I have a hard time with the NFC blank catalog and published weights/powers/line weight and lure weight ratings. There, I said it. So, I'm looking to build myself a series of walleye/smallmouth jigging/rigging/etc rods for my own use here in northern Wisconsin. I'm looking at the X-Ray SJ732 - it has a published weight rating of 2.1 oz. That seems extraordinarily heavy, based on the next b
Forum: rodboard

I am new to the forum and new to building. I have only built a couple rods so far. I am looking to build a drop shot rod over the winter but my options in Canada are pretty limited. Ordering from the US gets pretty costly especially when you start talking blanks or rods. I have a supplier here in ontario who is great to deal with but sometimes his supply can be limited. From what is available
Forum: rodboard

Hello to all. I have been searching for a rod blank 9 feet long 2 pc that is rated for 1/32 lure weight. What i am seeking is the ability to perceive very light crappie bites coupled with the ability to cast long distances. Right now I am using a rod I built , Batson REVS90L-2SB , the rod performs well and I am very happy with it. Where I would like to improve on it is the feel for light bites .
Forum: rodboard

I intend to build a rod for Ned rigging. I have a few that work but aren't precise. I have an NFC MB733, too powerful over all and too stiff in the tip. NFC APFG 710-1 Very nice, a bit too light in power and wanting something with more sensitivity. Maybe something more progressive. This blank tends to have a hard shutoff point. United Composites UC66LXF - As a casting rod, it is way over
Forum: rodboard

In light of the recent discussions which reveal a strong desire on the part of many rodbuilders to better know the product they will receive when ordering blanks/rods, I suggest that the blank/rod manufacturers develop a universally agreed-to correlation between the commonly accepted, familiar, subjective rod descriptions and the objective CCS values. This would apply only to blanks/rod intended
Forum: rodboard

Hi fellas. Quick question- which commercial rod is the scv blank from st croix most close to? I am having a hard time choosing between st croix and nfc x ray for a walleye build I want to have done for me. I want to have 2 rods made for me. One “medium light” for 1/8 to 1/4 stuff and one “medium” (or medium light depending on whether I go nfc or st croix) to do 1/2 and possibly 5/8. Thanks
Forum: rodboard

What is the feeling about using color preserver on wraps? I had heard it weakened them and would not let the epoxy penetrate.
Forum: rodboard

Hi Everyone, Hoping for a little advice and direction on a rod build. I'd like to build a medium or medium light casting rod using an NFC iconoglass fiberglass blank. Something light and lively, for tossing 1/16-1/2 lures at sm bass, on Ontario lakes and rivers. My questions are as follow. 1. How would fly rod weight ratings translate to casting rod ratings? Would a 4wt iconoglass be roug
Forum: rodboard

So my first build and my first post. Been reading for some time. I can’t seem to find my answer. I’m sure it’s the age…lol. I’m building a panfish rod for my son. Question. I want to put a colored wc against the reel seat. It is a WCS from mud hole. I can’t find anything other than black. How to I find the similar to match the seat? Seat = CRSD-16 CRS WC = WCS-16 Fuji thanks in advance for
Forum: rodboard

Question .... maybe worried a little too much, maybe not? I've only used cork as grip and skeleton seat insert material on one build that I've done. It was a rod I built as a gift for my friend/ boss and it was on a slenderish spinning rod blank. As such, I had no concerns of how thin the walls of the reel seat insert would be once I'd reamed it to fit. I am starting a new build and am using a
Forum: rodboard

How do the CRB blanks compare to the MHX blanks, and also, what would be your go to Rainshadow blank for crankbait fishing for bass.
Forum: rodboard

I am looking at 9 foot fly rod blanks to use as an ultra light spinning rod for panfish. I intend to use 3-4 pound test monofilament for the line, and prefer fast action blanks. I know nothing about fly fishing, so wonder what weight fly blank (4 wt, 5 wt, 6 wt, etc.) I should choose so that the blank works well with the line I intend to use. Can someone offer some advice? Thanks!
Forum: rodboard

Hey Y'all. Since I'm new and I know people can be overly harsh whilst being blunt (I like people being blunt), I hope people will keep their replies to a dull level of harshness. I love my fly rods. I love fishing in general, but fly fishing is what I have the most fun with. My rods are beginning to become a pain to pack away, and its hard to find a proper case at a reasonable price. There
Forum: rodboard

I was just checking out Mudhole's available Phenix blanks for a drop shot rod and noted the listed blanks that were not is stock as "Not Available for Back Order". Has Phenix Rods stop making their blanks available for the custom rod builder?
Forum: rodboard

Hi, I am new here and would like to first say THANKS for all the info I have read and used from reading this forum in the past. Now...I am just starting to build on a North Forks 7' 2 piece light rod IM series. My understanding is these are designed by Gary Loomis. The blank was a great price. I don't really like their recommendation for guide sizes. Does any body out there have the specs on guid
Forum: rodboard

