Hello all. I really enjoy checking out the fine work you guys do. Thought I'd share what I've been working on recently. This is my second attempt at a complete build and I've learned a lot from the board throughout this process. This is built on an MHX SJ843 blank. I bought this to build a spinning rod for shaky heads, but I found it to be a little more powerful than I'd like. So I decided to build it as a casting rod for heaver shaky heads and finesse jigs. Opinions and advice welcome.

I think it looks pretty darn cool  8-)

Matches the core perfectly!

Great looking build!  THe MHX blanks are just a little on the heavy side.  But still a great blank for the $.  I build alot of the MB843.  The SJ843 is good for the exact build you did.  I throw a lot of 1/4 jigs with the same set up.

Nice work, for a shakyhead rod try a SJ 842 or maybe even the new SJ 841 that just came out.  I'm gonna build an 841 soon.

Very nice stealthy looking work for the Core, I like it alot!

Tight Wraps!

Thanks for the kind words guys.

I too like the MB843 blank, that's what my first build was on and I love it.  Incredibly light weight.

I have a SJ842 on order so hopefully I'll get to make the rod I intended to make in the first place shortly.

Very nice!

Nice, clean looking design. Good job.

Great looking build! THe MHX blanks are just a little on the heavy side. But still a great blank for the $. I build alot of the MB843. The SJ843 is good for the exact build you did. I throw a lot of 1/4 jigs with the same set up.

When you say the MXH are on the heavy side are talking power (which I can see) or actual weight? The MB843 spec weight is 2.45oz where as a St Croix 4C70MHXF is 2.7 and the 5C70 is at 2.4. The MHX is my favorite bang-for-the-buck blank.

Deleware

Talking power. The MB843 and the SJ843 both seam on the higher end of Medium heavy. But still great blanks for the $.

Do you think the sligt weight difference between the St.Croix and the MHH is due to finish?

That would be fair guess, but we'll never know for sure. There are so many variations in graphite, scrims, adhesives... and everyone is understandably tight lipped about certain manufacturing details. At the end of the day, the blanks performance will speak for itself.

I don't know how much finish on a blank impacts the performance, but I know it doesn't help it.  Any rods I build for myself will be on unfinished blanks, be it MHX or other brands.

Crab,

  I've been researching the idea of trying to build an hmx myself and it will be my 1st rod.  Was building one harder than you expected?  Also,  did you get a turner/dryer or just turn it yourself during the drying process.  I guess I'm just trying to see if I'm getting in over my head or not. 

That rod looks great, it matches the reel perfectly.  That is a really impressive build for your second rod.  My one suggestion would be maybe next time trim the reel seat threads so that when you palm the reel your fingers aren't resting on them.  But like I said, very well done.

That hook hanger would be the first to go.

Crab,

I've been researching the idea of trying to build an hmx myself and it will be my 1st rod. Was building one harder than you expected? Also, did you get a turner/dryer or just turn it yourself during the drying process. I guess I'm just trying to see if I'm getting in over my head or not.

I didn't find it too difficult.  It was easier than my first build.  On my first build I wrapped by hand and rigged up a drying motor with the motor off of a microwave turntable.  For this build I had the power wrapper/drying motor.  I would suggest for your first build just stick with a single thread color.  That's what I did with my first one.  I used black and the guides almost look like they have paint over them instead of thread.  You can always go back and add some accents later as well.