Blank suggestions new to building

[Trs]

Hello, A lot of good info on this site. It’s been about 25+ years since my last build so yeah new to building. 

First I like a 7’3 to 7’6 length for most of my fishing, been looking for a good sensitive blank for applications listed below also maybe using the Winn grips with Quality guides. Been looking at the Hydra,Point Blank,Hmx , I would like to stay with a U.S. manufacturers. I also looked at NFC but it seems like they are way behind in shipping and customer service maybe in time. 

Just like to get some suggestions,thoughts. 

 

Worm rod-Texas rig,all around worm rod 3/16 to 1/4 weight , #12 to #15

Crank rod - squarebill

Crank rod- 7 ‘ divers. 

Carolina rig

Spinnerbait / chatter bait

Frog

 

Look fwd to your recommendations 

Thank you

 

[crypt]

I pretty much use HMX blanks.have used Rainshadow with good results. get 99% of materials from Mudhole,only live 40 minutes away. great customer service,good prices. good luck on your build. 

[MickD]

Sticking with US manufacturers is pretty limiting.  If not insisting on that there are thousands of very good blanks out there from Mudhole, Rainshadow, American Tackle, Rodgeeks, and on and on.

 

First, I would look to a moderately priced blank for my first build.  American Tackle Bushidos are a very good blank at a very good price point.  The  reason I say this is that your first build will not be your best-that will come later.  Better to learn at a moderate price point.  You will not be disappointed with the Bushidos, and the Rainshadow Revelations and RX6 blanks are very good blanks.  I have no experience with the mudhole blanks, but they are very popular and therefore good.  You cannot fool people forever. 

 

I would start with a moderate fast action, the length you want, power possibly going a little above your lure range to gain a little more versatility, still will cast well.  3/16 to 1/4 is not much of a range.  I suspect you will be going above that a lot with the techniques you mention. 

 

Cast or spin?  Look at the Fuji KR concept guides for spin, see the Anglers Resource catalog for instructions.  The Fazlite guides are very good guides at and depending on which you choose, can be very affordable.

 

You have a bazillion options, so it's hard to recommend.

[Jrob78]

Since you are going to be building several rods you should think about buying a few of the NFC blanks now while they're on sale. Don't expect to get them any time soon, I'm at 5 weeks so far, but the price is so good it's worth the wait, imo. You can start on something else from another company until the NFC's come in.

[Trs]

MickD: you are right about versatility and my weight range going beyond what I posted, good input. I purchased a rod kit from mud hole to practice on plus have several broken rods that I will remove the guides and reinstall.. all casting rods. 

 

Batson: Believe it or not I have been on the site often and the Immortal series has my intrest and in the near future you will be getting a call. As for the rods you listed I’ll have to get on the site and study, the crank rod I would lean to a 7’ 3 or longer. I know The guides have a lot to do with the distance plus how the rod will load up on the cast. Thus the phone call. 

 

Again these will all be casting rods for myself, tired of the rods that I purchased  here lately  either on line or from a store and not holding up.

 

Thank you all for the information. 

 

[spoonplugger1]

Trs,

You're putting to much importance on guides, unless you do something real far off the mark your rod will cast further than you can fish it, protect the blank, etc. The fine tuning will at most get you maybe 5%.