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Post by trevor on Apr 24, 2006 7:01:50 GMT -5
I am looking to make my first rod, a 6 6, #2 would be good. I was wondering if anyone knew of any english sites that i could buy a kit from? I have read the other threads on the subject but all seemed to be american sites, I would feel more comfortable with buying from the UK. Also any advice would be very much appreciated!
Trev
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Post by RodKneeTrouter on Apr 24, 2006 8:06:39 GMT -5
Didn't 'J' just build a smallish rod? he might be able to help - see his thread. Guides n' blanks.com is a very good place to start (its hopkins and holloway). They were so friendly and helpful to me on my first build. Not sure if they have any blanks in this weight though, but you might want to start there. Also David Norich www.davidnorwich.com and Steve Parton www.spartonfly.dial.pipex.com are well respected blank manufacturers. You might want to try them if you want a 'local' blank. Don't necessarily discount the US though - 'hook and hackle' comes very well recommended from people on this forum, as well as from a friend of mine in the US who built me a lovely little loomis GLX - (thanks greg) as a wedding present. Apparently, its a gamble whether or not customs hits you. Good luck and let us know how it goes. Mike |
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Post by j on Apr 24, 2006 10:25:58 GMT -5
Hi Trevor I wouldn't worry about ordering from America, you will have a much wider choice at a lower cost. Post usually takes a couple of weeks and might cost up to £15 inc tax (which is about 30% but they only get you 50% of the time) but you will still make a saving. Ebay is a good way to go about it, I think Hook & Hackle is having a slight problem with management changeover at the moment. I have also used Shoff Tackle and Cabelas successfully. On Ebay I can recommend Steelhead56 and Northern Tier Outfitters. A good 6'6 2wt is the batson Rainshadow, in a 2 piece or 4 piece. img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Boost/4pc.jpg. You can get these for about $10 - $15. Theres also the 6' 2wt Tiger Eye which I also rate: cgi.ebay.co.uk/6-2-3wt-2pc-Fly-Rod-Blank-NEW_W0QQitemZ7236563117QQcategoryZ62151QQcmdZViewItemAs Mike said Guidesn'Blanks and Hopkins & Holloway are good English companies. Hopkins do the guides for Sage & their deliveries are sometimes within 24 hrs. Their blanks are quite expensive and for a rod this size you really want the soft action of a cheaper rod. If your going to use the rod for short casting a 3wt line loads the two rods above just fine. Best bit of advice I can think of is try and build a rod turner, the difference in finish is very noticeable, and as thats really all there is to building a rod so its worth doing. Mines made of Lego! Johnny ;D
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