Best place to get cheap Rod Blanks

[Fordley Customs]

Hello everyone:

 

I am new to rod building.  I want to get some cheap blanks to build a few roda to practice and put my own spin on the wrapping design.  Where in your opinion has the cheapest blanks different sizes so I can get started ??  Thanks for your advice and responses and I am sorry if this has been asked a million times already.

[MickD]

Both Getbitoutdoors.com and Mudhole.com have lines of very affordable blanks.  Also, check the specials at both stores and others as well.  Anglers Workshop and Schneiders are well worth a try.  Ron Schneider is a very experienced builder and very helpful.

[Batson]

Honestly just taking off the guides off an old rod is a great way to learn to wrap... which is what probably most people first struggle with at the beginning along with a nice smooth finish coat. Plus you learn the skill of replacing broken guides. 

[Timberwolf530]

On 10/7/2019 at 5:25 PM, Batson said:

Honestly just taking off the guides off an old rod is a great way to learn to wrap... which is what probably most people first struggle with at the beginning along with a nice smooth finish coat. Plus you learn the skill of replacing broken guides. 

Walmart usually has a clearance bin where you can buy rods for $5 and up.  You can also practice on removing reel seats, and handles with a heat gun.  On second thought, you may not ever want to learn to fix broken rods.  I usually end up with a pile of them every fall from all my friends who fish.

[Big Swimbait]

Get on the North Fork Composite's email list. Twice in the last 2 months I have bought Loomis designed blanks for $35 & $55. Right now use code "MADEINUSA" for a huge discount - some blanks were 60% off using the code.

[spoonplugger1]

I'm of a completely different opinion. IMO a rod built that your not happy with just for practice, is money poured down a rat hole. This is not rocket science, a bit of extra time concerning yourself with each step and fit and finish goes a long way in getting a rod you want to use. If the finish isn't perfect it can be redone at a later time if needed, go out and enjoy your first build using quality components. My first rod was on a Loomis IMX blank, built on an ice breaker heading for Antarctica, I still use it today because it's always been what I needed, even 30+ years later.

Need to practice? Get a wood dowel or old garage find rod.