Rod kit. Opinions please

[Tom Rice]

I ran across the website of a rod builder from Virginia named Dave Lewis

http://www.performanceflyrods.com/

I am very impressed with the rods he builds and their simple tasteful style and fantastic workmanship.

Anyway I'm wanting a saltwater rig and am considering one of his rod kits. The one I'm looking at is the 8wt on his website for $69.00.

What do you guys think of these kits. Good deal or what? Would it make more sense sourcing these things elsewhere?

[The Ole Man]

I've done business with Dave before--and he builds some beautiful rods. He doesn't build them from Forecast blanks for sale though--as he says on his website. His $69 rodbuild kits use the Forecast import blanks that are the same as those sold by Hook & Hackle. The blanks are 33% off at Hook/Hack as are the kits. You can get the same kit as Daves from Hook & Hackle for $52.56 and it includes the thread (Daves doesn't). Go hookhack.com , "rodbuilding", "Forecast kits", "4 piece", "no glues or video."

[GonetoSeed]

My post passed T.O.M. Given the deal at H&H, forget everthing below except for considering the weight of the rod and substituting Alconites for the snakes.

I looked and the kit includes a Forecast blank. The retail price of the blank is around $45. A full wells grip is going to be somewhere near $20 and a seat maybe $12. Throw in the other guides and components (a fighting butt on the 8wt) and it sure looks like a deal price wise.

A couple of points to consider. Forecast blanks were discussed below. They are excellent values, but in the heavier weight lines they are heavy. If this rod is to be used just occasionally this probably isn't going to be a problem, but if it is going to be fished long and hard then there are some better options for not much more money - for the blank. H&H or Custom Tackle can build you a kit around one of these blanks.

Also, the kit includes snake guides. I prefer ceramics on heavier weight rods, especially SW rods. A the price of the kit, I think I would save the snakes for another project or emergency repairs and use Fuji Alconites. You would still be well ahead on price.

I suspect these are the old Forecast (pre-2004), but you might ask when ordering if he can supply the new ones. I think they are a step up in quality. If not, probably no big deal given the price of the deal.

[GUTHOOKED]

Last year at the Charlotte show, I spent several hours at the Batson booth casting just about every rod they had. The new (blue) Forecast 8wt was definitely a surprise. It felt just slightly heavier and slower than the higher end models, and cast like a dream. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to buy one, unless you are looking for a very fast action rod.

[Ivan]

I agree with Danny the Forecast 8 wt is a good rod. I found it to be moderate Fast action. I Got the forecast 8wt out today; it's a cannon. I'll have no problem with the weight it was as light as the Ticr(?) Temple Fork Pro 8 wt I casted at the AFFF and more powerful to me.