Posting this trying and get an education in rod components.

1.  Guides ringed with Copper Zirconica (Kistler LTX) fall somewhere below Sic rings, are they the same as Zirconia PVD or another animal all together?

2.  Handle material..cork, EVA, hypalon.  How do these material compare to each other as far as weight and durability?

3.  Rod blanks- Any Idea what blank is used on the Kistler LTX Rods?  Apparently  one of the very lightest blanks available based on overall rod weight of 3 oz..

       

Anyone care to weigh in on the rod blanks?  Lightest and most sensitive- ranked top 3

(basic use for plastics..where sensitivity most critical)

   

You should search on this section for some past discussions on blanks and components- there have been some good threads in the past year. Beyond that call the suppliers and get paper catalogs! There is no better way to see and learn about the products. And there is something about a paper catalog around the house that's different than looking on-line. (Batson's catalog is WAY BETTER and more complete than any website about their stuff) Also , you would learn a lot from searching some of these specific questions over at rodbuilding.org

You can compare the guides on Batson's web site. Kistler uses Batson components. No one will confirm the blanks but it's widely suspected that they also use Batson blanks...

As for blanks, there are many great ones out there. Don't get sucked into "weight only" for blank selection... youre selection of components, cork and handle will have a greater affect on the rod's final weight and balance than the blank will. (assuming you buy a "decent" blank)

I like cork best. (and prefer burl over natural) EVA and Hypalon are also good choices. Depending on what you want to do with it, each has a place. I can't give you specs off the top of my head but natural cork, EVA and Hypalon are all very light... also remember that weight behind the reel positively affects balance.

I like IMX, GLX, CTS T series, SCIV and SCV. (in no particular order) I have used several Batson blanks and do like them but I haven't used the RX8+ blanks yet. (I want to try them but for that money, I'm afraid to deviate from my list) ...lol

Part of the fun in building rods is getting the education, at least I think so. Even if it's a 'whip' to read up on it, information is your friend and it will help you on every rod you build.