positive comments.

 

Art, I am very happy to hear you like your new rod. Hope it serves you well, for many years to come. But, if you catch a ten pounder on it, I do not want to hear about it! LOL!

[roadwarrior]

"I often questioned the high-end fanatics, but now I think I’m beginning to understand."

 

.ghoti. has built several rods for me using both the Rainshadow Eternity and Immortal

blanks.  When you are ready to step up your game, look into a custom build for yourself.

 

[GrumpyOlPhartte]

Hey, @.ghoti.! If I ever tell you I caught a 10-pounder around here you can bet the farm I’m lying!!  One year I managed a 6 1/4 and a 7 but that was back in the early ‘80’s.  (Mebbe I should go back to my Devil’s Horse lures instead of all this new-fangled stuff.)

 

I do have three problems with your rod though.

 

1.  Can’t really use it for another couple of months here in frigid MA.

2.  Afraid to take it out of the house and get it all wet and dirty.

3.  Can’t find a frame large enough for hanging it on the wall. 

[soflabasser]

From what I read immortal blanks are good choices for some custom baitcasting rods. Too bad they do not make spinning immortal blanks rated at 10-25lbs, or 15-30lbs or similar choices which I prefer for bass fishing. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

A blank doesn’t know if it’s built in casting or spinning configuration. Let me know if I can help. 

[Jrob78]

5 hours ago, soflabasser said:

From what I read immortal blanks are good choices for some custom baitcasting rods. Too bad they do not make spinning immortal blanks rated at 10-25lbs, or 15-30lbs or similar choices which I prefer for bass fishing. 

When you like fishing rods that are slightly out of the norm that is even more reason to go custom. You can get exactly what you want that you might not find in many production rods. A blank is a blank is a blank, it can be built casting or spinning with whatever components and set up exactly how you want it.

 

Nice work @.ghoti.!

[WRB]

What may surprise anglers is a top of the line custom rod built exactly to your needs doesn't cost any more the several off the shelf high end rods. Costly items are usually custom thread work and non functional items.

Tom

[roadwarrior]

10 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

A blank doesn’t know if it’s built in casting or spinning configuration. Let me know if I can help. 

Mike built the PERFECT Senko rod for me. I HIGHLY recommend his work!

 

http://www.delawarevalleytackle.com/

[soflabasser]

14 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

A blank doesn’t know if it’s built in casting or spinning configuration. Let me know if I can help. 

I remember reading on another forum that you cannot use a casting blank for a spinning rod since the casting rod ''spine'' of the rod does not match up well for spinning. Are those people wrong for saying that? Would like to know your thoughts on this.

13 hours ago, Jrob78 said:

When you like fishing rods that are slightly out of the norm that is even more reason to go custom. You can get exactly what you want that you might not find in many production rods. A blank is a blank is a blank, it can be built casting or spinning with whatever components and set up exactly how you want it.

I know this goes against what most bass fishermen believe in but I use inshore spinning rods for bass fishing. These inshore rods are much stronger than regular bass rods and seem to do a great job at helping me land big bass. Also use these same inshore rods for snook, tarpon, jacks, and other hard fighting inshore fish. With that said, I would consider getting a custom bass spinning rod but it would have to be rated around 15-30 pounds, 7'-7'6'' long while being lightweight and abuse resistant.

[WRB]

It's true the blank doesn't know what type of handle and guides is used on it but the rod builder should know that spinning rods cast differently then baitcasting rods. 

Tom

[Jrob78]

1 hour ago, soflabasser said:

I remember reading on another forum that you cannot use a casting blank for a spinning rod since the casting rod ''spine'' of the rod does not match up well for spinning. Are those people wrong for saying that? Would like to know your thoughts on this.

I know this goes against what most bass fishermen believe in but I use inshore spinning rods for bass fishing. These inshore rods are much stronger than regular bass rods and seem to do a great job at helping me land big bass. Also use these same inshore rods for snook, tarpon, jacks, and other hard fighting inshore fish. With that said, I would consider getting a custom bass spinning rod but it would have to be rated around 15-30 pounds, 7'-7'6'' long while being lightweight and abuse resistant.

