Blank supplier

[tacklejunkie]

Where do you guys go for hard to find blanks?
I called C&M and they don't have the Rainshadow IC722 I want for jerkbaits.
They want to order it for me but I think I can do the same?
I'm afraid to order online cause I know the mail peoples are gonna ruin something.

That blank sounds wicked for jerks at $40..

funny my old gloomis same size, rating and action was a CR722. Almost same model number?!
Perhaps they use same mandrel size or something.

I also need to wrap a jig/c-bait stick and a 6lb d/s rod. Any suggestions?

[vanillagurilla]

Can u go directly thru rainshadow?

[DarkShadow]

TJ,

Who has the best blanks right now? Loomis no longer makes 'em, St Croix's are decents, i've heard good things about North Fork Composites...so many choices.

[dockboy]

North Fork, Batson/Rainshadow, Phenix, and Lamiglas vie for the best, depending on the blank you want. Of them, I think Rainshadow provide the best performance for your $. NFC and Lamiglas really focus on the same characteristics that made Loomis rods fish the way they did (fast or ex-fast tapers with a lots of crisp tip and power). Phenix is good is you like something a little more West Coast specific like a great DS or nice 7'6" crank stick. I like St. Croix, but they are like Loomis is regards to overpricing their blanks. A II series blank shouldn't cost 80% of the same Premier series factory rod. When they roll in house like St. Croix, there is no reason why blanks should overprice. Its your components and labor hours that drive up cost in a factory rod, so IMO to charge a lot for only the blank is bogus.
TJ, I ordered a couple blanks from Angler's Workshop. Good folks, they carry Rainshadow, and they ship their rods right in the sleeve within a PVC tube and newspaper stuffing at the ends to keep it from rattling.

[tacklejunkie]

Phoenix rods looked awesome in the store. Never put one through the paces.
I have no idea on who makes the best blanks.

I've found just good ol fashioned graphite works for me. I've always liked it. Like my RC cars and helicopters.
I'm not positive on my modulous preference. I know what powers and actions I like though.

If that IC722 is made of the same stuff I wrapped the swimstick from then I want one of those :Envious: neat spiral look but if you look closer or under the finish it looks woven. :EyePop: $40.. then some checker cork and some winding checks and some careful sanding and minimalizations. I'm gonna use A thread on this one and maybe use a wooden reel seat to boot. someone help!

to be honest I think I saw somewhere the RX7 has glass inner core and two different types of graphite outter cores opposing each other 3 times.

Whatever the GL2 was made from is the material I'd ultimately like to match the feel of.. or beat.
I'm sure I can make it lighter which will beat the feel by not using rod finish for one and a split grip for two.

this time I will use fuji SiC new concept guide system

On my last rod I didn't like the spongy EVA/foam butt cap but I like the butt cork. Maybe if the baits are lighter than giant swimbaits this spongy butt feeling won't be a problem. This rod will have an all cork butt grip with a thin rubber cap out of the way. I want to shape the cork like a round ball too.

PSS
I think my mini lathe will actually handle cork grips up to 1.25" in diameter! I'll have to pull it out and try it.

[tacklejunkie]

Pulled the trigger on the RX7 IC722.
Ordered online.
Wish me luck.

[dockboy]

G'luck lol

I have a pair of 6' Shikari blanks I love, 1 wrapped and the other in the tube still. Great rods with a flexible tip and relatively sensitive for IM6. Moreover, they cost $20 a piece lol

[That Dang Guy]

Mudhole is usually where i go for online orders, but they don't carry Rainshadow blanks. Haven't had a problem yet, but their shipping is generally more expensive than other places. Well there has been one issue, they never let you know when things are backordered. Usually takes them another 5-6 days to get the second package to your door.

[tacklejunkie]

I'm drooling over layered wooden reel seats and custom cork modulators over at mudhole now..:Razz:

http://www.mudhole.com/Shop-Our-Catalog/Inlay-Tools

There's actually some micro guides that look pretty good too that don't have a horrible line slicing tip frame like that carrot I just broke.

[calico killer kevin]

I just order all my Batson stuff through C&M. As long as they're not backordered too bad, you should have them soon enough. Actually, my backordered butt caps should be in tomorrow.

As far as best blank, can't really beat NFC's HM blanks. Numbers are better than GLX, and lighter. As far as what I like, I am a big fan of Phenix's performance:price. Have yet to try a United Composites blank, but I will soon enough. Rainshadow rules in blank availability as well as value. Can't leave MHX out of the value category either. Got a couple Shikari blanks left somewhere, but those are MINE.

