My grab bag special of 20 rods from MudHole arrived today. I didn't realize they wouldn't have any labels on them. I have a collection of 20 rods with no identification on them. How do I figure out which ones to build as spinning rods and which ones as casting. They are all between 5'6" to 7' - Actions/Powers vary. How would I go about figuring a rods action or power and then determine what to use the blank for. Any help would be appreciated

the thing to do is call mudhole

The best day to be alive is always tomorrow !!
Think out side the box when all else fails !!!
Wi.

All of the rods can be used for either spinning or casting, that would be your choice. You can get a quick idea as to the action and power just by putting a bend in the rod. If you want something more objective you can do a quick CCS analysis of the Blanks. Just go to the Common Cents Info at the top of Sponsors column to the left.
Norm

Hi Dave,

As Norman said, flex them yourself to get an idea of power. Then, build them however you want: casting, spinning, short stout fly rods, meat lines, etc.

Take care,

Chris

I appreciate the help thanks.

As a note , those no name blanks can be made into some very nice and functional rods that are extremely inexpensive, but still a lot of fun to fish.
Norm

I built rods back in the late 70's & early 80's. Decided to get back into the rod building game and thought it would be some good practice by making some rods for the extended family with these MudHole grab bag rods. I was taken back a bit though when 20 different rods arrived today with no idea what they were originally intended for and no idea where to start. I will give MudHole a call on Monday for some assistance. Glad I got some here as well
Thanks
Dave

Dave,
Another thing that you can do with your situation is to go to a rod shop that has a good variety of rods.

Bring along your blanks and find an existing built up rod that matches the blank that is in your hand.

I have done this a couple of times in the past when I had a question or two about an unmarked blank that I wanted to build into a rod.

Before going, separate the blanks by lengths, actions, and power. If you have some identical blanks put a piece of tape on the identical blanks with a name that you generate. Then, match one of the identical blanks, and you will have the model for all of the identical blanks.

Also, if you don't have one, purchase a good caliper. Use the caliper the measure the tip as well as the butt diameter.

Good luck

At some point you'll be able to hoist and shake a blank and immediately know what you'd like to use it for. This will come with a bit more experience, but'll come nonetheless.

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