Thinking about building myself a custom spinning rod this winter (first I have to build a 12' float rod) how sensitive are their standard "freshwater" blanks?

Way above what the price indicates. Same can be said for the similarly priced Rainshadow blanks. I have a steelhead float rod on a 13' MHX blank and am very pleased with it. The Rainshadow is available in 3pc so I'll be trying that next. 

They are more sensitive in my hands than any of the popular 100 dollar off the shelf rods I've come across. This includes the ever popular *** Black and Falcon Bucoo, both of which I've owned. If built right of course. Love the fact that they're pretty much raw graphite as well. Money well spent that won't break the bank.

My MHX three-piece travel blanks suited me just fine for my trip to Baccarac last spring.  I was very pleased in general with them.

I just had my first custom rod built for me on an MHX blank, and for the $$ I have into it....$135 total, (that includes the blank, guides,reel seat, assorted materials, and what the guy who built it charged me) it is the best bang for the buck I have ever spent on a rod. 

Way above what the price indicates.

 

What he said.  Most blanks at that price range are pretty heads and shoulders above off the shelf rods IMO.

Alright thanks! I'll have a little more money coming in now so in gonna enjoy it until I have to pay some stuff

I just had my first custom rod built for me on an MHX blank, and for the $$ I have into it....$135 total, (that includes the blank, guides,reel seat, assorted materials, and what the guy who built it charged me) it is the best bang for the buck I have ever spent on a rod.

I just had my first custom rod built for me on an MHX blank, and for the $$ I have into it....$135 total, (that includes the blank, guides,reel seat, assorted materials, and what the guy who built it charged me) it is the best bang for the buck I have ever spent on a rod.

Remember that guy at Christmas, that's a deal

I sold a comparable NRX because I thought my MHX HM was more sensitive.

My MHX three-piece travel blanks suited me just fine for my trip to Baccarac last spring.  I was very pleased in general with them.

 

X2

I used the MHX 3 piece travel blank (TR844.5-3-MHX) & was using baits that exceeded the weight limit  (SK 10XD) with zero problems.

My Rainshadow is one of my favorite rods.

Cant wait to learn to build rods now! Might have to spend a bit more on the High Mod blank after it being compared to an Nrx..

I'm going to build on a Rainshadow Revelation for my next build this fall. I built my first stick on a Phenix M1 and I can say that building your own and catching fish on it is a very rewarding experience.

If anyone needs any help, we are here to help in any way.

I have a MHX  crankbait rod built by Kissel Krafts on the 843 blend blank..Great wiggle wart and 1.5 rod , will handle a deep little N.. I've been very impressed by it., More so than some rods I paid much more for.

I have a MHX  crankbait rod built by Kissel Krafts on the 843 blend blank..Great wiggle wart and 1.5 rod , will handle a deep little N.. I've been very impressed by it., More so than some rods I paid much more for.

I've built one with that blank. I actually love cranking now, well, more like enjoy it.

I've been interested in rod building for a while. Would yall suggest a cheap build for the first as you have to buy equipment and learn?

DVT built me a rod on a MHX HM. It's Mag ML made for shakey heads. Definitely fishes above its price range. Super light and sensitive. I have no regrets.

On 8/20/2015 at 5:19 PM, Dwight Hottle said:

 

X2

I used the MHX 3 piece travel blank (TR844.5-3-MHX) & was using baits that exceeded the weight limit  (SK 10XD) with zero problems.

I've built about 5 travel rods for myself. How is the TR844.5-3? A spinning rod,I assume. I'm looking for a do it all inshore/nearshore rod paired with a sustain c5000. I'm impressed it is rated up to 1.4 oz. lures.

59 minutes ago, Marcram said:

I've built about 5 travel rods for myself. How is the TR844.5-3? A spinning rod,I assume. I'm looking for a do it all inshore/nearshore rod paired with a sustain c5000. I'm impressed it is rated up to 1.4 oz. lures.

It was built as a casting rod. It was great to use as it handled everything I threw on it. No problems with the ferrules. 

6 minutes ago, Dwight Hottle said:

It was built as a casting rod. It was great to use as it handled everything I threw on it. No problems with the ferrules. 

How is the mod-fast action? There are very few options that aren't fast.  Can you get bend just whipping it in the air or is it too stiff for that?

It’s stiffer than a med heavy moderate. My initial thoughts was it was too fast but it loads well with a bigger bait. The smallest bait I have used with it probably weighed 3/4 oz.  it handled numerous fish with out any pull offs up to 8.5 lbs. 

Thanks!