TJ, as far as hitting the GL2 mark, there really shouldn't be an issue. IMO MHX, RX8, MBX, and many other outfish GL2 by a mile.

As for a jig/c-bait stick, I'd highly recommend the Rainshadow IMB844 or Phenix 707H. Since sensitivity is absolutely crucial in DS, I'd recommend an RX8 822.5 or Phenix 700M. I'm not a huge fan of the DS, but when I do, I fish a casting 700M spiraled with a Super SOL.

[tacklejunkie]

Just realized I can probably make those cork cutting jigs with some 1.25" PVC tubing and a PVC saw for about $120 less than they sell for. lol ($129! ouch!)

Nice! Now to order some corks.

Just need to decide what color I want the trims and winding checks.

I saw some saweet chameleon colored guides somewhere.

[DarkShadow]

Thanks for the suggestions on the blanks.

TJ, I think I've found what I wanna start my creation with.

[tacklejunkie]

Doh!
Angler's Workshop didn't have the blank in stock. Aka one week lead time plus turnaround.
Wasn't noted on their site!

Cancelled my order..
In light of I can have C&M order the blank minus shipping and have it one week flat.

Will have to re-order my IC722 either from C&M or somebody who actually has one in stock! Otherwise I'm paying a middle man for more waiting time. I'd rather wait more and not. Seems like having C&M order it is best option.

Will still have to drive down there too.

Hmm I have to figure out a good way to get blanks.

[DarkShadow]

TJ:

RX8+C843 Rainshadow Blank

or

NFC MB 705-1 (IM) North Fork Composite Blank

I'm so confused now!

Thank goodness i'm hoping to have this completed by next Spring. I have a lot of thinking to do.

[tacklejunkie]

You'll have to call on the blank. If possible try and go somewhere to feel them. Tie the target bait on the tip of the blank and shake it around some. Would have helped if I brought a triple trout and a BBZ with me to buy my swimbait blank.

Just from what I know about rod building (which very much is nothing at all) I'd go with the rainshadow.
I keep confusing North Fork with TFO fly rods or something?


I hope I can find me this IC722 stick.
I'll call down to C&M and see what they say.
Either way I'll have to pay gas down there to go get it too. :Razz:
Sucks had to cancel my order. I was looking forward to that blank. I'll have to keep trying.

[dockboy]

TFO and North Fork both incorporate Gary Loomis. TFO's bass series is "Loomis certified" but he actually didn't design any of them, just "certified" them lol
North Fork Composites is his new blank company after he parted ways with Shimano a few years back. Call Bill Batson's people up at the Batson warehouse in Washington if you can't find one local. Bill has ordered blanks directly for several people I know in the local saltwater bassin' scene. They are usually willing to help you get the blank asap or at least help you find a dealer with the blank in stock.

[tacklejunkie]

Took another stab at ordering the IC722 blank from another supplier just now.
Let's see how this one goes.

Now I just need that fancy cork dicing kit.

[MAVERICK27]

Great read on here guys! I'm just now getting around to having a rod built. In fact, I'm doing some myself to learn.

As far as Phenix blanks...Not just because I am supported by Phenix Rods, but I truly beleive that it is hard to beat the strenght Vs weight and sensativity with thier sticks!! I have had ZERO problemsyet and I put my rods through a C-Angler Tour and tossed around my deck when i'm out practicing.

My current project is a Phenix 7'Medium X-9 Crankbait rod with titanium guides and an all eva split grip. I'm actually gonna use it for a wormin rod bacause the tip is so sensative.

[tacklejunkie]

My IC722 just showed up today!
That's like 5 days total. It was actually there yesterday but I had to wait until I got home from Sierras today to pick it up.
So 4 days!
Midwestrodandreel.com
Came packed perfectly as well.

[DarkShadow]

My current project is a Phenix 7'Medium X-9 Crankbait rod ...I'm actually gonna use it for a wormin rod bacause the tip is so sensative.

Maverick,

Is that the 'red' crankbait blank?

Because if so, i'm curious how you intend on getting a good hookset, because the rod is extremely parabolic from molesting it at various trade shows i've attended.

[tacklejunkie]

Dohhhhhh
Picked up allllll the goods to build the rod today but the dude at C&M gave me the wrong size reel seat.

