It seems that the only way I will get an 8' blank to my liking is to change a 7' to blank to 8'. If figured I would take a peice of blank the same taper as the blank to build and slide it up in the blank. It should work out to where the blank should have a joint under the reel seat. What would be some of the draw backs here or what are some suggestions on this?

Thanks,
Steve

none

thats the way its normally done. altenratively you can get some aluminium tubing with a similar ID to the OD of the blank and slip it over the top of the blank. good and strong but adds a bit of weight.

allen

Your idea will work and having the junction of the two under the seat is not a bad idea. In similar situations I normally go with an extension that is oversleeved - fit over the blank as Allen suggested above. This allows you to get a bit more strength and stiffness in that area for about the same weight.

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Have been doing it for years. I prefer to slide the extension down over the blank. Never have had a failure in Lord only knows how many rods. A few things I do:(1) I like the extension to have at least a 4" and preferably 6" glue joint. (2) Once I've got the location of the top of the extension I (a) "file" down the out side of the top end of the extension to a gradual taper to aid in sliding the grip material(ex. Hypalon) down into position. (b) rough up the blank surface of the blank up to the point where the front grip will end( better gluing surface)(c) Put a about a !/4 inch wrap of A thread exactly under where the extension ends on the blank( just as a caution for "ovaling" of the blank.(3) Like you I put the reelseat over the glue joint for increased strength.(4 ) I always use an extension that is rated for at least the same line test as the blank(I believe it prevents loss of "power"(5) I try to use a material that is heavier in weight because since I'm adding to the overall weight of the rod I figure I might as well make it work for me( the heavier weigth helps shift the balance point of the rod further aft as does using the heavier grip materials like hypalon) additionally a larger inside diameter butt end will accomodate some lead to further balance the rod. Good luck! Warren

Thanks for the replies and thanks to those who emailed me personally. The information received is highly appreciated.

Thanks,
Steve