First rod completed...

[Logan S]

My first build - I had been annoyed with most factory flipping rods I'd used with handles being way too long for me, so I wanted to make something to my own specs.  Blank is a Hydra FL955MF-NG (7'11" XXH/MF) and components are basic, Fuji Alconites, full cork 11" grip, and a hidden thread hood.  It'll have 3/4 to 1.5oz flipping rigs on it almost exclusively and feels like it'll be great when I get to use it.  Constructive criticisms appreciated.  

 

Lessons learned on the first one...

1. I should have followed pretty much every piece of advice out there and started with a cheapo build...Because even though I think I did a decent job, you can definitely tell this is a first build in certain places ?
2. I initially liked the idea of handwriting the label, just the aesthetic of it...But my handwriting is atrocious so it's better left to a decal for me.  Sakura Jelly Roll pen writes on the blank very well though.  
3. Smaller brushes for the smaller guides would probably make things a lot easier, I think I will add finer tipped brushes for the small guides.
4. Be careful with razor blades...I accidently nicked my wrapping thread a few times when putting the blade down...Probably a matter of not being used to the layout of the wrapper and such, but I felt pretty dumb when I had to start a wrap over .  
5. Having a workspace that works for you is important, I started out in my basement with some folding tables but eventually moved it to my workbench in the garage with a space heater to keep temps up....Things went so much smoother once I moved it all out to the garage with more space and organization available.  Went from feeling like I had 2 left hands to feeling fairly competent just from changing my work area.

 

 

Side note...It ended up sort of looking like a cross between an NRX and a Dobyns with the thread color and handle layout...It wasn't intentional I was just trying for a blue theme to match the blue SV Coastal I planned to use with it  

[Chris Catignani]

Looks amazing @Logan S You're on your way.

 

[GreenPig]

Very nice.

[1984isNOW]

Looks nice man, gives me hope for my first build. Thanks for sharing your experience

[spoonplugger1]

Nice rod, have you seen the crap wraps on NRX rods? I would never say my rod looked like some production rod, after all they didn't say their rods looked like a Rich Forhan Revolver Rod when they made their first split grip, no foregrip rods.

[Skunkmaster-k]

Nice job! That’s a beautiful combo 

[swhit140]

You did a great job, this just makes me want to build my own rods now. 

[Dwight Hottle]

Very nice indeed. 

[roadwarrior]

Great work!

 

 

                                         

[crypt]

great job. love the shorter handle also. that's the way I've been doing mine also.