Can anyone build rod as well as a NRX+?

[1984isNOW]

On 7/10/2024 at 9:56 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

 Point blank rods are on my short list to try. 

You ever get around to it? Curious what you think

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

3 hours ago, 1984isNOW said:

You ever get around to it? Curious what you think

Not yet. It’s been really busy here. I’ll post impressions when I do though. 

[MickD]

17 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Not yet. It’s been really busy here. I’ll post impressions when I do though. 

I recommend starting with either one of the 6-9's or my favorite, the 701MLF, CCS power 19.9 ERN, 77 degrees action.  Very versatile, very sensitive/crisp. 

[WRB]

If I was having a jig & worm custom made today I would contact Alex at ALX and have him build the rod using Phenix K2 blank or equal blank duplicating the NRX+ premium cork handle shape including short lock ring/fore grip and ALX guide train. Tell Alex what reel , line, lure weights you use and rod length.

Tom

 

[spoonplugger1]

I don't think G Loomis has particularly awesome build quality, any proficient rod builder ought can build a rod as "well" as G Loomis.

[TXBIGBASS]

To measure up to a NRX or NRX+.

 

Blank would be Rainshadow Eternity or NFC X-Ray/HMX. These blanks are under 2oz and you can feel a mosquito fart on it. I also built rods with Point Blank, they are Chinese made blanks and do not have the sensitivity of the two I mentioned. They also have this annoying spiral texture on it that makes rod wrapping a little more challenging. 

 

Guides I would choose is obviously Fuji Titanium SIC or Torzite. The Recoil guides are nice cause they don't break but it isn't as slick and noisy compared to a SIC/Torzite. 

 

Reel seats obviously Fuji as well. or the new compressed carbon fiber stuff. I like Japanese Matagi painted Fuji stuff and premium cork.

 

If built this way I would say it's better than a NRX.

[Hytekrednek]

I have a few Edge Silver Widows with the NFC xray blanks, to me they are definitely more sensitive than the nrx+ rods I had. Those nfc blanks are sweet!  

[Smirak]

On 5/15/2024 at 6:10 PM, MickD said:

NRX is nothing out of the ordinary for good builders.  Lots of premium blanks out there that are at least the equivalent, and the details can be whatever the buyer prefers.  I personally don't like the grips/seats/handles etc of Loomis.  I think my designs are better.  And I do not build for anyone other than family and me.  

Mick - what handle/grip/seat(s) do you prefer on your blanks? I’ve come to realize I prefer a full length cork grip… That said, I’m not real sure why full over split (I prefer cork over Winn/EVA) because aside from casting, I very rarely have my hands below the reel seat. I palm all my reels, so maybe that’s why I never use my handle, except for casting? 

[MickD]

15 minutes ago, Smirak said:

Mick - what handle/grip/seat(s) do you prefer on your blanks? I’ve come to realize I prefer a full length cork grip… That said, I’m not real sure why full over split (I prefer cork over Winn/EVA) because aside from casting, I very rarely have my hands below the reel seat. I palm all my reels, so maybe that’s why I never use my handle, except for casting? 

my comment was based on spinning rods.  I prefer split grip for both cast and spin, and for spin I make my own parts from what is called "exotic burl" cork, which is denser than natural cork, but much more durable and comes in a wide variety of patterns.  For spin I use 7 1/2 inch rings and 4 1/8 inch rings, turning them on a rig I cobbled for my drill press.  I uplock Fuji DPSSD seats, ending up with short ramps off both ends + a butt knob.  For cast I've evolved into using carbon fiber grips, a short 3 1/2 inch grip + a butt knob.  No front grip or ramp.  Photo is an example of the spin design. 

[Smirak]

Thanks Mick. That’s some nice burl, where’d you source that?

[MickD]

29 minutes ago, Smirak said:

Thanks Mick. That’s some nice burl, where’d you source that?

HFF out of Taylor, MI has tons of it made by a great company, Cork4Us.  Some burl has very little character, looking more like particle board.  Cork4Us exotic burl has pieces varying in size and shape, so it has what I call "character."  One can go overboard, IMO, with this stuff, and the rods start to look gaudy, contrived, un-natural.  But, everyone has their own preferences, and you can express it with exotic burl cork.  HFF is having a sale for the next few days.  https://www.hffcustomrods.com/

[Smirak]

Thanks Mick! I’m a woodworker by hobby too, so anytime I hear “burl” I get excited!