I have spent hours looking for a very, very specific set up:

6' 3"

Medium action

Fast tip

Micro guides

split foam grip

the most important feature is the overall weight of the rod - under 4 oz. if possible.

I really want to go off-the-rack but I can't find exactly what I'm looking for, so I went the custom route and emailed ALX. After my initial contact I have heard nothing back after two inquiries.

Can you guys recommend a good custom rod builder that won't gouge me or a good quality rod meeting the above specs that I have overlooked?

Thanks for the help!

check out otterods. i havent personally seen his rods but ive heard great things about them.

ill pm you links to some pics

I would recommend Mike at Delaware Valley Tackle.  He is on this forum as "Delaware Valley Tackle" and their website is http://delawarevalleytackle.com/  He made a rod for me this winter.  It was turned around very quickly, at a reasonable price, and the product was beyond what I expect.  I am sure I will be ordering more from him in the future.

Mattman could help you out but he is expensive.

Well worth the money never heard a bad complaint.

Could try e21 heard there doing micro guides or you could try Kistler they have a line of micro guide rods

    I bet EJtaylor can hook you up. Great communication, and beautiful work judging from his galleries. I will be getting my first rod from him within a week or so.

Gblanks

www.imaginationbassin.com

Check 'em out!

the weight shouldn't be a problem. Earlier this year, I built a 7' M/F casting with micros and a split cork grip that weighed 3.44oz. It came in lighter than the production rod on the same blank (as a custom should). The biggest hurdle is the price.

Any particular reason you want foam?.....cork is lighter.

PM sent

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I'd also recommend cork on a build where weight reduction is a primary concern.

Mike

On a split grip... you will add more weight in the epoxy of a poorly fit grip than you'll save by using cork over eva.  You would need an accurate scale that measures fractions of grams to realize a difference in those grips.  Besides, 4 oz should not be a challenge in that rod.

If you want foam, get foam... it's custom.