KCFinesse

I'm a big fan of light guides for sensitivity (I like the #5 and #4 minimas). But the benefits of lightweight components is about placement too. I don't see benefits in a lot of the light weight or skeleton type seats... On casting set ups I think ecsm seats with a good fit are hard to beat (there are a lot of otherwise uncomfortable options available!) Minimizing the use of arbors (maximizing solid contact between seat and the blank) and minimizing the amount of material in front of the reel seat are my preferences; I usually go without a foregrip and place hook keepers in between split grips. I think a lot of this is personal preference, but a solid component assembly always helps. -Jared

I'm not a big nfc fan. The blanks are super sensitive but I've had a lot of durability issues (personally); their shipping can be brutal too... Me personally - I would hedge my bets to some extent on the blanks. I think there are awesome for sensitive applications but you may or may not like a whole mess of them for everything 🤷‍♂️ (my opinion only) Also the rods do have little ridges that may be difficult for your first builds. -Jared

I like cork burl and carbon fiber because of the rigidity. EVA is an awesome choice for folks who palm the reel anyways... I think I'm going to be the first person on this thread that hates winn grips... they just don't hold up and are kinda unpleasant when they start breaking down.

I like ProWrap Fusion Variegated in black/gray on my personal rods when I want something to look good and custom without spending a ton of time on it. If I'm getting fancy, hitena aurora black is such a fun metallic!!! -Jared

I'm headed to West Palm Beach in early October for work and would like to sneak out to catch some peacocks. I'd like to find a guide for a half day (ish) for chasing peas/mixed bag with bass gear and artificials. I'm not sure if the bank guides are worth it or if boat guides are the best bet. I can fly through Fort Lauderdale as well if that puts me in better position for a quick trip. Anyone have any recommendations? -Jared

I'm a huge fan of stupid-tubing, and have been using a stupid tube as a 1-2 punch with a ned rig as cover dictates. I have been using tubes and heads from blue rock custom tackle. They had a display at a sports show I was at and I really liked their products. I've also used the zman tubes on occasion for a more neddy action. -Jared

Fly tying lead wire, lead tape, or suspend strips all work in a pinch... I'm sure you could secure them/make them look pretty with an epoxy over coat. -Jared

I've been fishing Tokyo rigged menaces in the same fashion, and it's an absolute staple for me... Do you think there are any differences in that instance? Both are articulated, and both stay pinned on the bottom. -Jared

Using screwlock hooks has saved me a ton on senkos! -Jared

Finished a carbon wrap Revelation last week- they certainly look sharp! I was a little disappointed in how heavy the blank was for a medium but it came together nicely. -Jared

It is a very pretty rabbit hole with lots of shiny things ?

I absolutely love my Bushido cb72-6/12 as my 'Ozark' cranking rod (warts, flat sides, bandit 200s, etc). -Jared

I've been trying to avoid getting into air brushing just because I have a little bit of a tackle tinkering problem as it is ? I hear you on the inconsistencies of blanks- the Amazon KOs were about half garbage due to the weight transfer system. Predator really seems to have a better product... I've been trying to find some shadow rap blanks as well, but I just haven't seem to found quality ones. -Jared

That's what I do- once you hit that step, there isn't a whole lot of difference in turning your own grips. I'm a big fan of mixing up grips throughout the day and really nice chunky turned grips against the reel seat make more less hand fatigue (for me) when cranking and winding. Your work is looking sharp btw!!! -Jared

Like a few folks probably did, I jumped on the Stryker blank sale a few months ago. I built myself a new ned rod on a 6'9" drop shot blank and I'm pretty excited to try it out! Burl cork mini grips, match frame minima guides, and an aero seat!

I've gotten 110 KOs from varying sources in the past and I'm wondering what weight distribution is preferred to get the KOs to be a bit 'livelier'? I would think jerkbaits that are slightly more top heavy would have a little more 'roll' when righting itself on the pause (but too top heavy would cause it to spin on the retrieve). I'm not an accomplished lure painter by any means, but I'll rattle can or hand paint a few blanks a year. -Jared

I throw buzz baits a lot on braid into the nastiest stuff I can find. I like a buzz to have a solid bead in front of the blade to help deflect material and prevent the blade from fouling. I also fish these without a trailer hook, but I do look for baits where the hook sits back. I also love throwing them in open water when there is a little chop, but I'll use a trailer hook then... -Jared

Bummer on the Bushido! I love the cb series but I've never had my hands on the 'heavy' one... As far as labels are concerned, I prefer placing them over a good finish and using a bit of CP. Also- life is too short for bad labels. I've gone to decal connection when I want to add a label a lot lately. Their labels just seem to go down better, and having a front and back plastic 'backer' really allows for burnishing the heck out of it. -Jared

I mostly use the amtack aeros on my personal spinning rods, but I also have a few TVS seats to change up my ergonomics (almost the complete opposite as the aero). I usually turn my own grips and leave them really 'knobby'. After a few surgeries it just feels nice.

They feel solid- definitely more firm than EVA or cork. I generally like the feel of bigger burl cork grips and was surprised that the carbon fiber grips were somewhat velvety like a good burl grip. I used the NFC grips on this rod- they took several months to ship and the trim around the carbon fiber was all EVA that I replaced with burl cork. -Jared

Needed a utility medium heavy plastics rod so I acid wrapped a mhx mb863xf. This was the first time I've built with carbon fiber grips! I also have a spinning rod for jerkbaits on the turner now.

I really like my Bushido SJ72/6-12 for most light shakeyhead and wacky rig stuff. It transitions well to it's backbone.

Voodoo is awesome. The customer service is second to none. They carry a somewhat limited stock but most of what they have is good stuff. Custom rod components (CRC) has a lot of really unique blanks at good prices. Hydra (alx) produces good blanks and carries interesting components as well. There are lots of options and a lot of fun places to look around. -Jared

I like Testors enamel hobby paint and automotive spray clear coat. I'm definitely not an airbrush artist... A lot of multi surface rattle cans work as well as well as nail polishes. Have fun! -Jared

I have an earlier gen Revo SX on my 'ozark' cranking rod and it does great with light warts and lighter flat side cranks that would be otherwise tough to cast.