Rodbuilders, I am somewhat new to rod building. I took the mudhole course back in the summer and have now built 5 spinning rods of various lengths and weights. Still have a way to go but have made progress with each build. It is an addicting hobby. I want to build a good fly rod in the near future and am asking for advise for good fly rod blanks. I want to build a 9 foot 5 wt for pond fis
Forum: rodboard

A friend gave me a batson forecast rx6 blank 8'6" 5w. Not sure if i am going to get into fly fishing or if i should just build it spinning. I was thinking for unweighted sluggos or other soft plastics for schoolie striped bass. Anyone familar with the blank and if it would work for that application. I was thinking about taping a reel and some guides on and seeing how it casts the intended lu
Forum: rodboard

I just started building rods. Finished my second one tonight. My first 2 were on MHX blanks got a couple Phenix to wrap and a couple NFC X-Rays. Price was too good to not try them. I got a few questions. Long time lurker. First was a casting micro on a MHX MB843. I have fished it a little bit and it's definitely a better rod then the Fenwicks I've bought in the past. Got a couple mid-level ro
Forum: rodboard

I have been watching and reading on this site for a while now and decided I should say hi. A little about me. I am in the Marine Corps currently deployed. Before I deployed I took the MudHole rod building class. That was a blast and a great group of guys to be around. I wanted to start building rods to give each one of my 5 children a gift made by me when the graduate high school. I have a fair a
Forum: rodboard

So one guy asked if i can price out a 7, 9 and 10' noodle rod.. Something with a small diameter but, hes going to be using them in the inlets and smaller creeks by a bay i guess... Im assuming somewhere around the new york/new jersey area.. He said hes looking for something that has alot of play, good casting, but can handle something fairly big, since he will be near the bay.. Hes looking for me
Forum: rodboard

I'm looking for crappie blanks for spider rigging. I can find a blank at a decent price. Fiberglass or graphite it doesn't matter to me. Can anybody help me. Dont really want to spend 50 dollars or more on a blank. Looking for so.ething in the 9 or 10 foot range. Thanks
Forum: rodboard

Hey guys, I am looking at the Rainshadow REVS68UL and the MHX 781 UL and looking for any feedback you might have with these 2 blanks. I am thinking about making a UL Fast action Trout/Panfish rod. It will be used for small spring/trout streams to small lakes for panfish, 1/64 to 1/16 oz jigs and 1/32 - 1/8 oz rooster tail spinners and crankbaits with either 1# braid or 4# mono. I also use smal
Forum: rodboard

Hello all. I am trying to build myself a micro panfish rod. I found a 20" UL blank and now I'm just trying to get it all together. I know I can buy premade ice rod handles, but I want to checkerboard the cork so I'm looking to save some room on the reel seat. The local shop where I usually buy components doesn't really have what I need so I thought I would ask here where I'm sure some ice ro
Forum: rodboard

I've have been reviewing all the different threads about painting rod blanks. But my problem is I don't have a spray gun. Is there an option out there for a spray can paint that works well for painting rod blanks? I'm trying to make a brightly colored rod tips to see the action on a fiberglass blank.
Forum: rodboard

Does anybody have another option or idea to replace the MHX panfish rod that was 9 foot long? It appears to be discontinued, I cannot find it at any supplier. thanks in advance.
Forum: rodboard

Thought I'd throw this out here to get other's experience with MicroWave guides on long light power rods. I use MW guides on most of my builds, but have a 9' 2-6lb light action spinning blank, on which I'll be throwing 1/16oz jigs. Just wondering if anyone has run into any problems with the MW system on longer rods. I realize I'll need several additional running guides, and I'm wondering if
Forum: rodboard

Guess I have been lucky and never broke a 2-pc rod. Well my luck ran out. It was my own fault....lazy and only a couple of miles to get home....so I didn't break the rod down. Someone cut me off in traffic, I slammed on the breaks, and the rod launced into that little defroster vent area by the windsheild and broke off about two inches. Now as far as I know the norm would be to return the t
Forum: rodboard

I'm searching for a 6'-6'6" xtra fast light blank. I've had no luck in finding one. Hoping someone can point me in the right direction
Forum: rodboard

Guys, I need help, I build bass rods and one of my big customers is wanting a pan fish rod. He has decided on 7'6" length, Lite action with a fast tip. He always buys upper end and I am lost on this one. It will be a spinning rig and 1 pc. I have seen a few blanks out there but they seem very cheap for what they are and there is usually a reason for that?? Any help is appreciated!
Forum: rodboard

Gents, is 17" too close for a stripper guide on an ultra light? The 6' two piece fiberglass panfish rod from MHX to be precise. It's got a 7" handle. I used the method of aligning the spool with a table edge to place the choker, and I can get the best spacing with the larger guide that places it a little closer. Otherwise, the stripper and reduction guide (only one between stripper
Forum: rodboard