Each winter I end up adding to the arsenal. Last two were UL's. This year it's playing with Moderate action blanks.

 

First goal was to upgrade my spinning skipping rod. Started with a Batson Testament 7' MH (10-20) Mod "Crankbait" blank. I cut it down, both tip and butt, to 6'6". Under load it's still a MF thanks, apparently, to the long taper of the longer blank and cutting off some of that wimpy tip; What I was hoping for. My debate was starting with a 7' or a 7'6". I chose a Fuji VSS handle bc it is similar to my familiar long-time skipping rod -an old 80's Shakespeare Sigma Boron. Practice casting in the yard, it's... wonderful. Used SS-insert guides. Rod came in at 4oz even.

 

Second rod ended up as a M spinning for a grub/swimbait/possibly light jerkbait rod. Started with a Batson Revelation (RX7) 7' M (8-14) crankbait blank, thinking I'd take 6" off the butt and have a 6'6" skipper. But, it did not have the power, and the tip taper was too long, too soft, period. So I cut both tip and butt. Remained a M to MF when loaded, meaning that there was too much soft tip out there to begin with. I'll fish it before I cut anymore off the tip. Seeing what that it was destined to be a grub rod I prioritized sensitivity, using a super-light graphite ice-fishing handle. I had to custom make a fore-grip. SS-insert guides. Rod came in at 2-3/4oz.

 

Went all black, except for accent rings on grub rod. Went with black rubber gaskets from hardware store on skipping rod.

 

Learned a few things this year. Can't wait til next year.

 

This year's builds:

 

 

 

 

How does that Testament rod fish compared to an Immortal? Very nice builds.

@bish0p Mine is a Revelation (RX7), the Immortal is a step up (RX8). The Testament was (not made anymore) also a higher end blank.

 

Tough to compare the Revelation and Testament that I have, since they are such different power rods. Both were 7' CB blanks, the Revel a M power, the Testament a MH. I trimmed them similarly, but despite the tip pruning, the Revelation is still a bit soft at the tip. I would guess that the RX7's lower modulus would be noticeable compared to the Testament. But, these are the only of each I've had.

Well, ya know... that's jus plain cool. Thanks for sharing it.

I have never found it necessary to trim a blank, and would never trim a tip, because with the thousands of blanks available, I've never had to risk trimming.  Just doesn't seem prudent to start cutting a $100+ blank that a company has spend many hours of highly talented people's time to perfect.  

 

I know it has worked to your satisfaction, but wouldn't like to give newbies the idea that the process is without risk.  

On 4/1/2020 at 10:46 AM, MickD said:

I know it has worked to your satisfaction, but wouldn't like to give newbies the idea that the process is without risk.  

Agreed. As I'd said, I'm experimenting/playing. I'm a curious sort, and a DIYer. That certainly has its risks.

How long are the handles below the reel seat?

1 hour ago, Wildbillb said:

How long are the handles below the reel seat?

As short as practical. Both are 7.5" from the reel stem. Just long enough to get support against my wrist, and to cast two handed.

Very nice

Well... I've christened my two new builds. Both are fine. The lighter rod is still too soft in the tip. And both rods transition too fast into the butt section. Predictable I suppose, but I had to try. I was able to maintain more power in the tip in the MH build, and it makes an adequate skipping rod. And I got to put a deep bend in it, from the other end! ...