Hey guys, what can you tell me about forecast blanks? who makes them, how do they perfore etc? thanks, Eric

It would appear that they are the import line for Batson Enterprises. The Rainshadow are the domestic blanks and the Forecast are the ones made overseas. I had heard they were a good value. If I am wrong I am sure Bob will correct it here.

As William has mentioned, the Forecast line is Batson's import blanks.

I have sold several of the EGlass blanks and all the customers were satisfied. Especially with the price.

I have also built/sold two of them and have one more on the wrapper. I wouldn't be building them if I didn't think it would make a decent rod.

When I compare these EGlass blanks to the other blanks that we stock, Calstar and St Croix, I find that the walls appear not to be as thick as the Calstar EGlass, but closer to the St Croix SGlass.

In my opinion, I would rather build a rod using an import blank than a rod based on a factory second.

Greg
[www.ReelsAndEels.com]

William is correct. The Rainshadow Series, RX7 and Xcel RX8, is our made in USA models. The Forecast Series that we offer are Imports.
We offer quite a large range in the Forecast Series, which includes Fly blanks in 2, 3, and 4 piece. The actions are softer, and more traditional, than our domestic models. We did not want to duplicate actions within our product line, but offer a wider selection to the custom rod builders, as well as price points. The intention of the Forecast Fly Blanks is to use these softer more traditional actions for those that are new to fly casting, and want to get into it at a reasonble cost. In turn, the custom rod builder has the opportunity to reach a new customer base, and introduce some flolks to fly fishing that may not have been interested because of the cost. The fisherman can easily feel the rod blank load up, which in turn can learn to cast in a very short period of time, and give the new fly angler confidence.
The Forecast Series also includes graphite Bass Spin/Cast models, Trout spin, as well as Inshore Saltwater actions in fiberglass.
Although the Rainshadow Series is our Flagship, we are very pleased with the Forecast offering, as well as it's reviews.
I hope that I have given you some of the information that you had requested.
Bob Batson
Rainshadow Rod Blanks
Forecast Rod Blanks & Components