I sent out some rods earlier this week

The rods were built - using the same components and measurements as have been used for several other customers who were happy with the rods.

However, this particular client - after using the rod for a couple of days, realized that the Tennessee grip was shorter than the grips to which he was accustomed to using.

The reason, for his questions is that he holds his rods in a non conventional manner.

Unfortunately, I did not ask, and he did not request a change from the "standard configuration" that is built for other customers.

His request will be addressed and changed - but it will come at an expense of time and effort as well as a loss of use in the product for the customer.

So, before signing off on a rod order, be sure that the client is aware of all of the characteristic of the rod that is being ordered. I will admit, that this was a first for me, but you can be sure that the same mistake will not happen again.

Good luck

p.s.
I did receive an e-mail from the client indicating that I had asked about the handle length on the rod, but he had not actually gone out and checked the lengths of his favorite rods. So, I dug further back into my e-mail and found that Yes, I had stated the normal finished length of the rod handle and had asked him if it was the correct length for his needs. So, it is good ot keep the records. However, after the season is finished, I will take care of the issue for him, but he will use the rods for the rest of the season.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/15/2016 12:47PM by roger wilson.

Hello Roger.

I use my build sheet as a check list and go down it line by line.

Comments: Completed Rod CR
NAME: Inventory. DATE: 7/1/2010
Inventory# / Build#: Inventory #28 / Build # 14 E.DATE: 8/29/2010 More Comments:
Hours: 40 HO Cost:
BLANK:
MAKE: Shikari. $62.26
MODEL: FS764X W/Butt Removed.
LINE: 12-25#
LURE: 1/4-1oz.
ACTION: Medium
POWER: N/L.
LENGTH/WEIGHT: 6'7" / N/L.
BUTT DIA: 0.460
TIP DIA: 6.5
CENTS:
ERN:
AA:
Cost Ea. Quantity: Distance From Tip in Inches.
GUIDES:
FUJI TYSG-4.5J. $4.95 5 3-3/4",8",12",16", 20". $24.75
TYSG-8J. $5.65 1 26". $5.65
TYSG-10J. $7.65 1 31-3/4". $7.65
TYSG-12J. $9.90 1 40-1/8". $9.90


TIP TOP:
FUJI TFST6-6.0 $9.49 1 $9.49

REEL SEAT:
FUJI DNPSM-18 ($5.19) W/KDPS-18. $10.24 1 $10.24
REEL SEAT ARBORS:
N/U.
WINDING CHK/HOSEL:
MudHole. GH980-TR $2.25 1 $2.25
BUTT CAP:
MudHole. GH50-BC $2.95 1 $2.95
HOOK KEEPER:
N/U.
GRIPS:
BUTT: MHTHT-980-12. $11.95 1 $11.95
INTERMEDIATE: N/U.
FORE: N/U.
SPACERS: N/U.
THREADS: Cost: Guide Totals: $57.44
UNDER WRAPS: Components: $147.09
GUIDE WRAPS: Gudebrod 002 White sz A. $5.00 Supplies: $40.00
TRIM BANDS: GB 720 Med Gray sz D W/CP. $5.00 Labor: $75.00
DEC WRAPS: Dragon Weave. $20.00 Sub Total: $262.09
MISCELLANEOUS SUPPLIES: Shop Standard. $10.00 6.75% NC Sales Tax: $17.69
DECALS: F.E.T. $10.00
Dragon Weave Colors: Wrapping Thread sz E Black, Trimar Green/Gold 5896G sz C, Dark TOTAL: $289.78
Green 5896 sz D,Spring Green 105 sz D, Medium Green 6779 sz D.
Broke 1st time out on 10lb Dolphin (boat slap). REPAIRED.


It looks a bit different in Excel.

Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

Roger

What a great point!

While I primarily build fly rods, and do not build rods for sale (and thus can take a moderate "what you see is what you got" attitude), my experience has been that the #1 issue driving a rod recipient's happiness is the grip, with balance a close 2nd.

I sometimes have the luxury of having rod recipients available to try a variety of grip configurations and sizes. And frequently as not I am surprised (as are the recipients) with the preferred grip.

Several years ago I spoke with a builder, whose name escapes me at the moment, and who had developed an extensive questionnaire for his clients. The questionnaire included amongst other things questions regarding arm length, right or left handed, hand size, preferred grip, etc., etc. His thinking was that building a custom rod is similar to making a tailored suit, and a tailor would be lost without measurements for waist, chest, inseam, etc.

It would be great to be able to fish with clients / rod recipients to observe grips, casting techniques, etc. Maybe we ought to request videos of clients fishing before starting a build!

got to agree with the "grip is the biggest concern" statements. I just replaced two grips on rods for a guy. he bought a pair of factory rids with split grips. after 1 season he said he wanted them changed as they were causing hand cramps for him. easy fix and he is happy.