anyone build on this blank?  I just got one.  I've heard good things.  One of the original extra fast blanks.  Will be using it for dropshoting and jigging for walleye and smallies.

It's a very good blank for the money, but a far cry for one of the first dropshot blanks, let alone one of the first x fast blanks, for that you would have to go back 40 years, long before Batson was a company.

WOW good to know.  Seems like an older proven design and I don't know much about blanks from back then.  As old as I go is some of the Shikari stuff.  I love the few I have.  Wish I could find more of those.

I have a couple of them for my bigger/heavier drop-shot baits.  Given its power, I feel it's a better tube rod.

4 hours ago, S Hovanec said:

I have a couple of them for my bigger/heavier drop-shot baits.  Given its power, I feel it's a better tube rod.

Would you expand on what blank attributes you feel makes a good tube rod? I see this mentioned from time to time and I'm unclear about the meaning.

The Shikari P, IP, and PP 700 blanks are exactly what I was talking about as some of the first successful Xfast of the length we use now, the original rods started much shorter in the 5'3" to 5 '9" range as dropshotting was used most with light line, 1/8 oz max. weights, and shallow water back than. It was a fairly old technique that went out of favor in the US, exploded on the Japanese bass tournaments years later than came back here. I believe I still have a SHX PP700 still in my stash along,with some other leftovers.

Tube rods have evolved too, they used to be shorter and with the lighter heads they skipped great and spiraled down giving something the bass really seemed to like, I think the older finesse worm rods are probably closer to a what many use now as tube rods.

I feel my definition of what makes a good tube rod may differ from others. I'm skewed because I primarily fish the great lakes.  I want a rod with a soft tip that has the ability to move the tube for a good hook set once a smallie has clamped down on it.

Yes I plan on trying  this for rippin' raps for walleye along with shiver minnows, blade baits, and heavier jigs 3/8oz to 1/2oz.  Actual drop shoting is last in line.  I have a 6'9" bushido that does that well the few times a year I do it.  Just hope its got a different feel than most the other rods I have.  So many end up very similar.

Rod is built!  Got it done on Christmas night.  Used a simple split grip with eva and cork along with klh fuji guides, kept it nice and simple.  Total build is 3.8 ounces.  Super happy to keep it this light!!!  Paired with my 2500 Stradic ci4.  Now for spring to come!!!!