Well I've finished about 5 Rods over the past two months. I've been fishing with several of them over the past month and decided to post a couple pics for you guys to review.

The caster below was initially wrapped with 3mm guides, on top of the blank. I wrapped a couple blanks using 3mm micro guides, in a spiral fashion. I was so please with the performance of the spiral rods, I removed the guides from my non traditional builds and re did them.

The rods below are Castaway XP3 blanks, 6'9 Med/Fast casting (red/black) and 7'0 ML/Fast spinning (blue/black). Both rods are a pleasure to fish with. I am extremely please with the performance of each blank, the sensitivity is simple amazing. I've almost concluded to remove my little labels, to try and shave a bit more weight. The casting rod is the lightest rod I've ever picked up.

These are my first attempts, so any and all feedback, positive or negative, is welcome.

Thanks!

nice looking rods, good job.

question the pic with the line guides, is that a 2 piece or a 1 piece. just wondering if there was a reason why they are off set  :-?

on average how long does it take to make one.

I have been thinking about building my own.

memo

For the first few, they look very good!  Congrats!

You didn't leave much room to critique.    You will develop a steadier hand with the finish as you get experience.  smooth edges and even finish is what most people struggle with at first.  It's not difficult, just takes practice.  

Little details like cork that matches the seat so well that you can't feel the transition and areas of finish or epoxy that has been wiped (leaving that shine)  are some other things to shoot for down the road.

You will see a big difference in fit and finish as you build more...  and you will see 10x the improvement than we will pick up in photos.  

I applaud your work thus far... keep posting pics as you build more!!

question the pic with the line guides, is that a 2 piece or a 1 piece. just wondering if there was a reason why they are off set :-?

memo

both are one piece blanks.  The casting rod is spiral wrapped, which transitions the guides to the bottom of the blank.  Helps to eliminate rod twist when the blank in under load, and can typically require less guides than conventional placement (top).  Its different, but I really like it.

Thanks for the comments Flechero.  I respect your opinion, so I really appreciate it.

thanks for the input.

someday I will be able to attempt to make my own, you have a good thing going there.

memo

Wow...That is impressive for a first rod.  A split grip spiral wrap for a first rod is no small feat.   Looks like it could be your 100th rod.  Great Job!!!!

Looks great!!!  Good job.  

To echo what flechero said, it will get better.  As good as this rod is, you will look at it after completing a dozen more and you will be amazed how much "easier", faster and better everything is that you do at that point.

Keep it up.

Eddie

Thanks for the comments, I appreciate it!

Great looking rods buddy. It's unbelievable that they are your firsts!

They really turned out great Brian.  Big thumbs up!!  Really like your label too.  

Looks good to me!

they look great and feel good i looked at them first hand this week great Job!

i havent see an uglier rod in all my life! lol j/k man nice work. now if you can just figure out that nano fiber technology and make them orange that would be perfect.

Lets start growing carrots, I'm sure we can give it a shot! lol

 They seriously are really really light blanks, next time I have you down 4 or 5 fish, I'll lend you one so you can catch back up!