I bought the first one on this page. Silver hood 9.5mm
http://acidrod.com/trigger_seats.html
I needed a 9.5mm ID for this blank but was sold a 14mm ID reel seat.
That's another $30 round trip to C&M in gas... when I can find the time!
This custom rod building stuff is tedious, that's for sure!
I had the blank there with me. Not quite sure how this misscommunication happened.

Can't really start on anything just yet. I'm also building my own cork jig to save $129.
Making my cork handle from scratch. /bought burnt cork and high grade regular tan cork.

I have a snake skin from a baby rattle snake that was on my backpack one day at silverwood that I killed. (stupid me, my mistake, lesson learned, I know i know). I'm thinking about using the skin as a decoration between the split grip. Get the snake skin out of my junk pile and immortalize my stupidity/lesson learned.

[IN2DEEP]

For future reference
If you're looking for a Rainshadow(Batson Enterprises) blanks/components
Give this place a try. They are located near Batson.
http://www.utmostenterprises.com/utmost_001.htm

I ordered a Rainshadow blank and had it in 3 days and $8.00 shipping
The ordering was a little different. I e-mailed them and they got back to me quickly letting me know that it was in stock with a link to pay through paypal
Very satisfied with the transaction
Scott

[tacklejunkie]

Thanks for the input In2

Heading to C&M today to swap out my miss-sized reel seat.
I think I'm gonna go with silver winding checks instead of rubber too, since the reel I'm trying to match is green, gold, black and silver. The rod should match right up.

The guy at C&M seemed a bit hurried and frustrated with somebody trying to spec out and order some guides the other day. He also forgot some guides in another guys package the same time he got my reel seat wrong. I was trying to be real cool and easy on the guy cause looked like he had a rough morning. I think a custom rod shop has to deal with quite a few odd orders and requests being in that type of business.

On the flip side,
If you want to make sure you get all the right parts for your rod (like the reel seat) everything has to be test fit first.
Or if you order online you need to order one size larger and smaller than the third size which is the size you think you need and order it too! That way you don't have to go through the return shipping process... and eventually have extra parts instead.
In the long run ordering on line this way will become more expensive.

It's either more expense and be left with extras, or go deal with the local rod shops trying to hurry you out and help the next guy. thus causing return trips because of wrong (hurried) parts.

Since my return gas in a F-150 to San Dimas can reach $20-30... I need to start ordering online.
I think the added expense of extras to get sizing right might just be less than driving back there repeatedly.
The bonus of having extras on hand close to sizes you may need is not so bad either.

[tacklejunkie]

And another thing.
Here is how you save $129 on custom cork checkers.
F the man!
Merry Christmas. =D
Lathe and glue to your blank when dry.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Custom%20Rod%20Building/DSCN9070.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Custom%20Rod%20Building/DSCN9072.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Custom%20Rod%20Building/DSCN9073.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Custom%20Rod%20Building/DSCN9074.jpg

[tacklejunkie]

Major ownage. Pimpin' the cork. Came out perfect weather I used rod handle epoxy or Elmers (new improved) wood glue.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/DSCN9083.jpg

Here's the pattern for you rodbuilders. Right click, Save as, save.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Circle.gif

Also finished up my other rod.
I wrote:

T.J.'s Stolen Rods.
3-8oz
RX7946 25-40lb

In between the wraps, sideways, I wrote:

Fish it like you stole it.

then put my signature. (not shown) :Smile:
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/DSCN9076.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/DSCN9079.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/DSCN9081.jpg

[tacklejunkie]

Now back to our custom corks.
coming along!
Not perfect, but hell I did save $129 remember?
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/DSCN9084.jpg
Oh, lordy. Check the custom stub! "I can hardly contain myself".
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/DSCN9085.jpg

[tacklejunkie]

Some more work done on the split grip... but far from finished! Wait till you guys see what I'm cooking.
I call this grip style "Checkered mushrooms".
Also, my new little Jack Russel Terrier mountain dog I am training to take with me to Mt Whitney!
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/DSCN9088.jpg

[vanillagurilla]

nice tj!, i used to have a russel, smart lil dogs bro. Hey you can use that degree wheel for acid wraping also!

[tacklejunkie]

Petty sure I'm going to acid wrap this rod.
I'm gonna use it for plastics and jerks anyways so should be ok..
Will be weird, have to do lots of cast testing to be sure I get it right.

Yeah my uncle had one of these dogs when I was little. Smart lil fox hole hunting dogs. Stand up to big dogs three times their size. I got him from the pound for practically nothing!

