Which blank should I get?

[newapti5]

Hi everyone！ As a newbie to custom rods, I am thinking about getting my first, and need some ideas of the blanks to start with. I have a St. Croix Legend X for bottom-contact lures. But I don't like the small split grips, I am always a full grip guy if there's a choice. So I am thinking which blank would be more sensitive, or at least equally sensitive, as the Legend X? And if the action is moderate-fast instead of fast/ex-fast, that'll be great. I will use it for casting bottom contact lures, mostly 1/4~3/8oz jigs and t-rig plastics. Thanks!

[MickD]

Looking for a blank to build on or a rod?

 

Sounds like looking for a blank for a custom build.  For your stated use, I would not go slower than Fast action.  

 

But please clarify, there are a ton of great blanks on which to build a finesse rod.  I have one in mind, but not mod-fast.

 

[newapti5]

1 minute ago, MickD said:

Looking for a blank to build on or a rod?

 

 

For a rod. Sorry I didn't make it clear.  I used to think about getting into rod building, but have just been too busy with work.  I barely have enough time to fish now.  So I think I'd probably ask some professionals to build for me. 

[MickD]

"Custom" means $$, any budget restraints?  In my opinion, if you make the decision to go custom, a few 20's to go first class are not a problem.

 

[newapti5]

Budget wise, probably under $400. I don't care much about cosmetics or blings. I would rather put my limited budget towards maximum performance and comfort. 

[MickD]

Sorry, cannot help on finished rods exc to comment again that what you are planning to use it for is best suited to a fast action.  Look for a full grip rod, the length you want, (I like 7 feet for this), the recommended lure weight in your range, and with a full grip.  Don't worry about the recommended line pound test; that's just noise in the system.  And don't worry about a few inches in length, IMO, anything from about 6-9 to 7-3 will work fine.

[newapti5]

3 minutes ago, MickD said:

Sorry, cannot help on finished rods exc to comment again that what you are planning to use it for is best suited to a fast action.  Look for a full grip rod, the length you want, (I like 7 feet for this), the recommended lure weight in your range, and with a full grip.  Don't worry about the recommended line pound test; that's just noise in the system.  And don't worry about a few inches in length, IMO, anything from about 6-9 to 7-3 will work fine.

 

Understand, thanks for the advice! 7' would be my choice as well.  And the reason I want a mod-fast, is because I use braid a lot; that extra arc would just help keep those feisty smallmouths pinned, I think. 

[iabass8]

I have a custom rod I use for Trigs. Built on a Phenix K2 736 blank. Action is mod fast and weight wise 5/16-3/8 is the sweet spot. Blank is a little pricey but it's super light and sensitive. I didn't go crazy on the cosmetics. Just performance. I have Torzite guides but that's the extent of it. Basic full cork handle because I put overwrap on all my rods and a Fuji ECS reel sear. 

[newapti5]

1 hour ago, iabass8 said:

I have a custom rod I use for Trigs. Built on a Phenix K2 736 blank. Action is mod fast and weight wise 5/16-3/8 is the sweet spot. Blank is a little pricey but it's super light and sensitive. I didn't go crazy on the cosmetics. Just performance. I have Torzite guides but that's the extent of it. Basic full cork handle because I put overwrap on all my rods and a Fuji ECS reel sear. 

 

Jeez... this is exactly what I have in mind, down to the reel seat and guides, and I use winn wrap on all my rods as well. I just hope that for a custom rod, maybe I can have an original winn grip handle, saving me the trouble  wrapping.  Thanks! I'll look up the Phenix line and that model. Mind me asking how much that cost you? I mean including parts, labors... the whole thing.  

Also , how about MHX blanks? I heard others talking about how sensitive they are. 

 

[iabass8]

16 minutes ago, newapti5 said:

 

Jeez... this is exactly what I have in mind, down to the reel seat and guides, and I use winn wrap on all my rods as well. I just hope that for a custom rod, maybe I can have an original winn grip handle, saving me the trouble  wrapping.  Thanks! I'll look up the Phenix line and that model. Mind me asking how much that cost you? I mean including parts, labors... the whole thing.  

Also , how about MHX blanks? I heard others talking about how sensitive they are. 

 

You can get winn gripp fitted handles for a rod. I just prefer a certain shape of cork and then I put the thin tennis grip overwrap on it. Just prefer the way it feels. I just deal hunted the parts. The blank is around 240$ and torzite guides can run you 150-200$. thread, epoxy, reel seat, and cork/butt will be less than 50$ if you go cheap on cork. I got deals on the blank and guides/parts and probably only have about 330$ in it. Love the rod. If it breaks, i'll be making it's twin down the road. 

