My first build - I had been annoyed with most factory flipping rods I'd used with handles being way too long for me, so I wanted to make something to my own specs.  Blank is a Hydra FL955MF-NG (7'11" XXH/MF) and components are basic, Fuji Alconites, full cork 11" grip, and a hidden thread hood.  It'll have 3/4 to 1.5oz flipping rigs on it almost exclusively and feels like it'll be great when I get to use it.  Constructive criticisms appreciated.  

 

Lessons learned on the first one...

1. I should have followed pretty much every piece of advice out there and started with a cheapo build...Because even though I think I did a decent job, you can definitely tell this is a first build in certain places ?
2. I initially liked the idea of handwriting the label, just the aesthetic of it...But my handwriting is atrocious so it's better left to a decal for me.  Sakura Jelly Roll pen writes on the blank very well though.  
3. Smaller brushes for the smaller guides would probably make things a lot easier, I think I will add finer tipped brushes for the small guides.
4. Be careful with razor blades...I accidently nicked my wrapping thread a few times when putting the blade down...Probably a matter of not being used to the layout of the wrapper and such, but I felt pretty dumb when I had to start a wrap over .  
5. Having a workspace that works for you is important, I started out in my basement with some folding tables but eventually moved it to my workbench in the garage with a space heater to keep temps up....Things went so much smoother once I moved it all out to the garage with more space and organization available.  Went from feeling like I had 2 left hands to feeling fairly competent just from changing my work area.

 

 

Side note...It ended up sort of looking like a cross between an NRX and a Dobyns with the thread color and handle layout...It wasn't intentional I was just trying for a blue theme to match the blue SV Coastal I planned to use with it  

Looks amazing @Logan S You're on your way.

 

Very nice.

Looks nice man, gives me hope for my first build. Thanks for sharing your experience

Nice rod, have you seen the crap wraps on NRX rods? I would never say my rod looked like some production rod, after all they didn't say their rods looked like a Rich Forhan Revolver Rod when they made their first split grip, no foregrip rods.

Nice job! That’s a beautiful combo 

You did a great job, this just makes me want to build my own rods now. 

Very nice indeed. 

Great work!

 

 

                                         

great job. love the shorter handle also. that's the way I've been doing mine also.