What blank

[Dom]

Hi
I am still reading lots of posts about first builds, and lots of articles on building your first rod.
I have also been looking at the various kits out there and so far like the look of
www.mailordercentral.com/hookhack/departments.asp?dept=4

I am interested in an 8ft 5wt rod with a medium action. My casting still isn't great, so I don't want a fast action rod that will magnify any flaws present. I also like the thought of a 4 piece travel rod.
So my question is, is a travel rod harder/easier to make (or no different).
Also should I go for a kit for my first build, with not necessarily the best rings handle etc. and worry later about better rings, handle, reel seat etc. with my next build?
One last question is how can I tell what action the various blanks have. In the website listed above, the only info I can find is some blurb on the forecast kit which says it is fast. SO I don't want this one but as to the others
Any help greatfully recieved.
Cheers
Dom

[JayP]

www.mailordercentral.com/hookhack/prodinfo.asp?number=IM7KT56
Medium action blank and the components are as good as any sub £200 production rod! Expect delivery to take 3/4 weeks!
Batson enterprises make the forecast blanks more info from their website!
www.batsonenterprises.com/rodblanks.php

[j]

Dom
For your first build, I recommend that you use the cheapest blank and components you can find. The first rod is a gateway drug, your not really sure what your doing and things can get a little messy But once its over all you will be thinking about is how good the next one will be -and it will be better .

Have a look around Ebay for batson RX6 blanks, silly prices for pretty decent blanks. Maybe build on an RX7 after that, as theyre a bit faster.

Keep us posted,
J ;D

[blankedagain]

Dom, I built on an 8ft 6in 4 weight blank last year - from Hook & Hackle. The components in the kit are decent quality (Pacific Bay)- nice rosewood spacer on a satin aluminium reel seet. The blank is more medium fast than ultra fast - not too soft but not too stiff. I think I paid about 30 dollars for carriage . I would suggest burying a couple of blanks - the carriage charge probably won't increase. I added the forecast to an order for a loomis blank and ended up with two nice rods (the loomis is very nice indeed) for about £120.

Jump in with both feet - you won't regret it.

[blankedagain]

Whoops - crap typing!! I would suggest buying a couple of blanks. Don't bury them.

[sandfly2]

The Forecast kits from Hook&Hackle with the video are good to start with , nice blanks considering the price and with the addition of the video help is always on hand .
The Forecast blanks are not fast but more middle to tip action , I don,t like fast action rods either but these ones are nice to cast .

Davy .

[Silver Stoat]

I agree about the Forecast blanks. I wouldn't say the action is fast but rather, as blankedagain said, more mid to tip with a reasonably fast recovery.

I've built three for friends and myself and think they represent excellent value for money.

You shouldn't have any problems building a four piece.

Dave.

[Dom]

Thanks for all the top tips.
I think when I get round to ordering I will go for two.
I wouldn't mind replacing my 9ft 7wt, so I will probably buy a blank for this as well.
I will then use this as my first project to get to know what the hell I am doing, (and if I stuff it up, no worries) then keep the 8ft travel rod as the second and hopefully better quality build.
When I get round to ordering, will let you guys know how I get on.
Cheers
Dom

[Lighthouse]

If you're looking at Ebay I would recommend the following seller, Steelhead56 (Anglers Habitat). I've bought numerous blanks from him over the last couple of years and although delivery time can be up to 30 days the prices are ideal for an experimental first build. I'd certainly recommend the Batson Forecast and Rainshadow blanks (you can email Kerry Batson and he'll send you guide spacings etc!).

stores.ebay.co.uk/The-Anglers-Habitat_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsQ3amesstQQtZkm