need to know if anyone out there uses pacific bay components exclusively and how they hold up, eyes, reel seats, blanks,etc. etc. thanks ahead of time , jim

I've used them for years on my own equipmkent and rods for sale. Used components on rods from light tackle trout rods to 80lb class offshore stuff. I've got no complaints.

I've used the blank through reel seats before Fuji came out with the ECMS blank through's. They are ok but not nearly as solid as the Fuji's. Some reels did not clamp down well enough and you could feel movement when fighting a fish. They are attractive looking with the black color which I prefer over the gray in Fuji. Their gold, silver and TICH hoods where nice looking too. They just did not hold the reel very well. IMHO

has anyone used the new channellock reel seats, i wonder if they will perform better than the others.

Jim

When I build a fly rod that requires snake guides, I use Pac Bay. I have used black and chrome finishes. Both look good and have held up fine. If they haven't, I haven't heard about it. The feet are ground at the factory, and it doesn't take alot of work to shape them before wrapping. I did order one of their new fly reel seats, wood insert, aluminum rings and cap with a "faux" nickel silver finish. There were bubbles in the finish on the rosewood insert and machine marks on the aluminum parts. If you are building yourself a fly rod and don't want to break the bank, they are probably ok. For a custom fly rod, for a client, I use Struble alot.

Bill Doherty

i am building rods for others but have never used pacific bay. i have always used fugi and aftco with no problems, but with the prices that pacific just sent me i was thinking of changing. the one thing that i don't want to happen is a eye falling out, or a reel popping off during a fight. not good for business.

Jim

I guess, "you get what you pay for" applies here. My saltwater rod customers ask for Aftco by name, seats, butts and rollers. I have never tryed another name. Except for special requests, I use Fuji seats and guides on most rods. Fly rods are a different animal. I have clients ask for Bellinger, REC and Struble. But in the right circumstance, Pac Bay is a good value. And I do recomend their snake guides.

Bill Doherty