Blanks are constructed exactly the same way, whether labeled casting or spinning. Many builders don't even build on the spine and it has nothing to do with whether a blank is labeled casting or spinning but it might change how some builders choose to build the rod. As far as blanks go, you can buy inshore blanks and bass blanks in that weight range. It would be easy to find exactly what you're looking for should you choose to go custom.

[.ghoti.]

The blank does not know it has been designated as either a casting or spinning blank. All,that matters is you pick the right power, taper, lure and line weight rating for your intended application.

 

I've built several casting rods on "spinning" blanks, and recently built a spinning rod on a "casting" blank. They all do what they were intended to do.

 

According to man who pulblishes Rodmaker magazine, building on the spine is an ol, outmoded concept. I personally do not care where the spine is. I build on the straightest axis. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Where blanks are concerned, labels like casting or spinning are just suggestions like spinner bait, worm, jerk bait etc. there’s no design feature specific to either across lines. As for spine, it’s debsted still in spite of proof of its irrelevance. To each his own. That’s why it’s custom 

[Glenn]

Batson has hundreds of blanks (I think at least 700).  Adding to the above, you can shorten a blank to give you the action/power you desire.  For example, I had a "salmon" rod blank shortened into a pretty sweet flippin' stick.

 

And as previously mentioned, it really isn't expensive. Prices are comparable to high-end production models, but look and preform exactly to your specs.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I’ve done plain, but functional quality rods for $200. Not an arm and leg by any means. Especially when you see what goes into the design and process. 

[MickD]

I was in a big box store today and looked over their rod selection.  I'm sure glad I'm fishing with my rods rather than what I saw there.  Even one of the top manufacturers of the USA didn't show me much.  Guide wraps that look like footballs, rods all black with black wraps, guides with big fat ugly rings, grips and other parts nothing special.  One rod I wanted to see was the Ugly Stick Gen 2.  Still not, in my opinion, a very good rod (heavy, not the greatest workmanship).  

 

Of course there were some big names missing, and I hope that a couple of them are doing better, but what I saw was very revealing to me.  I hadn't done it in a while.

 

IMHO

10 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

I’ve done plain, but functional quality rods for $200. Not an arm and leg by any means. Especially when you see what goes into the design and process. 

With the introduction by Fuji of their Fazlite line, especially in the KLH configuration, it is now possible to have world class guides for a very affordable price.  There are great blanks available in the $60-80 range.  So, in my opinion, custom rods are getting more affordable than ever.  All the components can be had for about $100, even to those of us who don't buy wholesale.  I expect my opinion is not news to you.  

[new2BC4bass]

I have an older RainShadow RX7 and an RX8 blank....both casting and both in 7' MHF that I purchased used.  Couldn't say why, but I really like the RainShadow RX7.  Actually I stopped this afternoon for a little casting practice with it and a Concept A.  Surprisingly I still haven't forgotten how to cast. 

[Derek1]

Sorry guys I’m gonna have to cut this conversation short, cuz the last thing I need to hear right now is that custom rods are very affordable. 

 Whew that was close. 

[fishwizzard]

2 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

I’ve done plain, but functional quality rods for $200. Not an arm and leg by any means. Especially when you see what goes into the design and process. 

Yea, I have a pair of spinning rods for kayak use built on MHX Shooter blanks and they were arond $150-175 each. The builder I used was within driving distance so I just went and picked them up to save on shipping, but they’re both perfectly functional and well-made rods, they just don’t have any decorative work on them. 

[soflabasser]

Thanks everyone for the responses about using a casting blank for a spinning rod. I might consider another custom rod in the future but for now I will stick to my inshore rods for bass. They cost 1/3 to 1/2 the price of many custom rods that I researched and these inshore rods seem to do very well for my preferred techniques.