http://tackletrap.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1066_2694_2696&products_id=12666

This is going to be my next dsr and i dont think the loomis will have anything that this rod does not except the bigger price.  It has a lot more style and the handle looks a lot better.  I have no idea why i like it so much but the looms does not have the character for me.  Match that up with daiwa certate 2004ch and call it a day

http://www.plat.co.jp/shop/catalog/product_info/language/en/products_id/27935/cPath/21_39_40_3285/certate/daiwa-2016-certate-2004ch-free-shipping.html

16 hours ago, WRB said:

Lets try to seperate what a custom built rod is and isn't.

A good custom biult rod should be made from a rod blank that all your needs, the exact length, power, action, weight, handle, guide train and be perfectly balanced with the reel you use. No compromises. 

Adding bells and whistles with fancy wraps and handle colors doesn't improve performance, however some folks prefer bling over performance and that is a personal choice. My custom ALX rods are understated with functionality no bling. The rod components are highest end available, the guides set to optimize casting distance with the reels I use and power/action to my requirements.

You can all this within the price of a highend off the shelf rod and life time warranty and satisfaction guarantee. 

I simply don't need a state of the art spinning rod and there are good off the shelf choices. Each to own, me my money goes into casting rods.

Tom

I am going to talk to Alex about building me a rod for my new Daiwa Luvias. All I use is spinning tackle and your praise has me looking into a custom ALX.