flechero

For what it's worth, my experience with +T's were where they had to be collapsed to and from each trip. (small car in the early days and then a short locker) I bet I got relatively close to a thousand "days/trips" out of them... so no bitterness and had I protected that spot, I'd probably still have some of them. I wouldn't be afraid of one, but I just prefer one piece... and don't have those transportation issues anymore.

I used to only buy +T flipping rods. Every one I have ever bought broke at the same place... not at the ferrule, but where the ferrule rubs around the blank, when the rod is collapsed. You will have a ring (of wear) develop around that spot and that's where they break. The rods I built stayed together but I wrapped & finished a "wear pad" in that spot. I haven't had any trouble with the ferrules themselves.

I have the Batson ISWB945 blank (rated 2-6 oz) but unfortunately I haven't finished it yet. I love the blank, just comparing to some other swimbait rods at the house... someday when I get caught up, I'll finish it and post some feedback.

Have you handled a Loomis MBR844C IMX? If it's the right blank, I might know where one is with a matching handle to your custom. :

They are only part time elves... they subcontract for Santa between Thanksgiving and Christmas!

If we had access to those pits, very few of us would ever go to a public lake again. I love private water!!

So... trained pet fish for the topwater bites? Too many uncut shots where you watch the cast and catch w/o a "cut" in scenes for me to worry about it. I'm not saying it didn't ever happen way back when, but I seriously doubt any of the modern or popular shows would do this. If that got out, no one would watch. It's a career ender, IMO. Besides, most people on this board could fill a 30 minute show on a decent lake, in a single day's time of filming. So why would I think the "pro's" have to cheat?

It's mostly preference... On my own rods I only use foam for cranking rods... I think foam dampens vibration a little more so I don't like it on my "feel" rods. If I had a dedicated spinnerbait rod, I might use foam on that one as well. Or maybe even a dedicated topwater rod. The only cork I use these days is exotic burl... if that is an option with your builder, check it out.

Roadwarrior must have had a Dr. appointment or something this morning! ;D

maybe they are selling them for cost... hoping to recoup the profit on reels and line, etc. I trust TW... I've never had a bad experience there.

Exactly! We use them as deep as 25' around here.

catch a few fish on it. ;D

on most fish you can just strip in line by hand... only when a fish really runs, and takes all the casting line out from around my feet, do I end up using the reel to "reel" them in.

"what's that sign say?" "no bare feet" "no- that one" "no fighting" "and you... you owe me one gumball machine!" About the 3rd time you watch it, that becomes a great scene.

Nice going! What is the size to weight comparison vs. lead? (just for reference)

I'm jealous, Burley!! Some of my fondest childhood memories (off the water) are of day games at Wrigley... of course there were no night games at Wrigley back then. :

next time you go out, rig a c-rig on both and spend 30 minutes figuring it out... you might be suprised.

you've already stated that you don't know that he did it... the safest assumption is that you don't have all the facts needed to make an assumption.

kids probably...

Cart, Do I sense a little optimism in your pessimism? ;D

It's not that simple... 2 considerations: for what applications and at what price?

balancing is an individual thing. It depends on where YOU hold the rod/reel. There is no standard.

if it was that good, do you think he'd be selling the business idea instead of doing it? Some times they are selling distributorships for their products...

This was my impression of it when I bought the 3000 size in 1/06... and it hasn't changed.

I'm in a 94' Champion... I'm the original owner! ...lol I miss some of the more "modern conveniences" but I'll take no payments over 8' rod boxes, any day! Seeing lots of tritons and nitros in the last couple years but until recently, the majority of (glass) bass boats were skeeter, champion and ranger. Every time I see a new boat going down the lake, my first thought is "I need to get a new boat" but my very next thought is "I don't want a $500/month boat payment!"