I placed an order for some Batson blanks and luckily one of them was backordered. I got a call from FishSticks4u about the backorder and to give me some options (something few retailers will do anymore) So in the course of discussing my options, Robert mentions that the new model RX8 blanks (one of each) just arrived... well I asked which models and they happened to have gotten the model I had ordered in RX7 (an 844 mag bass) so I upgraded to try it out. The new RX8 blanks are painted "Titanium Chrome" and are supposed to look really sharp.

Lucky timing as the new blanks are technically out but no one has them listed on the sites yet.

I can't wait to see it. This one just got moved to the front of the line and I'll get pics up when I get started

Awesome cant wait

Unless Fishsticks4U is giving you a discount...you could save a few bucks by buying your blanks from Sneider.  They average over $10 cheaper per blank.

Sneider Batson RX-8+ blanks...

http://www.schneidersrods.com/batson_advanced_rod_blanks.htm

Fishsticks4U Batson RX-8+ blanks...

http://www.fishsticks4u.com/Blanks/BT521.htm

Noticeable savings....

Thanks for looking out for me, but this one is a classic case of service adding value...

I've more than made up for any potential savings by using fishsticks... between warranty stuff and shipping that I haven't paid for. Not to mention the fact that they will call me at home in the evenings if something comes up... and have given me home phone numbers for after hours- never have been asked to wait for business hours for any need. And fishsticks usually has it in stock, which saves me time and money in splitting up orders.

Just fyi- I have bought several fly rod blanks from Schneider's and had no trouble- all went smooth.  

Cant wait to hear back on how well you like this blank, I am thinking of ordering a couple here in a couple weeks.

They sound like nice blanks, and should look great too!!!!

The blanks arrived...  no pics yet, but I have to say they are pretty cool looking...   darker than titanium, sort of a dark steel gray with a chrome like luster. (thus the name "Titanium Chrome")  ...lol  

Black wraps?  Maybe a dark blue?

Anthony

This is one of those that I'll probably do a dozen test wraps to see how the colors go.  I'm sure there will be several good looking options.  

This is one of those that I'll probably do a dozen test wraps to see how the colors go. I'm sure there will be several good looking options.

I do that a lot too, and try to get it match up with reel I am putting on it, if its possible, sometimes, I just cant get the combo's right to look good with a rod.

I am trying to get a image in my head what this looks like, is it similar in appearence to GLoomis IMX?

I am trying to get a image in my head what this looks like,

Picture chrome, now picture "black chrome".... now think of a dark gray in the same luster. Hope that helps until tomorrow when I can snap a pic. ...lol

Can't wait to see this.  Sounds really nice.

Take a look!;www.batsonenterprises.com

The catalog picture isn't accurate to what it really looks like. I tried to take several photos but the problem is that either I got glare from the chrome aspect or I had too much shadow and it looked matte... so here is the best I could do... ironically it was a picture of the label. ...lol The finish is not actually grainy... that's a combination of a low res pic and the macro lens.

and a couple others:

Thanks for the pics, NOW I REALLY WANT ONE......lol

Did Ray/Robert happen to say when they are getting more of these in?

He said they got 1 of each model...  No telling if they sold yet but since they are not listed on the site, he may still have the others.  

He did say that all of them were available though and Batson had them in stock so even if he had to order it, the wait would only be 2 extra days.

Sweet.....

8-)

Can't wait to see what you do with this.  Know it will be nice.  Please post more pics as this progresses.

Eddie

Do you have the weight of that blank?

Anthony

No weight and currently no access to a light enough scale to weigh it for you, sorry.