rod blank question

[powersalt]

hi guys,

would want to know from u guy's opinion, which rod blanks are better in 2 pcs than the other.The application will be basically casting small hardbody lures like sx40, 48 n etc, also some light plastic work.
they r :
1) CTS
2) loomis
3) shikari (dont know if they do 2 pcs)
4) millerrods

and any other blanks that you guys can think of.

Thank you

[craig scott]

The loomis s842-2 would be the one that springs to mind, it would do all you want and more.

Check Cindy's post re that new 7' clear cut, you get a pro made rod, plus a warranty.

Cheers, Craig.

[Brad Y]

hastings are the ones you want to look at, though two pieces isnt available i dont think

[Shortlite]

I take it you're either looking to go custom or roll your own rod.

CTS and Hastings will do multi-piece on special order. Costs a fair bit more though, and has to be gotten from the factory, so it'll take longer.

Loomis do a number of 2 piece blanks in their SR range (spinning rods).

Shikari are out of business, having been bought out earlier this year, or late last year. Not too many blanks about, but unfortunately all are 1 piece.

Ian Miller's blanks are a well kept secret. I don't know if any of his models are available in 2 piece.

Take a look at Batson Enterprise's series of rod blanks. Rainshadow and Forecast (RX7 and RX6 graphite respectively).

[powersalt]

Originally Posted by craig scott

The loomis s842-2 would be the one that springs to mind, it would do all you want and more.

Check Cindy's post re that new 7' clear cut, you get a pro made rod, plus a warranty.

Cheers, Craig.

Mate, i've had a feel of that rod recently (IMX and GLX) and casted the one in IMX series. To be honest they are great rods, however, too soft for my liking and i dont know if its just me i feel that those rod might be a bit too wobbly, even wobbles up to the mid section. I cant really explain that well though, i hope you get the picture. Anyways cheers

Originally Posted by Brad Y

hastings are the ones you want to look at, though two pieces isnt available i dont think

hmmm, it must be a two pcs. 1 pcs is a pain in the ass in terms of transportation.

Originally Posted by Shortlite

I take it you're either looking to go custom or roll your own rod.

CTS and Hastings will do multi-piece on special order. Costs a fair bit more though, and has to be gotten from the factory, so it'll take longer.

Loomis do a number of 2 piece blanks in their SR range (spinning rods).

Shikari are out of business, having been bought out earlier this year, or late last year. Not too many blanks about, but unfortunately all are 1 piece.

Ian Miller's blanks are a well kept secret. I don't know if any of his models are available in 2 piece.

Take a look at Batson Enterprise's series of rod blanks. Rainshadow and Forecast (RX7 and RX6 graphite respectively).

So, would a hastings or CTS blank in the same category,level, standard, etc be comparable to a miller rod, once made?
Might be a dumb ques but i'm really a noob in the world of rod building and blanks.

[craig scott]

I know where you're coming from with the 'wobble' sensation. It seems it's one of those things you either like or you dont.

I don't know if your new to the breaming scene, but dont let the seemingly soft action put you off, I feel it is a big advantage, particularly using the fine lines and leaders, these actions are forgiving, you can really put pressure on a fish and the whole rod aids in cushioning surges and runs when the pressures on.
I have pulled some good fish from very heavy structure, sometimes with the rod tip going half way back under the boat (not really recommended). You just have to be on the ball to load the rod instantly. The rod I was using was a 7' 3-5 reaper (BD), very similar to the Loomis, I fish a heavy drag and the rod sorts the rest for you.

Good luck, let us know how you go, and how bout a picture when the rod is finished..... with 42cm blue nose for adornment!

Cheers, Craig.

[powersalt]

i believe rods that are too wobbly are more suitable for plastic fishing, but thats just me. And I'm in a frenzy mode for hardbodies (even though i still use sp) currently, so i believe i need a crisper rod, and for me that means a little stiffer from the mid section down, not having too much shaky action when you twitch it. Hmm, maybe I'm still new to breaming cause all my breams have been taken from mudflats never from snaggy country. Another reason for me to avoid rod that is too wobbly is because of Pacu. pic bellow. they were taken in indonesia
i'll put up the pic of the finished rod in the future no doubt

[Brad Y]

Never used a CTS blank, I cant remember who has them... maybe egrell in that case yes i have and they are nice.

Hastings blanks are the best, well IMO anyway. They are really highly regarded in the US. I dont know anything about ordering 2pc rods, yes i suppose they do them tho. I dont like 2 pce rods because I have had them pop at the joins. I recently built a hastings pioneer 66LXF 1-2kg. The blank weighs around 30g and when built the rod weighed 40g. I would love to see a 6'6 rod in australia that is lighter. Best of all, first trip it pulled numerous bream over 30cm plus a 1.3kg horse, well over 40cm. James Graham (breamn2wheels) borrowed it for a few months and I dont know if I have seen so many kilo fish caught by anyone in the swan than him. I know for a fact that he caught many swan river kilo fish on it, plus one in another river at 1.6kg. I used it to catch another kilo fish in the last mandurah tournament here, so im sure you get the picture. My weeny little 6'6 40g rod can pull any bream I have that much conficence in it. Maybe it would be worth looking into a 2 piece if you need a travel rod, or go for a 6 footer.

[Brad Y]

Oh and a softer rod is better for hards mate, they load up better. Keep your plastics rods stiff and senstive so you feel those really light takes.

[cleetus]

Never used a CTS blank, I cant remember who has them... maybe egrell in that case yes i have and they are nice.

Yes they do and yes they are. I have the S1 1-3kg with 4lb f/line and 3lb flouro for hards in the swan and have pulled a few mid thirties out the Swan from shore and boat and love it. Lots of muscle and the modulus replacement tech really pelts out the lures with little effort( sort of "slingshots from the upper mid section instead of the tip). I found the lighter rod slows the response of the strike at the fish end = more hookups for me. I use the S2 2-4kg for plastics with 4lb spin fluoro straight thru and fell in love with it first cast. This blank really lets you drive plastics.

Oh and a softer rod is better for hards mate, they load up better. Keep your plastics rods stiff and senstive so you feel those really light takes.

What the AOY said.
Can't speak about the other blanks and obviously guide placement etc will also effect the blanks performance but I'm told Eric at Egrell is always up for a chat so it might be worth calling him and talking blanks.
I did hear also that he was getting/ has got 2 piece CTS blanks.