Looking to build a drop shot rod and looking for idea for which blank to get. I usually fish lake Erie so I will be using it allot and I want something that is going to be sensitive

It may help to clarify how much you are willing to spend on the blank alone or all the components. If money isn't an option your options are unlimited and something like the K2 blank will be up there. If you are shopping around $100 or less for the blank the MHX Hi mod would be up a good choice. 

Well I had so much fun building my first rod I wanted to keep going. I would love to buy a k2 but just can't afford that looking at whole things like 200-250 in parts

Lake Erie dropshotting is what I do most.  St Croix is my favorite.  My current setup is a 5S610MLXF-B extended to 7'.  I just gave my wife my old DS rod which was a 5S69MLXF-B. Prior to that, she was using a 4C69MLXF built as spinning and before that, a 3S69MLXF.  I just ordered myself another one....a 5S610MLXF-G.  See a pattern forming?

 I'm addicted to DS rods and normally have at least 3 rigged up on deck when I'm out.

I have a build on a Rainshadow Immortal 7'2" ML that I use for drop shot and I love it. Perfect drop shot rod IMO.

Phenix makes nice blanks but are way over priced IMO. St Croix scV, Rainshadow e2 even MHX hm models make great drop shot blanks at much better prices to boot. 

I am pretty impressed with the MHX blanks for the price. I don't even have the HM ones, just there "regular" bass blanks. I have one rod built on a Rainshadow Immortal blank, and it's my least favorite one that has been built for me, even though it was a more expensive blank.

I was set to have a drop shot rod built some time ago but did not. At any rate through extensive research the one blank people raved about was the Rainshadow 822.5. Came in RX7, RX8 and plus models. Seemed every thread on rod building forums stated this was the blank to have. I think in the current line up, Eternity and Immortal it is now the 6'10 ml spinning blank. If you're fishing open water you might want to give these a look, but if you're going to be fishing around docks and what not you may want to step up a power. And imo Phenix blanks are not over priced. The Ultra line is better than everything else in that price range. The K2s are wonderful but pricey. The Recon stands in a class of its own at or around 80 bucks. Just my 2 cents. 

10 hours ago, Hogsticker said:

I was set to have a drop shot rod built some time ago but did not. At any rate through extensive research the one blank people raved about was the Rainshadow 822.5. Came in RX7, RX8 and plus models. Seemed every thread on rod building forums stated this was the blank to have. I think in the current line up, Eternity and Immortal it is now the 6'10 ml spinning blank. If you're fishing open water you might want to give these a look, but if you're going to be fishing around docks and what not you may want to step up a power. And imo Phenix blanks are not over priced. The Ultra line is better than everything else in that price range. The K2s are wonderful but pricey. The Recon stands in a class of its own at or around 80 bucks. Just my 2 cents. 

The K2 is what I was referring to and agree pricey is a better adjective than over priced. They are nice blanks. 

I built one on a MHX High Mod gen 2 blank last year and love it.  Paired it w/ Shimano Stradic Ci4+.  I think I've posted these pics before but here is how I set mine up.

17 hours ago, Hogsticker said:

I was set to have a drop shot rod built some time ago but did not. At any rate through extensive research the one blank people raved about was the Rainshadow 822.5. Came in RX7, RX8 and plus models. Seemed every thread on rod building forums stated this was the blank to have.

I have built quite a few ISB822.5s (the RX7 model).  It's a pretty nice blank, but I didn't like it for dropshot.  It is a great tube blank though.

Also consider painted vs unpainted on the blanks. I hate the painted St Croix blanks so I would never build a rod on one. All of my builds are and will be on black or grey colored blanks.

On ‎2‎/‎25‎/‎2016 at 5:48 PM, kickerfish1 said:

Also consider painted vs unpainted on the blanks. I hate the painted St Croix blanks so I would never build a rod on one. All of my builds are and will be on black or grey colored blanks.

that's why i use Citristrip !! i also don't care for painted blanks ( as i mentioned in several other posts , i stripped the colbalt blue paint off my St. Croix Big Nasty ) i just now (15 minutes ago ) stripped my Phenix 707ML blank down to raw graphite ....

On ‎2‎/‎27‎/‎2016 at 10:18 PM, Big Bait Fishing said:

that's why i use Citristrip !! i also don't care for painted blanks ( as i mentioned in several other posts , i stripped the colbalt blue paint off my St. Croix Big Nasty ) i just now (15 minutes ago ) stripped my Phenix 707ML blank down to raw graphite ....

Does this void the warranty? I want to use a 4 or 5 series St. Croix but hate the colors.

 

Allen

Stress test the blank before you build. If it works , warranty issue is moot. 

Just wanted to give you guys an update on my build I bought the mhx hm gen 2 822s. Got it in the mail yesterday can't wait to start with the new build

Sounds good. I just had a casting rod built on one of their blanks and the rod is quite impressive. I would build on another in a heartbeat

I answered your message zmankane24.  Didn't know if you seen it.  

I think you will like that rod.  Enjoy!

Yeah I did sorry I didn't write back been so busy with work but off next week for vacation so time to build the rod

Cool, enjoy the time off and the build.

Update on the build

Looking good ..,,. I love the aero reel seat 

Yeah I wasn't sure if I was going to like it but when I built it it feels amazing would definitely recommend it and buy more

Citristrip shouldn't hurt your blank.

I've built on the MHX Hi Mod, Gen 1 and 2, and have an Immortal 72 and Eternity 72.  They're all great.  I like the Eternity the best, but if price is a factor the other two provide a fantastic value.