Hi guys,

I'm going to build a rod for a very good friend of mine, i will pay for the components and build and all he has to do is pay for the blank.

Now he has about $200 for the blank maybe a little more.
He wants his rod to be pretty fast but not a stick its going to get used in bigger rivers and he has his mind set up for a four weight. He has a problem with rods that don't bend tip first (faster tip and slower in the middle), and the rod must be light...
He really likes my Z- Axis #5 so maybe something similar. Since i'm not in the position to try any rods or blanks he left me with quite an impossible task , so this (i hope) is where i can count on some of your wisdom. I wish there was an sincere blank database.........

So far i was thinking, maybe the Dan Craft FTXL 9ft #4 but i do not have any experiance with that rod.

Well let me know what you think, i want to set him up with an outstanding casting and fishing tool. I'm going to finish his rod using the last of my Shamburg CT seat , flor grade cork and H&H guide set so the blank must be good.

Thanks in advance,
Jerry

The FTXL is a very good line of blanks. Not as fast as the FT's but still fast. To boot they are lighter and the 5 weights I have built are right on the mark for listed power and line weight.

If you are interested in the FTXL call Dan and visit with him about your need.

Thanks Stan,

I did cast the FT once and thought that one was mind boggling , i thought it was too tippy and fast.
And i'm used to the fast stuff i enjoy casting the tcx and boron mx but that ft was just to fast for my liking.

I'm looking for something that is a bit more suitable for allround fishing, while the guy i'm going to build this rod for is a great caster he's not looking for a parkinglot rod.
How is the bend in that rod is it still capable of doing nice short presentation casts?

Thanks for your input,

Jerry

I would personally rate the FTLX as A good all around blank and not the canon that the FT is. I would compare them favorably with the GLoomis GLX in my experience as I haven't had a chance to try any of the latest Sage line.

I have two FT's and they are sweet. A lot of rod for the money. If the FTLX is the same quality but a just a little slower in action, it might be what you want.

Is there any reason you are not looking at the FT? They are fast action but not overly fast. I find mine easy to cast although I upline it by one line weight for most of my fishing out to about sixty five feet. Remember you can change the feel and response of the rod by the line you use on it.

RJH,

I test casted only one FT it was the six weight or what's on the label rated as a six weight. I spend the whole day casting this thing, and allthough i could easy hit targets at some amazing distances, it feld to stiff and tippy for my liking.

But i might build one up in the lower line ratings for myself, i am now looking for a rod for my friend that has to be something as his go to rod.

Thanks for your reply
Jerry

This may or may not help, but you know you do not have to line the rod with the line rated by the mfg. If I know a line matches the rod better at the distance the angler is going to use it at I will inscribe it with that line weight. For instance, for you customer you might take that six weight FT you mention as feeling very stiff and label it as a seven or even eight weight and it will load easier and not feel nearly as stiff with those lines. Just an idea. The FTs are very fast action and it is my experience that they will cast an amazing range of lines all pretty well.

I have one labeled 8'6"-3wt and I've tried everything up to 5wf and I can't cast (I'm not a good caster) this thing worth a tinkers darn ... gave it to my son (who is a very good caster) and he couldn't get it to load either.

I think I must be in the 'I like them med-fast' crowd. I like my sons 8'9" Winston WT ...

The best casting rod I have is one I built around 1980 and it's my go-to rod in a pinch.

Stan thought I'd like the FTL a lot better ...

Yep, you'd like the FTL much better.......... its a medium taper blank that is SMOOOOOTH with its rated line weight.

I'm aware of the fact some rod manufacturers stick on a label telling you its a six weight but it actually cast better for fishing situations with an eight. My BIIMX's and TCX (both very fast five and six weights) can both handle the line (mostly SA MEDs) at all ditances. I can fish in close or i can carry the entire head and go for some amazing distance with that line, except with the BIIMX #5 that likes a Rio Gold. The FT IMO is not a rod that you can use allround, thats why i think this is not the most suited rod for this particular build. He wants a go to rod to fish here in Holland and the bigger rivers in the upper part of Norway.

But thanks again for your input,

Jerry