I wanted a new pitchin stick but I couldn't find exactly what I wanted on any of the local racks.  I looked for a long time but nothing was quite right.  In the mean time I sent off a box of reels to ReelMech for service.  Since I couldn't find in a rod what I wanted, I started talking to him about it.  That proved to be EXACTLY the answer to my problem.

What I wanted was a 6'6" heavy power/fast action in a really light build.  Yet, since it was going to be subjected to the rigors of close quarter jungle combat it had to be quite durable too.  He suggested a St Croix SC266HF blank and I agreed, but in the end I changed my mind and went SC3 because it was 1/2 oz lighter.  I figured the new Avid blank would be durable enough, and I think he agreed considering it would be spiral wrapped.  He didn't disagree anyway, so the rod was built on the new 08 model Avid blank and fitted with ECS seat, Alconite guides, his incredible burnt burl split grip/no foregrip.

In the end, I got a fantabulous rod.  It is EXACTLY what I wanted and was balanced out with the reel to be used on it (Shimano Castaic) without adding any additional weight.  Perfection achieved....and then some.  It is ultra straight and super light feeling.  A crisp feeling, snappy tip action with plenty of beef for hauling pigs out of their wallow.

Gentlemen...this is the ONLY way to go!  You get what you want and it fits like a glove.  Dealing with David Green is a cinch, he is a master in his craft with MANY years of credible experience backing every word and every action in the process.  Very likely I may never buy another "factory built" rod again.  

As far as I know, St. Croix did not offer this blank in a factory build last year.  I never found one in any store or on their website listings either.  They DID offer it in a Premier blank and I already have one BUT, the balance is horrible and takes an ugly toll on my wrist over the course of a day on a strong pitching pattern.  (I have arthritis in my wrists and hands).  To have a lightweight rod balanced to your reel to just the right feel makes a HUGE difference.  It will be awhile before I can fish this rod, but I KNOW it is going to change things for me and I'll be more effective with it.  I really don't know if you can put a price on that???(but he did anyway)  But, in that respect his price was more then reasonable as far as I'm concerned, in fact I was a little surprised that I could get a custom built rod that cost me not much more then the same rod built by the factory.  There is no comparison when you consider what he puts into it.

So, even though I have no pictures to share with you....yet, I am completely stoked with this rod.  Many firsts here for me.  First custom, first split grip, first spiral wrapped.  Looking forward to stinging a new PB on this thing and would like to say a BIG thank you to David for his creative abilities.  I am putting in request for my next DG Rod Works custom built stick already.

Good review Jeff, I am also looking forward to having David build me a custom rod that is also perfectly balanced with a reel serviced by him.  I am hoping to have it by the time spring and soft water comes but I have yet to hear anyone complain of the service or quality that he provides.  

Thanks for the kind words Jeff.  

Here is my file cover shot of the rod.

2008 3C66HF blank (carbon pearl finish), black fuji ECS reel seat, black J-style fuji alconites, black thread wraps w/single silver turn inlays, Burnt Burl Grips w/laguna burl insets...

Enjoy the rod, when you get that new PB I want pics ....

It's a very cool experience for sure. You will enjoy the whole process and correspondence with Dave.