Need advice on a blank

mikewink · Jun-08-2009, 07:36 PM

I've got a guy wanting me to build him a casting rod. I've been hearing good things about the Castaway blanks. I need to find one that is 7' medium fast, he is throwing between 1/4 & 5/8 oz lures. He likes to use 12# braided. He is hung up on not using a rod less than IM 8. Any help would be great.

Mike

1:11 · Jun-08-2009, 07:55 PM

check out the Rainshadow RX8+ spendy but some of the very best blanks made.

not sure why you need an IM8 blank for casting??? Do you know why he wants IM8, does he know why he wants IM8? Ever noticed that Shimano has IM8 rods for under a $100 but most true IM8 blanks are closer to $200 just for the blanks.

mikewink · Jun-09-2009, 10:46 AM

He is a good guy. I fish with him alot. But he knows just enough to be dangerous. I could make him a rod and tell him it's an IM8 or better and he would probably never know even if I didn't use an IM8. But I don't operate that way. So I'm just trying to find one that is a quality rod with out breaking the bank.

Lou W · Jun-09-2009, 11:02 AM

Check out the Phenix blanks. Pretty nice blanks in the $90-100 range IIRC. MBX700ML might work well for you.

1:11 · Jun-09-2009, 11:07 AM

id impress upon him that he probably cant tell the difference between the IM8 and the RX7 (rainshadow IM7). Also the RX7 is going to cost much less, will perform and will be more durable. He may thank you later. Ive found that people arent always sure what they want and it is our job to help them. I would say a large majority of builds end up being a different blank and/or components than the client originally had in mind.

vdub · Jun-10-2009, 01:56 AM

the rainshadow RX7's are great blanks. got the mag bass one for the kelp, absolutely love it.

rainshadow came out with the rx8's too which are pricier, up to him on what he wants to spend