flechero

My brother emailed this to us...

And I'm one of a few that keep him busy. ;D

At first I thought you were kidding. SOmetimes I forget that not everyone has been using BC since they were children. I guess the worst thing you can do is over think it. As has been said, feel, spool speed, line level, sound and if there is any light (even starlight) you can usually see a splash. If it's a problem, tighten your cast control a little and be worry free... you don't need a ton of distance, especially at night.

My biggest insurance nightmares have been with USPS. Not to mention they are the slowest of them all. Sadly, my personal best usps (fastest) insurance claim was paid in just over 12 weeks.

That's great! I hope she gets a new PB smallie in about 3 weeks!!

cheapest is probably usps but if you want it there in one piece, I'd say your best chance is with fedex. Of the 3 (ups, usps and fedex) my best luck with rods has been fedex. Don't bother shipping them without insurance...

All he has to do is use his signature series (or sig series labeled) rod for a few casts during the day and when he says he was using it, he's not lying. Guys use a lot of rods and tackle throughout the day...

Same here.

Same here

Seriously, what father hasn't bought beer and diapers in the same trip? :-? I just think it's convenient when both run out at on about the same day! My wife on the other hand, thinks a separate trip would be more appropriate.

I actually can't verify that his rods are or are not what you can buy off the rack. But there are companies that have completely different rods going to pros and the only similarities are the decals and color schemes. (to make them appear stock) And some others are customs with only a brand logo on them... that are referred to as "prototypes."

ReelMech- that's only the handle section. If memory serves me correctly, this (the SCVI) was a change with this model year. Still, the working part of the blanks are what they used to be- LE: SCV and LT: SCIV Elite: # Super high-modulus SCVI graphite in lower section for added power with reduced weight. # High-modulus/high-strain SCV graphite with carbon-matte scrim. Tourney: # Super high-modulus SCVI graphite in lower section for added power with reduced weight. # High-modulus/high-strain SCIV graphite.

And do you think those LT rods are off the rack? :

This video is the best advertisement I have seen for buying a scale in a LONG TIME. Check out this "6 and a half or 7 pounder" and see if you don't spit your drink on the screen. ;D The funny thing is that my last several 5 pounders were much bigger than that!

Sorry, the names get me... fayette county used to be called cedar creek as well... which is why it changed. ...lol

No, I used the water slide decals only. They are the best. (IMO) It's the ink/laser jet decals on paper that goof me up so badly. I never tried running water slide paper through the laser jet. I didn't know they were compatible with each other.

...said the normally even keeled, keeper of the peace. ;D

my own preference is graphite for everything. (except maybe super deep cranking) That's the only place the extra weight of glass might actually help. Today's graphite rods are available in actions that cover the entire range...

I would buy IMX if I were in your shoes.

Scott, Forgot to mention your label looks very good. I'd have more $ invested in time on that than I would in buying it. ...lol But my skills are better served in mechanical areas.

I also started with inkjet and laserjets with black background and white image/text. Actually I used about 80% black seemed to match the matte All Star Blanks I was building back then. Even using fixatif and Tom K's instructions, I experienced darkening on them after a couple months. nothing on text... for custom graphics there is a one time set up charge, if you have them do it... but I think it's waived if you have the files ready to go in certain formats, you can just email them in w.o a set up. But for example, when building Loomis blanks, I always get new logos (to match colors I'm using) since I don't use the supplied blank decal... she has all the corporate logos on file. I bought my Turkey Run stuff in sheets... she got 90 of on a page. The sheet price then was like $14 for whatever fit.

I'm not opposed to a custom for all around use... I build my own "utility" rods very different from factory. They are still made to my own grip specs, configuration and balance point. And whatever I choose on colors, wraps, inlays, etc. But I'll concede that a technique specific would be better. (If I didn't build, I might not spend that much money on the utility rods) I wouldn't build a GLX blank if I got it for 1/2 price. According to Loomis, they are not going to continue to warranty blanks with blanks... meaning that if you break your $$$ custom, you'll get a factory built replacement as your warranty. :-? :-X Yes, I know that's ridiculous and would cost them more but that what has been publicly stated. They must really want out of the blank business. The North Fork blanks will be a 'natural' finish (sanded and unpainted) as well so no sense in building a GLX.

Sounds like you bought a rack rod from a builder that also does custom work... If you had it custom built to your spec., I doubt you'd bring it back and doubt he'd give a full refund. I could be wrong, but that would be very odd.

Right now, I'd be thinking worm rod... and the HM blank from North Fork Composites (as soon as it's available)... ECSM reel seat, exotic burl cork, gold cermet's or Ti SiC or alconites, depending on line choice and theme. Chopped and dropped, of course. Since you said no cost limit, I'd have to do some inlay work in the cork and probably more.

The problem with mainstream (for me and many other builders) is twofold... warranties and prices. Today's consumer is used to paying little or nothing for a replacement even if he shuts it in a car door... and the other side is that most rods are sold very inexpensively on the front end. In that equation, I'd only have about $20 in labor. I can't build them fast enough to pay my mortgage like that. I can't (and really don't want to) compete with any mass production... but you are right in that they would sell like hotcakes! We do... since it's custom, we build exactly what our customer wants.