[MickD]

15 hours ago, newapti5 said:

because I use braid a lot; that extra arc would just help keep those feisty smallmouths pinned, I think. 

Yes, would help as you say.  I have a 7 foot ML power mod-fast action Rainshadow Rx7 that I use for smallies, mostly for snapping 4 inch swim baits off the bottom, but also have used it for tubes, and it works OK.  The power loads well with 3/16-1/4 oz jigs with the swim baits or tubes.  

[MickD]

Torzites are the ultimate in guides, but Fuji slim SIC titaniums are pretty nice at much less $$.  Either one will make a great rod.  They will weigh almost nothing if the runners are small.  I use size 4 on spin rods.  With braid less than 15 pounds you can go with the KLH reduction train in size 16KLH, 8KLH, 5.5M, then a couple KB4's, the rest KT4's and it will be about as good as it gets for sensitivity.   

 

I have a Point Blank 701MF with this setup and it's a wonderful rod, but it's fast action.   It comes in MLF, too.   I have no trouble keeping smallies hooked up.  

 

 I am building a Phx now, and it seems like a very nice blank.  It's the M series at about half the price of the K.  I think you are going to have a hard time keeping this under $400 (parts only, no labor)  if you stick with the K blank and torzites.  Whatever way you go with what you're discussing will yield a fine rod.  

 

With a Point Blank and slim SIC's you surely can keep it well  under $400 for parts.  For the next couple days suppliers are having their Black Friday sales, too.  Good luck!

[Teal]

Are you gonna build it? If not call Mike @Delaware Valley Tackle. He just did a gorgeous rod for me and was right at your price range.   I used a judge CB blank and sic-ti guides.  

[AmSO4]

17 hours ago, iabass8 said:

I have a custom rod I use for Trigs. Built on a Phenix K2 736 blank. Action is mod fast and weight wise 5/16-3/8 is the sweet spot. Blank is a little pricey but it's super light and sensitive. I didn't go crazy on the cosmetics. Just performance. I have Torzite guides but that's the extent of it. Basic full cork handle because I put overwrap on all my rods and a Fuji ECS reel sear. 

I have heard that the K2 are generally under rated.  You mention "5/16-3/8 is the sweet spot" but the rod is rated as 7'3" | 10-30 lb. | 1/2 - 2 oz. | Fast Action | 1 Piece | 5.5 Tip | 0.538 Butt.  

 

That seems to be a dramatic underrating of this blank.

 

The reason I ask, not trying to be a jerk or anything, is because I just ordered a K2 765 that is rated as 

7'6"

1

8-20 lb.

3/8 - 1 oz. and I was thinking of using it for ½ jigs.  The reason I went that direction is based on the ratings from Rodhouse    Power casting (manufacturer data) : 3/8-1oz Power casting (our opinion) :  15-50grs  (~½-1 1/2+OZ)   Any thought or comments about this subject?

[Dwight Hottle]

17 hours ago, newapti5 said:

 

Understand, thanks for the advice! 7' would be my choice as well.  And the reason I want a mod-fast, is because I use braid a lot; that extra arc would just help keep those feisty smallmouths pinned, I think. 

 I had a jerkbait rod custom built on a St Croix Legend Extreme blank that is rated MHM. It was built on a SCV 5C72MHM-B. I use it exclusively with braid & a leader. It does keep those smallies pinned. I also have a MXH moderate fast built as a 3 piece travel rod which works well with braid or straight copoly for jerkbaits, topwater & cranks. 

[spoonplugger1]

Don't they still make the Legend full grip also? They used to. Anyway, I'd give a serious looking the Edge rods on sale right now, full graphite grips, titanium guides, great stuff there at a great price. They do REC guides if you want them, the Legend X used to have them. Just finished another 9 1/2 ft steelhead rod spinning rod on their blanks, 4.3 oz. out the door for Xmas. Phenomenal blanks and rods.

[iabass8]

30 minutes ago, AmSO4 said:

I have heard that the K2 are generally under rated.  You mention "5/16-3/8 is the sweet spot" but the rod is rated as 7'3" | 10-30 lb. | 1/2 - 2 oz. | Fast Action | 1 Piece | 5.5 Tip | 0.538 Butt.  

 

That seems to be a dramatic underrating of this blank.

