As a small time hobbiest who only builds a couple of rods a year, there is one thing that I wish all of the manufacturers offered which would really help me out. That is if I could buy assortments of tip tops and winding checks (for that matter it would be nice to get a bulk assortment of guides, too). But the tip-tops and winding checks especially because I first have to order the blank before I know what size tip goes on it, and I never know what size winding check until I have it all laid up. If I had an assortment in my tool kit, I could put a rod together in one sitting, but as it is, I have to lay it up and then order the fiddly bits, which is both time consuming and expensive. Same goes for when my friends drop their rods by to get fixed - if I had the parts on hand, I could put them together in a sitting. Closest I've come is some tip top repair kits which I've ordered.

Anyway, just a thought.

jontobey@yahoo.com
www.gointothelight.wordpress.com

You could also assemble your own "kits" by ordering a few multiples of the sizes you most often need. Just a thought.

.............

I did just this, but I build everything from 3wts to Spey rods.

jontobey@yahoo.com
www.gointothelight.wordpress.com

Have the dealer you buy the blank from also size a tip top and winding check and send them along.

jon,

I finally bit the bullet and bought a supply of winding checks, (pretty large investment), and a bunch of tip tops. I still find that I don't seem to have the ring size tip top tube or ring size in stock when I am building or repairing a rod. 'end up having to wait on the shipment from a vendor, but such is life!

Don Campbell
don@sensorfishingrods.com

I'd like to see some reasonably, priced, well engineered, open ended hook keepers. Almost every guide manufacturer seems to be behind in this area. I agree about the winding checks!

Lynn - I agree with you about hook keepers. I started making my own from stainless wire about 12 years ago. They have become very popular with the people I know. In fact, A couple of pro fisherman had me put them on all thier bass rods. I have recently seen this design showing up on some high end commercial rods. Not sure how to post a picture here but will email you a picture if you wish. They are very easy to make needing only a couples of inches of wire and wire forming pliers. Thus costing just pennies to make.
Norm

Thanks Norman, I sent you an e-mail. Lynn

Lynn - Did not get your message, please try again or un hide you email.
Norm

Norm, e-mail unhidden

Drop shot hook keepers work great for any type of bait. Quick and easy to use, and only require one wrap.

Lynn Behler Wrote:
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> I'd like to see some reasonably, priced, well
> engineered, open ended hook keepers. Almost every
> guide manufacturer seems to be behind in this
> area. I agree about the winding checks!

Lynn have you gone to Hydra (sponsor) and looked at the Kigan XLA hook keepers? The work very well.

John Shear
Chippewa Falls, WI