CTS blanks ?

[Raul]

There 's a custom rod builder down here in Mexico called H éctor Yamasaki, got a couple of buddies that have rods built by him but I have never fished with those so I can 't get an idea what to expect, both say they are some of the best rods they 've ever fished with but ....ya know how it is ( I 'm skeptical ). He offers three qualities being the best he offers built on CTS blanks, so before I pop 300+ dollars in a custom built I would like to get some info on the blanks.

So how goos are those CTS blanks ?

Your thoughts ?

A sample of what he builds:

[flechero]

The CTS blanks are nice.  I build on them as well.  The EBT series is what you want to look at.  They are also offered in your choice of paint colors...  http://www.ctsfishing.com/colors.htm

The ratings are different than we are used to but tell me what are you looking to have built and I can help translate it to a rod rating you are familiar with.

Just to add some price perspective, the retail price of the EBT series blanks are on par with the Loomis IMX blanks.  

[cidgrad96]

The stuff he builds looks very nice and CTS blanks are good stuff. The CTS blanks are built little differently and perform a little differently - so not really fair to compare them to one particular line. I can say that certain models IMO outperformed other comparable blanks, including GLXs. I believe the EBT844 for worm/jig and the EX6103 and 6102 for shakey head.

It still comes back to the builder making the right blank selection for the task. So you need to have confidence in your builder since he/she will probably be making that decision.

CTS does have a variety of factory finishes - something most other rod companies don't do. Not a bad thing because it's more variety and the finish should be under the factory warranty. Head's up - they are made in New Zealand. Here in the states it can be 6 weeks to get a particular blank in a special color. Not sure what this guy has set up. He may be able to get a quicker turn around. Figure part of that build price is a nice little shipping fee from NZ to Mex.

I wouldn't tie myself to buying only an EBT blanks (see example above for shakey). If the builder knows the line of blanks well enough, he can identify other models that work well and sometimes surpass the performance of the intended "bass model" blank.

IMO too many custom bass builders keep themselves in the "mag bass blank" box. Some of my best bass rods have come from blanks intended for applications other than bass - salmon, inshore, etc.

[flechero]

Not sure if the mag bass comments were directed at me or a general observation but let me clarify my position anyway.  

The EBT series is an entire line up, there are only 9 "mag bass" models currently models. (out of 35 or so)  I'm actually fishing 3 EBT blanks (none are the mag bass models) at this time.

[cidgrad96]

My apologies. Not aimed at you, although I am sure it came across that way. I should phrase things better. Really meant it as an across the board comment and mainly to keep your mind open to options.

First time I told a guy I used salmon blanks as jig rods - he balked - until he fished it one time. Different tune then. But it does really take learning and experimenting and as a buyer - trusting the builder.

[flechero]

I agree with you completely on using other blanks for bass applications, which is why i wanted to clarify that I wasn't set on the MB blanks.  Sounds like we're pretty much on the same page.  -keith

[Raul]

The ratings are different than we are used to but tell me what are you looking to have built and I can help translate it to a rod rating you are familiar with.

I appreciate you bother doing that for me, just let me make up my mind and I 'll contact you, thanks.

[flechero]

No problem.  (I'm working part time for the bait monkey, so I'm obligated to assist in any way!)   ;D