If I only had a blank...

[GUTHOOKED]

...maybe I could finish BG's rod. It seems that suppliers are having a hard time getting the new Rainshadow RX8+ blanks. :(

http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/photopost/data/500/8430MVC-018S-med.JPG

[GonetoSeed]

Nice start. What wood is that in the insert? It's neat.

Have you tried Rocky Mountain. They have them in the catalog, but of course that doen't mean they're in stock. http://www.rockymountainrodbuilding.com/Default.aspx?tabid=39&List=1&CategoryID=1&Category2ID=22&Category3=RX8%2b&Level=3

[Windknot]

Nice handle, Danny.

I see BG's choice is a down locking reel seat. He'll be able to balance the outfit with minimal weight in his reel. Wish I could get past the looks, 'cause the function is wonderful.

[GUTHOOKED]

That is snakewood. Chippycane turned me on to this stuff a while back. Its a bit expensive and kind of tough to work, but it really finishes out nice. I've got some more that blows this piece away, but unfortunately its all too thin to get a reel seat out of. :(

I ordered the blank from H&H. They've never backordered anything on me before, so I'm going to give them a little more time. If it doesn't come in soon though, I may have to go somewhere else.


Don - Yeah, as much as I tried to talk him out of that ugly thing, he insisted. ;) Actually, the more I look at this one, the more I like it. I think I may do one for myself sometime soon.

BTW, how'd you do at the park yesterday? The 'crackers there yet? :)

[Windknot]

My oldest and cheapest rod has a d/l seat, and it is as well balanced as the rods I've built. Butt-ugly to look at, but it sure does balance nicely.

Was that your BIL? I think he scared all the fish landing those bass. I spied a few looking for a site, but not enough to get the competitive juices flowing yet. Temp 70f, so it has to happen soon.

[Lil'Joe]

danny, have you ever tried a Damon Rod blank? I use one to build a 6' 2wt a while back. Nice blank IMO.

Just Google Damon Rods for the link

[GUTHOOKED]

Yeah, Don, that was him. I guess he had a pretty good fight on his hands with that 3wt. He still hasn't quit talking about it. :)

Joe - I see their reel seats on ebay all the time, but hadn't heard much about their blanks. The few reviews that I have heard were so-so. You don't happen to know who is making those blanks, do you?

[TheEndlessEnigma]

but where is the coffee? I expect to see a coffee cup or a glass of tea in there

[GUTHOOKED]

Notice the bottle in the top left of the picture? ;)

[Lil'Joe]

No, I don't. I've used a couple and have been pleased with them. Just a thought for ya. The folks there are very helpful and responsive.

Joe

[Sal Fontinalis]

I saw some beautiful pieces of snakewood down at a wood supplier near Tech. You're right, that's a pricey stick but it sure does turn a nice reel seat. Looks like it'll be a great rod.

[Ivan]

Danny did you get your blank yet?

I've been waitng on that 6'6" 4 piece for a month now. I'm getting ready to change my order.

[GUTHOOKED]

Nope. I canceled the RX8 and ordered a Sage Xi2 instead. I got an e-mail from H&H today though that said the 662-4's are in stock again. I'm sure they'll be sending the backorders out soon.

Danny