Thank you to all who responded to my last post about rod building. I am now trying to decide between the Cabelas Premium PT Fly Rod Kit or the Hook and Hackle Beginners IM6 Graphite Rod Building kit. I am mostly looking for a comparison of quality between these two kits. Like the quality of blanks, guides, warranty, and glues and finishes. Thanks to anyone who responds

Adam

my advice, don't buy a kit, call up one of the board sponsors and tell them what you would like to build, and they will set you up with individual parts, sometimes the kits skimp on one item or another to save money.

Adam,
I don't know if you considered, but we offer as well an excellent starting kit with quality in mind. The kit includes a premium name brand (either St. Croix, Rainshadow, or Shikari) warranted quality graphite blank, depending on whether you want Fly, Spinning, or Casting.
You'll find in the kit also Gudebrod brand thread, U-40 LS Supreme wrap finish and Rod Bond epoxy paste, Quality Hard Ceramic Forecast Guides set with hookeeper and matching top, a premium St. Croix handle kit for spinning or casting (wood insert and permium cork fly handle set), brushes, and information included that is contained with the book included "Rod Building Guide..." by Tom Kirkman. This all comes at a price of less than buying all the items individually. With extra addition of either a hand or power wrapper and finishing motor, you'll be set to get started and that's why we call it that. the 'Get Started Deluxe do-it-yourself' rodbuilding kit.

check it out, and just in time for gift giving. (even if it is for yourself).

thanks.

Rich
Richard's Rod & Reel Service

Some say that the finish in the Cabelas Kit is Flex Coat. I know I got my first kit from Cabelas, and everything went ok till I got to the finish part, then everythint went downhill fast.

When I started putting it on, it got sticky before I got to the 3rd guide, and that made the rod look bad.

I agree with some of the other guys, call a sponsor and have them put a kit together for you.

Paul O

Adam,

Make note that you don't see Cabela's providing advice on these boards. I'm a novice builder myself I'm always amazed the my most basic questions receive such thoughful responses from so many well known names in the industry.

Buy from the sponsors. They demonstrate over and over that they care as much about the success of the hobbyist as they do the professionals. They won't steer you wrong and won't cost you more.

I buy many things from Cabelas, but I get my rodbuilding supplies and advice here.

Good luck!

Chuck

I got my start up kit from Mudhole and was very pleased with it.