custom rods

[Bee21]

Thats my thing, I cant justify spending what some of these things cost now. The castaways I heard had changed their blanks to something cheaper, but I dont know if that is true or not. If they still feel close to what the ones I have feel like, then that would be my choice.

 

[beetlespin]

You can get Falcon Cara's for about $150 each. I was going to buy them to replace my Kistlers but I just kept the Kistlers. The Shimano Crucials are great for about $150 also. I only have one G.Loomis GLX and love it but it cost $355 bucks and I can't switchover all of my equipment to that.

 

[Guest]

beetlespin - 8/8/2007 10:42 AM
Custom rods use the same blanks, same guides, same reel seats and everything else. The only thing different is the custom color wraps....

Not really. Although if one is inclined they can get everything built the same as production/factory rod with some decorative wraps. I would call this a mild custom, and I am not a fan of them (why pay more for the same thing).

Custom rods can be different blanks, different guides, different reel seats and everything else. For example I own a custom spinning rod for F'n'F made from a fly blank. Also have several custom rods that have larger than normal grips (big hands) made of 1.5" diameter cork. The grips are split grip too. Others custom rods have handles made of acrylic or other materials. You won't find that on production/factory rod. Spiral wrap on a factory rod, very limited on factory rod choices.

....But they have to get the blank from Loomis, probably get the guides from Fuli, probably get the reel seet from fuji but they can customize the look of the rod or change the handle or something like that. Its a nice touch and I like dealing with someone local who does it but I don't think the rods are better.

Try to find a production/factory rod made on a CTS blank, it's not happening. I wish I could afford more CTS blanks, IMO they blow away any production/factory rod. Lamiglass also has blanks that are very good too.

I also like the fact that custom rods utilize the correct sized and spaced guides, which allow the custom rod to have more sensitivity than production/factory rod which general utilize lesser quality guides, in larger sizes (heavier) than what is needed.

Custom rods are not for everyone, but for someone that wants the best (ie most sensitive, lightest, or any other description) custom is the only way to go.

For some pictures of custom handles (some are over decorated, but the design of most of the handles themselves are impossible to get on production rods): http://duanerichards.proboards23.com/index.cgi?board=customrods&action=display&thread=1168610401

 

[Guest]

oops 2x post, see below

 

[Guest]

Bee21 - 8/8/2007 12:31 PM
I have mostly older Castaways and Allstars from back when they originally started. I am not set on custum, but just really want the lightweight and sensitivity that Ive been use to.....

I just had two custom rods built on old (pre-Shakespeare) Allstar blanks. They are much lighter and more sensitive than the factory built ones (due to upgrading guides and handles to better quality (and lighter) materials). I believe these custom rods cost just about the same as when the allstars were factory/production rods. The preShakespeare allstar blanks are getting very hard to come by.

 

[flip1up]

 I bought my Castaways at the Classic in B'ham and RR picked me up 3 at an earlier tournament. They were 9 for 300 bucks. All 7 footers. They are great for me, I havnt broke one yet and they feel good in my hands. I suppose if I fished 3-4 times a week I may opt for high end stuff. Fords and Chevys.....Fords and Chevys.

 

[SNUFFY]

I`d like to do a blindfold test just to see how many can pick out their favorite rod out of say.....25 different rods and reels ...
not saying that they can`t do it ...just that it would be fun !!!

 

[SNUFFY]

next

 

[SNUFFY]

I`d like to do a blindfold test just to see how many can pick out their favorite rod out of say.....25 different rods and reels ...
not saying that they can`t do it ...just that it would be fun !!!
We could even rig it up with a worm and get a bass to breath on it !!!!emoBigsmile

 

[Bee21]

One other question, how about the St croix rods? They seem to be priced decent and feel preety good.

 

[foodsaver]

those custom rods were something else. I have never seen such fancy inlays and epoxy work on a fishing rod!

 

[fishinvol]

Bee21 - 8/8/2007 6:59 PM

One other question, how about the St croix rods? They seem to be priced decent and feel preety good.

I own 4 St. Croix Triumphs ( low end model) and love them all ! I tried out a couple of their high end stuff, and the triumph felt just as good, great sensitivity too. I also own a Joe Burns rod. I can't complain, it's a good rod and I love the graphite rings mixed with the cork on the handle. I just placed an order with Fat Albert today to make me one too. He makes a great and beautiful rod. It's all about how it feels to you. Nothing more nothing less. That's just my take on it.

 

[fishinvol]

Bee21 - 8/8/2007 10:00 AM

Thats my thing, I cant justify spending what some of these things cost now. The castaways I heard had changed their blanks to something cheaper, but I dont know if that is true or not. If they still feel close to what the ones I have feel like, then that would be my choice.

The castaway XP3 series is a very good rod and a pretty good price as well.

 

[Bee21]

Im getting a rod from FA also. Cant wait to try it. Just enjoy trying different stuff. I have waited so long to buy any new ones that now im needing to replace several at the same time. To bad they are not worn out from catching to many fish. In my case the lake has claimed a few, while rod lockers did there share too.