4 replies to this topic

[NADO]

Can someone explain to me what is special about custom rods? I see people talking about custom rods here and there worth well over $500 and I am wondering why I dont see rods worth that much in stores? You hear of blanks worth hundreds of dollars and i'm just wondering what is different between them and an every day float rod. The difference between pin reels is far easier to understand.

[despotiko]

Custom rods are for people who know what they're looking for in a rod, mainly because they have noticed some important qualities that are missing in their off the shelf rods. Factory rods are built for the masses, the components used are not of the best quality, and they are not built with the care that a custom rod is built with. Having the ability to change guides and guide spacing makes a huge factor on the action of the blank and weight of the total build. Then theres the fact that certain blanks can only be bought as blanks, so in order to fish one you'd have to get it built. Theres also reel seat position, handle length, balancing the rod with a specific reel. Many, many, many factors. You build the rod to your specifications and end up with something that is truly unique just for yourself. You mentioned that theyre quite expensive, which is true, but they will likely last you a life time and since a rod that was built just for you you would never need to upgrade, plus they keep theryre value a lot better then factory rods when it comes to selling. In my eyes they actually end up being cheaper, epecially if you tie your own. For example a 13' raven im8 with a reelseat goes for about $250, i can build up that same blank with MUCH better components for the same price if not less.

Dimitri

[NADO]

Thanks for the explanation. I guess ill have to learn about it more as the years go on and the wallet gets fatter.

[ChaseChrome]

I love good equipment as much as the next guy--and there is (at times) a difference. But in the main, they are tools--if you can't think like a fish (no matter the equipment) you won't catch any.

I can take wonderful photos with a piece of 4X5 film, a piece of foil, and a shoe box--I don't need my D3 or my Blad.


N.B. of course the commercial rod wrapping SUCKS

[PainInTheBass]

Custom rods are for people who know what they're looking for in a rod, mainly because they have noticed some important qualities that are missing in their off the shelf rods. Factory rods are built for the masses, the components used are not of the best quality, and they are not built with the care that a custom rod is built with. Having the ability to change guides and guide spacing makes a huge factor on the action of the blank and weight of the total build. Then theres the fact that certain blanks can only be bought as blanks, so in order to fish one you'd have to get it built. Theres also reel seat position, handle length, balancing the rod with a specific reel. Many, many, many factors. You build the rod to your specifications and end up with something that is truly unique just for yourself. You mentioned that theyre quite expensive, which is true, but they will likely last you a life time and since a rod that was built just for you you would never need to upgrade, plus they keep theryre value a lot better then factory rods when it comes to selling. In my eyes they actually end up being cheaper, epecially if you tie your own. For example a 13' raven im8 with a reelseat goes for about $250, i can build up that same blank with MUCH better components for the same price if not less.

Dimitri

To expand on Dimitri's point, a good rod builder will know how to maximize the potential of the rod components they are building with. Aside from the varying grade of components, some components, such as the blanks, will each be unique. Even amongst other blanks of the exact same model; no 2 blanks are identical. They each have a definite curvature, spine, power, action. Based on the characteristics of the blank, the rod builder will place the components in a way that the purchaser wants, and to maximize the unique qualities of the blank.

Beyond that, custom really does mean custom. You can have the rod's aesthetics personalized from blank colour, guide wraps, handle material and design. You can pick higher or lower grade components based on your budget. You can really dictate and get the rod of your dreams with a custom.

But, as Dimitri stated, you have to know what you want in a rod for it to be worth it. I knew what I wanted, and built an ultralight baitcasting rod to pair with a Daiwa Sol, and it is my favourite combo to use. The rod cost me less to make than it cost me to purchase my most expensive rod (Okuma C3), but is by far a better rod imo. I have built rods for other people with equivalent specs to my C3, at a fraction of the cost, which are also better imo. I do feel that you can get more for your money with custom.