[vanillagurilla]

yeah you just gota watch them, they like to dig. invest in one of those tennis ball throwers or a bat to hit the ball hella far with lol. thats the reel seat i was looking at, but with EVA grips, let me know how the acid wrap comes out and if your comfortable doing it agian :) lol.

[tacklejunkie]

Good morning FNN.
I have such pleasant results to share today!
I have immortalized the snake I killed at Silverwood into my rod handle. In this way it shall seek it's revenge on unsuspecting fish of various species! Enjoy photographs w/ and w/o flash.
I also used Black, Green, Silver, and a hair of gold trim thread... to match the '50E reel. ;)
You can obviously see the black, green and silver. The gold hair is between the black and the snake skin as a smooth transition. It's so odd how you can see the gold from really far away but not really notice it.

w/ flash
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/DSCN9098.jpg

w/flash
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/DSCN9102.jpg

no flash
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/DSCN9104.jpg

no flash
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/DSCN9105.jpg

w/ flash
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/DSCN9106.jpg

Love TJ
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/DSCN9107.jpg

[tacklejunkie]

...and now to tear down an DOHC four stroke 250 engine to do a valve shim adjustment! :Razz::LOL:

[That Dang Guy]

Looking good!

Sorry to hear about the issues with C&M. I guess it take it for granted that their only 15 minutes away. If you were there sat, i was there sat mroning. Hah he might have been dealing with me. ROFL! I went in to order some Fuji K micros, but they were wiped out. Mark was having a rough morning that day, Colleen was out of town and I think he was holding down the fort alone. He's usually pretty good about getting the right order out.

[tacklejunkie]

Eh, no issues really.
Just some things I noticed.
It seems he is always like that IMO.
I tried to get some aluminum winding checks too the other day when I went back for the right sized reel seat but he didn't want me to have them kinda. lol

Sure some winding checks on my front split seat hood would look good but now I have none. =(
I'm just gonna build up some metallic threads and epoxy instead. =P

I'll just order the detailed stuff and use C&M for my corks and EVA and reel seats and blanks when they stock the blank I need. They're good and local. Just could use a bit more detail oriented customer service to get the customers exactly the trim they need to complete their masterpieces!

I can see myself getting pretty deep into this rod building thing.
I'm about to order a small stock of epoxies and threads and winding checks and corks... etc.

Gonna throw an ol busted rod in the drier and try some marbling here pretty soon. I have a few colors but want a few more.

Where are you getting the carbon fiber for inlays?

[DarkShadow]

TJ,

Lookin' most excellent. The learning and creative curve is quite quick with you.

I cannot wait until I can start putting together all the components that I'm gonna need for this 'project.'

The possibilities are limitless.

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/8321/26675770.jpg

http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/1630/reelseatsyouwishyouhad.jpg

http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/4872/91964098.jpg

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/4928/66193343.jpg

[That Dang Guy]

solarcomposites.com

They're not inlays, but carbon skinned handles. I'll post some pictures of it later today when i grab my camera. I still need to work on finishing the opened ends, but i finally got the fibers lined up straight. I like them. Not sure if they add sensitivity, but casting definitely feels more positive. It feels crisper since the play with eva or even cork isnt there anymore.

[tacklejunkie]

Thanks TDG.

Well my hands are shot from tearing down the engine. Just pulled the cams and got to the shims after removing this guy's CA emissions control. lol. I get a few minutes to eat and another half hour to work on the rod today and then bed.

I think I'll apply another coat of finish to the snake skin and call it a night.
Seal the deal.

She will be most beautiful when I wake up in the morning.

[tacklejunkie]

DS
dig the heck out of those reel seats. That handle would be the snaz with checkers too. Bet it pivots well for the jerk.
I like the one where there is no actual seat on the bottom.
Looks like the reel straight sits right on the blank almost.
I always wondered why they don't do that.

I could just wrap some threads and throw a hood on there and call it a reel seat!?

[tacklejunkie]

Put the last coat on the handle last night.
I guess I went a bit wide with the finish up the cork but couldn't hurt.
Should help keep everything sealed in good for a long time.

All this did add some weight to the rod too. Not that I mind but it's noticeable from before I added the snakeskin and finish.

Now for the cork in front of the seat and placing the guides... after putting that engine back together.

W/ flash
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/DSCN9110.jpg

Non flash
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/DSCN9112.jpg

RIP lil snake. Won't be killing anymore wild snakes unless I have to.
This one was on my backpack on Silverwood shore, 100 yards from some young kids.
Only reason I killed it was to be better safe than sorry, and next time I'll just fling it away in a bush while trying mostly not to get bit.

