Samurai Rod Blanks

[rigzz]

Hi,
I've just purchased a Samurai Speed Spin SS007 (they're distributed by Frogleys, the Fuji people) blank to build up as a medium bream spinning rod. It's 2 piece, 7 foot and rated as 2-4kg suitable. The Samurais have been around for years. I'll be matching it with an Epix EB20 (nice real but a bit heavy). I'd be interested to hear people's comments or experiences with the Samurai blanks and the 007 in particular.
THanks,
Rigzz

[Jethro]

I have just finished building an SS001. Its a fair bit lighter than the S007, only rated 1-2kg. I extended it by 6" to make it 6'6" and its an awesome ultra light spin rod. I am yet to catch a fish on it but it casts ultra light lures like a dream.

The blank only cost me $70 and it was by far the best value for money for what I was after.

[rigzz]

Jethro,
Thanks for that. I looked at the 001 but was after something a little gruntier (and longer). They (001s) certainly seem like nice sticks for ultralight work. Hope you don't have to wait too long to christen it. Let us know how it goes.
Cheers,
Rigzz

[Aquaholic]

Rigzz,

Mate I've built the S001, S006 and the S007 and they are all fine rods. I like the S007 as the extra foot in length really helps when flats fishing, however, the S001 built to it's original length comes into it's own when accuracy becomes an issue. If you need a recipe just let me know,

Cheers,
Billy K.

[rigzz]

Billy,
Thanks for that. I've got a couple of recipes, one from Frogleys and one from Ian Miller. Good to hear you are pleased with the 007. Because mine's not finished and I haven't been able to cast it I was starting to wonder if it was going to be too stiff. I am now convinced that I just worry too much and the rod will be fine.
Cheers,
Rigzz

[rigzz]

Billy,
Just one further query. Do you find much difference between the 006 and 007. Their specs suggest they are basically the same rod but in one or two piece versions. I opted for the convenience of the two piece 007 but I'd be curious to know if you find any difference in performance on the water. All my other rods (except fly) are one piece but I needed this one to be as easily and safely transportable as possible.
Cheers,
Rigzz

[Aquaholic]

Apart from the obvious, I have found that both blanks have a similar action, but there is a very slight flat spot at the ferrel as you would expect from a two piece rod, which I have found neither to affect casting or overall performance. Regardless of how many pieces a rod is, I still find that their is a sense of great satisfaction building your own rods and being able to catch fish on your masterpiece.
All in all, for the price I have found the Samurai range a brilliant blank to both build and to use for almost every fishing application,

Billy K.

[rigzz]

Billy,
Thanks for that, I'm looking forward to getting mine finished and on the water.
Cheers,
Rigzz