Another question for the masters

[reviveourhomes]

Ok, ive decided i want to build my first rod, and heres my dilema, ive read a couple of threads with people mentioning different types of blanks and that there was certain ones that were cheaper that would be a good first build for someone. Now i am very familiar with the different types of graphite but i have no idea whata forecast blank is. Heres my major question i was wondering if it would be cheaper to buy a kit, or to go thru and look for discounted peices and get all the componets and then build it. And heres the part where i ask a favor- can someone run thru and type out a list of componets that you need to build the rod from start to finish. That way i can browse around ebay and on this site for maybe cheaper prices. I dont want to be cheap but i would hate to spend alot and then mess up building it......sooo if any of you would be so kind i would be ever so greatful . :D


P.S- Ive been checking out the pics of some of the rods you guys have built and i am really impressed. You guys should be proud. They are beautiful.

[Chuck Morris]

Here's a checklist for fly rod building. You can adjust it to suit your needs.
Blank
Tip top
Running Guides
Stripping Guides
Cork rings or Pre-formed Cork grip
Reel Seat
Hookkeeper
Thread
Glue
Color Preserver
Rod bag
Rod case
Instruction Book or Video
Varnish/Epoxy Finish
Rod Winder(optional)
Brushes(optional)
Winding check(optional)

This list is from the Hook and Hackle catalog.
IMHO it would probably be best to buy a kit for your first go around. I believe you said you wanted to do a casting rod first. You might want to check out Jann's Netcraft and MudHole for kits and components.

[GUTHOOKED]

Forecast is a brand of blank imported by Batson Enterprises. Many of the rodbuilding supply shops sell them, including Hook&Hackle, Shoff, Mudhole, etc. I think they are probably the best blanks on the market for the price, or even two or three times the price. They are made of first generation, 33,000,000 modulus graphite - slightly slow and heavy but very tough. They've all got great actions for their intended applications, IMO, and are quite straight and very well finished.
http://www.batsonenterprises.com/


Kits are probably the easiest way to learn the basics of assembling a rod. However, you may not get the best possible performance by simply assembling a kit according to predetermined specs. You just need to decide what you want to get out of it. I don't think the cost will be much different either way.

If you can give me an idea of what kind of rod you want to build, I'll make you out a list of the components you'll need.