[DarkShadow]

DS
dig the heck out of those reel seats....

As do I.

Too bad the reel seats are proprietary so it'll take Fuji a few years to copy them and release them. Took them forever to release the ACS.

But one can dream, right?!

[tacklejunkie]

One can dremel!
http://homefixated.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/dremel-4000-300x225.jpg

[vanillagurilla]

where can i find this reel seat DarkShadow???

31356

[calico killer kevin]

where can i find this reel seat DarkShadow???

31356
They're available through Mudhole, but I'm sure C&M can order them.

[vanillagurilla]

whats the brand? i browsed thru mudhole and came up blank.

[calico killer kevin]

whats the brand? i browsed thru mudhole and came up blank.
Fuji.
Last I saw they were on the New Arrivals page.
Oh, but they don't come with CF hoods.

[That Dang Guy]

That seat is actually a Fuji SK2. Unfortunately they are not available from C&M. I get mine from Mudhole, but some of the winding checks that fit them are backordered. Also note that the design of the winding check vary from size to size. It's a nice seat, but i'm still on the fence about the comfort of them. The spinning seats are downright odd and it's rather bulky. I ended up building a SJ9000 without a foregrip or rear grip. The jury is still out on that one too.

[tacklejunkie]

Been meaning to order some SK2 parts.
I need to order arbors along with them and all kinds of junk.
Here's an update on my rod.
Major ownage. Couldn't have asked for it to turn out better.
Handle is finally done. Now for the guides..
noflash
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Custom%20Rod%20Building/DSCN9135.jpg

flash
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Custom%20Rod%20Building/DSCN9138.jpg

"T.J.'s Stolen Rods"
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Custom%20Rod%20Building/DSCN9139.jpg

Foregrip (if you could call it that!) and "RX7IC&22" for blank ID and ratings. Trick!
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Custom%20Rod%20Building/DSCN9140.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Custom%20Rod%20Building/DSCN9141.jpg

Mounted!
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Custom%20Rod%20Building/DSCN9142.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Custom%20Rod%20Building/DSCN9143.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Custom%20Rod%20Building/DSCN9148.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Custom%20Rod%20Building/DSCN9149.jpg

Palmage
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Custom%20Rod%20Building/DSCN9150.jpg

http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Custom%20Rod%20Building/DSCN9151.jpg

[AngryAgent]

There is no best blank. I laugh whenever I hear that. Each angler is different and should have done one of the following before purchasing a blank:

A) fished with that exact model before

B) pulled on the blank to see if it feels like what they want

I want to explain B a little better. When I show guys rods in the store I have them put the rod in their waist and put the rod at a 45 degree angle while I pull on the tip so they can see exactly how that rods loads up and how it handles under stress. SOme guys like fast rods and some guys like a medium action rod. Everyone is different so keep in mind when you see someone raving about how good a rod is take it with a grain of salt. I always try to read as many reviews as I can (if I can't get my hands on it, which is usually not an issue) so I can pull the tendencies from each report and make a better judgement of how the rod should play out.

Bottom line is don't believe the hype until you pull on it yourself.

[MAVERICK27]

DARKSHADOW WROTE:
Maverick,

Is that the 'red' crankbait blank?

Because if so, i'm curious how you intend on getting a good hookset, because the rod is extremely parabolic from molesting it at various trade shows i've attended.

Sorry just noticed the response. No, I also have the red cranking stick that is all glass you referred to. It actually has a TON of backbone for how whippy the tip is. Van Dam fishes similar action.

The rod I built is a x-9 crankbait rod. This is the composite one. Very sensative tip for how much backbone it offers. I prefer it as a wom rod so far. I've thrown senkos and 6-8 " texas rigged with great success. I'd post a pic but I don't wanna thread jack lol.

[tacklejunkie]

Rode by C&M on the motorcycle today on my way to LA and picked up a Rainshadow/forecast 2 piece 2-6llb 6'6" spinning rod kit for $55 along with some more marbling pigments.

This will be my next project when my snakey spiral jerk caster is done. A marbled up two piece motorcycle multi-species rod. :Big Grin: Of course I'm gonna hack that grip into a splitie at some point.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff280/tacklejunkie/Custom%20Rod%20Building/DSCN9161.jpg

[vanillagurilla]

shoulda picked up my blank for me lol jk bro, looks like your going to have a "ninja" rod haha. i crack me up sometimes lol.