I am thinking jerkbaits, topwater and unweighted sinkos. X-Raps, Mirrolures and Skitterwalks would be in 3/8 to 5/8 range. Built spinning. What is the comparison b/t MB813xf and SB812?

Marty, I don't have any experience with the MB813 but by comparing the tip and butt diameters of the two blanks the MB813 is a good deal more powerful than the SB812. I will say that I am not much of a fan of the MHX blanks but I do have a small soft spot for the 812. I use that for smaller spinnerbaits and smaller chatterbaits and have used it in a pinch for jerkbaits.

I would say match the blank to the weights of your lures and you will be set.

Tom

I don't have experience with the blanks mentioned either, but I personally wouldn't use an extra fast action rod for baits equipped with treble hooks, unless it was under powered. I want some bend into the mid section of the blank to help keep fish buttoned up.

I couldn't find specs for the MB813xf that you mention in the High Mod series, but I did find it in the freshwater series. Going by the specs it appears to have a soft tip, but a pretty substantial back bone. I was able to find the SB812 specs in the high mod series of blanks. The narrow lure weight range indicates (at least to me) that it has an extremely fast action. IMO, extra fast actions are better suited for single hooked baits.

The very first rod I built was basically the type of rod you described, and I went a route you may want to consider. As I work the baits mentioned (other than a Senko) with the rod tip down, I wanted a finished rod length of 6', so I built it on an MHX SJ783 and trimmed 6" off the butt.

My thinking was that I'd still have a tip stiff enough to work jerkbaits and walking baits, but with some bend into the mid section to absorb some of the fishes energy to help with them being hooked on a treble hooked bait. It turned out to work quite well.

Just a thought ....

As I mentioned in your other posts, I made and use an MMX MB813XF, and like it a lot. In fact I was fishing with it yesterday afternoon, and caught 6 bass (1.5 - 4 lbs) on this rod using a Zara spook Jr , did not lose any of them.

As I said, I have no experience with the blanks mentioned. Looking at the specs of a rod can give a person an idea of how it may perform, but until you have it in your hands, you really don't know. I know I'd certainly put more stock in the opinions of those that have used the blanks, over someone like me, that hasn't.

From what Norman said, it may be the blank you're looking for.

Good luck with your build !!!

I agree with David, you have to have a the rod in your hand to know if you like it or not. What one person likes another may dislike. Some people like fast to extra fast rods, others like moderate to fast. Some like longer rods others shorter. Rod building is full of choices, all built around personnel preferences with no right or wrong, if you like it. As I have said before, these are the things that make a custom rod custom.
Norm