 

The reason I ask, not trying to be a jerk or anything, is because I just ordered a K2 765 that is rated as 

7'6"

1

8-20 lb.

3/8 - 1 oz. and I was thinking of using it for ½ jigs.  The reason I went that direction is based on the ratings from Rodhouse    Power casting (manufacturer data) : 3/8-1oz Power casting (our opinion) :  15-50grs  (~½-1 1/2+OZ)   Any thought or comments about this subject?

Your post was kinda all over the place. What exactly are you asking?

[AmSO4]

9 minutes ago, iabass8 said:

Your post was kinda all over the place. What exactly are you asking?

Is the K2 736 as severely underrated as you describe.  ⅜ vs up to 2oz.  

 

Also, any experience with the K2 765 and whether its ratings are also too high?

[iabass8]

24 minutes ago, AmSO4 said:

Is the K2 736 as severely underrated as you describe.  ⅜ vs up to 2oz.  

 

Also, any experience with the K2 765 and whether its ratings are also too high?

I just tied on 2oz of total weight to the rod. It handle it /w some deflection but I would not be close to comfortable throwing 2oz + plastic on this rod.

 

When I said 5/16-3/8oz, it was meant as a Trig weight as I stated in the sentence before that it(the build) was meant for trigs. For reference, I put the baits and weight on my scale of the things I use most. 5/16oz + plastic up to 3/8oz + plastic is roughly 3/4oz-1.1oz of total weight for the different weights on baits I use. So total weight sweet spot of this rod is 3/4oz-1oz which would be right in between the ratings of 3/8-2oz (roughly). 

 

no experience /w the 765.

[newapti5]

5 hours ago, MickD said:

Torzites are the ultimate in guides, but Fuji slim SIC titaniums are pretty nice at much less $$.  Either one will make a great rod.  They will weigh almost nothing if the runners are small.  I use size 4 on spin rods.  With braid less than 15 pounds you can go with the KLH reduction train in size 16KLH, 8KLH, 5.5M, then a couple KB4's, the rest KT4's and it will be about as good as it gets for sensitivity.   

 

I have a Point Blank 701MF with this setup and it's a wonderful rod, but it's fast action.   It comes in MLF, too.   I have no trouble keeping smallies hooked up.  

 

 I am building a Phx now, and it seems like a very nice blank.  It's the M series at about half the price of the K.  I think you are going to have a hard time keeping this under $400 (parts only, no labor)  if you stick with the K blank and torzites.  Whatever way you go with what you're discussing will yield a fine rod.  

 

With a Point Blank and slim SIC's you surely can keep it well  under $400 for parts.  For the next couple days suppliers are having their Black Friday sales, too.  Good luck!

 

Thanks Mick! Yes, I realize that as well. For a $400 build, probably the Torzites guides are out of the windows. I do like to try out the phenix blank though. 

5 hours ago, Teal said:

Are you gonna build it? If not call Mike @Delaware Valley Tackle. He just did a gorgeous rod for me and was right at your price range.   I used a judge CB blank and sic-ti guides.  

Thanks for the recommendation! I read a lot of good things here about Mike's craftsmanship. To be honest, I still haven't decide if I want to built it myself, or just have it built for me. 

[newapti5]

4 hours ago, spoonplugger1 said:

Don't they still make the Legend full grip also? They used to. Anyway, I'd give a serious looking the Edge rods on sale right now, full graphite grips, titanium guides, great stuff there at a great price. They do REC guides if you want them, the Legend X used to have them. Just finished another 9 1/2 ft steelhead rod spinning rod on their blanks, 4.3 oz. out the door for Xmas. Phenomenal blanks and rods.

 

Thanks for the advice. Yes they still made Legend Elite with a full grip.  I got the split grip Legend X not by choice, but by chance. I stumbled upon an incredible deal for it and made the jump without thinking much. Anyway, I do have a medium light Edge Rod for shaky head. It's a strong rod with a beautiful arc, but to be honest, I feel the sensitivity is less than Legend X blank. Guides wise, not a big fan of the REC. 

[newapti5]

4 hours ago, Dwight Hottle said:

 I had a jerkbait rod custom built on a St Croix Legend Extreme blank that is rated MHM. It was built on a SCV 5C72MHM-B. I use it exclusively with braid & a leader. It does keep those smallies pinned. I also have a MXH moderate fast built as a 3 piece travel rod which works well with braid or straight copoly for jerkbaits, topwater & cranks. 

Thanks! I'll look up those models