Not that they can't be, I have built some really expensive ones.  You can spend $200 on a blank, $75 on a handle and $75 on guides before you even start on labor, but you don't have to.

 

I have a client who he and his wife both work average jobs, have 2 kids in school, and have normal financial challenges.  They are both passionate about fishing and always wanted custom rods but could not justify spending the money on a hobby.  Can they afford custom rods?  Absolutely, and here is how.

 

Just like JC Pennys spring white sale, rod and component manufacturers, from time to time, sell really good stuff for cheap.  When they do this I buy lots of it and stockpile it for future builds.  

 

Here is the example

 

Castaway Intermediate Mod FS 782 blank  6'-6" MH fast in gloss white

Forecast size 16 exposed trigger seat

EVA rear grip and fighting butt

ATC Duralite guides and tip

 

I would put the performance and balance of this rod up against most at BPS.  Add the paint and thread work and you have a truly one of a kind custom that fits in any budget.

 

The handle with the trigger set at 8.5 inches.  He fishes out of a Yak most of the time so he wanted short handles.  He is also a Gator fan so it will be decked out in Tangerine and Wild Blueberry.

 

I buy closeout blanks for the rods I donate. I have to build one for an event next month and I'm out. They may be getting a 4'6" St Croix SCIII UL, cause everything else in inventory is either SCV or 7' or longer 1 piece.

I definetly agree. One of my favorite rods this year is an rx7 781sj rod. I bought the blank on close out for $27. With about $9 in cork and $25 in guides, alconites no less. It has seen probably the most use this year. Pairs with a pfluger supreme I bought for $40 on clearance. The whole combo came in at about $100. I don't think many people can say they put together a combo with a magnesium reel and a high quality blank with alconite guides for much less than that!!! The deals are out there people!! Nice build by the way

I buy closeout blanks for the rods I donate. I have to build one for an event next month and I'm out. They may be getting a 4'6" St Croix SCIII UL, cause everything else in inventory is either SCV or 7' or lomger 1 piece.

 

Get Bit has some great deals in their Blank Bonanza section.

I definetly agree. One of my favorite rods this year is an rx7 781sj rod. I bought the blank on close out for $27. With about $9 in cork and $25 in guides, alconites no less. It has seen probably the most use this year. Pairs with a pfluger supreme I bought for $40 on clearance. The whole combo came in at about $100. I don't think many people can say they put together a combo with a magnesium reel and a high quality blank with alconite guides for much less than that!!! The deals are out there people!! Nice build by the way

 

I have a RX6 843 I fish all the time.  I love it and it cost me about $60 in parts to build.

 

 

Even though this person is horribly misguided on their choice of college, you do beautiful work.

Do you mind sharing how much it cost?

Even though this person is horribly misguided on their choice of college, you do beautiful work.

 

 

So the UM flavored one is also offensive...

 

Perhaps you would like the powder blue and pink.  It's absolutely FABULOUS!

 

That's fab-o!

No, the green and orange is somehow even more offensive.

i wish custom rods were not expensive but they tend to be when you want certain rod blanks that end up costing anywhere between $130-$300  plus another $60 for components , i have my rods made ( when i get a bigger place that will allow me to set up a wrapper and dryer , it will be on!! )

so figure in another $120 - $140 to get it wrapped , it adds up quick !!

If you were to match what they put out in stores ( generally speaking ) vs custom.. You would be surprised. We recently visited a BASS pro shops to always see what people are putting out. Some sell them as the latest and greatest, but when we go to the factories, see the rods being built, seeing the parts they put on them, everyone would be surprised. The mere fact that 98% built on the straight edge vs the Spine makes customs worth it all. 

 

Now costs, it can be achieved, but the real savings is in the builds. Customs cost more because its a 1 off perfectly built rod. 

If you were to match what they put out in stores ( generally speaking ) vs custom.. You would be surprised. We recently visited a BASS pro shops to always see what people are putting out. Some sell them as the latest and greatest, but when we go to the factories, see the rods being built, seeing the parts they put on them, everyone would be surprised. The mere fact that 98% built on the straight edge vs the Spine makes customs worth it all. 

 

Now costs, it can be achieved, but the real savings is in the builds. Customs cost more because its a 1 off perfectly built rod. 

 

 

That was the point of this thread.  I build a lot of rods on your RX6 blanks which is one of the better values in blanks out there.  It's not the latest and greatest in technology but it is better than most fishermen have in their rod locker even though they may have paid $200 for their factory rods.

If you were to match what they put out in stores ( generally speaking ) vs custom.. You would be surprised. We recently visited a BASS pro shops to always see what people are putting out. Some sell them as the latest and greatest, but when we go to the factories, see the rods being built, seeing the parts they put on them, everyone would be surprised. The mere fact that 98% built on the straight edge vs the Spine makes customs worth it all. 

 

Now costs, it can be achieved, but the real savings is in the builds. Customs cost more because its a 1 off perfectly built rod. 

i check out rods all the time at tackle shops , looking at all the details , most all factory rods are hastly made without attention to detail (with the exception of St. Croix ) , in another thread (which is now locked ) i had said i was going to take some pictures of some expensive factory rods that look they were made by somebody who would blow 1.2 on a breathalyzer !! here are the pics , check those thread wraps , embarrassing !!!

 

those are three different rods with a retail price of $ 1750.00 !!

That was the point of this thread.  I build a lot of rods on your RX6 blanks which is one of the better values in blanks out there.  It's not the latest and greatest in technology but it is better than most fishermen have in their rod locker even though they may have paid $200 for their factory rods.

There are going to be some big things coming in the next years. We understand there needs to be some refinement and refreshment, but just like you said, its interesting to know this info. Its almost like shops need deflection boards as well as other testing equipment to show customers. Now I can say that factory rods are good in their own right.

 

You just can't beat a custom. Lets take just the mere fact on the build, guide layout, number of guides, built on the spine, glued properly etc.... No one can touch that. 

My pet peeves for off the rack non - custom rods are :

* Crooked rod blank tips

* Uneven Guides

* Poor guide wraps

* Poor application of epoxy

Example #2

 

This one is being donated 

 

 

 

Castaway SB 6104x 6'-10" MH Fast  $9.95                           I found this in a blank bonanza closeout sale.

Fuji SK2 Split grip EVA                      $8.00

Fiji SK2 Split seat                               $9.49

HLC-K-2 guides set                            $7.02

Duralite Tip Top                                  $1.63

Aluminum Locking nut                        $6.99

 

Total with tax and shipping               $43.08 in parts.

i really cannot wait till we are able to move into a bigger house so i can get back tying flies and start building rods.  It is something i have always wanted to do but i don't have the space right now to do it.

Kitchen table or folding table as a temperary place

LOVE those Kigan hook keeps!

LOVE those Kigan hook keeps

 

 I saw them (on your rods) and ordered a few.  The best hook keeper design on the market.  I will not buy anything else in the future.

 I saw them (on your rods) and ordered a few.  The best hook keeper design on the market.  I will not buy anything else in the future.

how stiff are they ? will the bottom open up easily or at least without a fight ?

They are quite stiff. They are stamped like a guide, not bent wire.

in builds everyone!! Glad everyone is showing that building rods can be affordable! Custom rods!