Looking to build your own custom rod? Where do you start? What do you want? How do you decide on the rod blank and components? It’s easier when you have a little help!

 

Rainshadow Rods

 

Glenn,

If you don't know what you want, your a poor candidate for a custom rod. That"s what separates the custom rods from an off the shelf rod, you have a need not being met by production rods.

That's not what I meant Big Guy.  I meant if you're learning about the type of rod components that are available, what is out there, their benefits, price, etc.  Rainshadow will help you decide.

 

You have to start somewhere.  Nobody "just knows it" all of the sudden.

I have little interest in building,  but a lot of interest in commissioning.   I have a few basic requirements,  but feel like I'm woefully underprepared going in.  Does anyone have a basic menu of things I should consider before going to a builder?

I mean, sure I know I need to specify some desires, say length, power, usage, total cost, grip material...but I'd like to be ready to discuss most options intelligently when the time comes.

Thanks for posting Glenn. The further I get into fishing, the more I feel like I would rather "make my own"...rods, plastics, jigs & skirts, etc. 

3 hours ago, Choporoz said:

I have little interest in building,  but a lot of interest in commissioning.   I have a few basic requirements,  but feel like I'm woefully underprepared going in.  Does anyone have a basic menu of things I should consider before going to a builder?

I mean, sure I know I need to specify some desires, say length, power, usage, total cost, grip material...but I'd like to be ready to discuss most options intelligently when the time comes.

You start with figuring out the blank, to help pick the blank know these answers:
What are you fishing for? Lure weight?
Casting or Spinning?
Length?
Reel is nice to know as well, especially for heavy saltwater.
From there the Rod Builder can make recommendations if you don't already know which brand you'd like.
 

A good builder will start there, then they’ll ask questions like:
Budget?

What type of grip do you like? (Full or split, cork, eva, carbon fiber or something else)

Also good to know palm to the meat of the forearm (where you like the butt to hit). If you have a rod that you currently like how it fits you grip wise then you can measure from the reel seat to the butt.

Color Scheme? (for the thread work)
How detailed or minimal do you want the thread work? Basic or Fancy.

From there they’ll make recommendations on the reel seat and guides. If you already know what you like great but if you don’t, don’t worry that’s their job to help guide you along the journey of getting a custom rod built.

On 5/14/2019 at 11:01 AM, Choporoz said:

I have little interest in building,  but a lot of interest in commissioning.   I have a few basic requirements,  but feel like I'm woefully underprepared going in.  Does anyone have a basic menu of things I should consider before going to a builder?

I mean, sure I know I need to specify some desires, say length, power, usage, total cost, grip material...but I'd like to be ready to discuss most options intelligently when the time comes.

If you tell a GOOD builder about the application and what you like and dislike about rods you’ve tried they can advise you regarding components , power action, all of it. That’s where the true value lies. Lesser builders just take orders and assemble parts. Most of my personal fishing time (what little there is lately) I spend on R & D trying different blanks and the newest techniques so I can speak about them with confidence. 

Bucket list.