I'm looking to build my 1st rod and putting together the list. I would like this rod to be a mat punching/small swimbait rod,Matt lures/6" Hudds, say from 1oz to 2 1/2 or 3oz rating. There's a local company that carries Rainshadow blanks and they seem to more closely mimic the Shimano Cumara & ST Croix Avid blanks I'm used to more closely then any other blank they carry.

#1) Is anyone fimilar w/Rainshodow blanks?

#2) Should I be looking for a more stought blank for these applications?

#3) Someone recommended using a lite fly epoxy on the entire blank and flex coat lite on the guides and eyes. Do I really need to put an epoxy on the etire blank? I'm very partial to the Matte finish.

Last ?, I've noticed St Croix uses a heavy thread w/an overlay of tape for their wraps. I've been using a grade "A" nylon thread for my wraps. Is the St Croix wrap any better vs just the thread and do they do it just for mass production purposes?

As always thank you for your time and input!

Rainshadow blanks are great blanks. The RX8 is a superb blank, very light and sensitive.  The RX7 is a great blank and considered an incredible value.

I can't say much about swimbait rods, as I've never built one.  I have used the Castaway XP3 904 and 905 to build flipping rods.  Both rods turned out great, very light and sensitive for big punchin sticks.

 Lately I haven't been putting an epoxy or finish on my current rods.  Depending on the blank you choose, most will come fully finished.

 I've been hand sanding most of my blanks, to removing whatever finish comes on the rod. Its a small weight savings, but it adds up.  The finish looks just like  most Kistler rods I've seen, black matte.  I have used Gudebrod one part rod finish to coat a couple of blanks this week that were intended as Christmas presents and it seemed to work really well.  The finish was hard/glossy and really brought out detail in the blank.

 I've only built 20+ rods, so I'm still learning things. If you don't already I'd suggest you read ww.rodbuilding.org. Its full of experienced rod builders, and you can get solid answers to most any question.

As stated, Batson makes some nice blanks and offers some great values.

You have a number of options to choose from. They make a mag bass IMB846 (RX7), MB846 (RX6), swimbait ISWB904 (RX7), several musky and saltwater (RX4, RX7, RX8) blanks that all fit your weight ranges.

Excluding all the fly rods, I have built on the RX6 & RX7 mag bass and RX7 musky blanks, and am currently building the RX7 swimbait blank- ISWX945 and the XMB844 RX8. All are good blanks that have a purpose and a niche... Part of your decision comes down to length and which application you plan to do more of.

Do I really need to put an epoxy on the entire blank?

No. It won't add any structural integrity to the blank.

I've been using a "A" nylon thread for my wraps.

When finished with Threadmaster or Flexcoat, size "A" thread will hold up to more stress than the musky and swimbait blanks will take. (even with single footed fly guides) In other words, the blank will break before the guide is ripped off. (trust me) Only when you get to saltwater applications is A thread insufficient.

As always you guys are the best! I can't thank you enough for your expertise!