So in a few months time (due to cash flow problems) I'll be in the market for a new flipping rod.

I'm looking at getting one in the $140-$160 range.

The name brand rods I'm looking at are Pinnicles, Ducketts, Powels.

Now what I want to know is could I get a custom rod in that price range that is just as good as those rods?

Now I'm thinking about a bait casting rod that is 7'6" MH with a fast tip.

I will be fishing with braid so high quality guides are a must but they don't have to be the latest and greatest. I don't need a bunch of high end upgrades.

Just a blue collared hard working rod that has good quality components and quality craftsmanship.

Like I said I don't need it to be on par with a G.Loomis GLX

rod but I'd like it to compete with brand rods in the 140-160 range. I understand a lot depends on choice of components and such.

So For a Max of $160 (I'll go a little over for S&H) do think I could have this done or am I better off get a brand name rod?

All opinions welcome.

Capt.O

Just get the Crucial 7'6 MHF flipping stick! Although I do believe you can have a custom made for right around 160. PM DVT great guy, and I'm sure he will give you a quote

Labor alone will cost you at least $100, then add the cost of blank, tip, guides and handle.

With a budget of $160+, you're better off buying a factory made.

Yep, you are crazy. Not going to happen for that budget. Maybe pick up a Crucial or Avid on sale, or a Powell as you mentioned.

With that budget better go and get a factory made right from the counter. 160 dollars for a custom ----> it ain´t gonna happen.

I have to agree with the majority, that's an awfully low budget for a hand built rod. You can find really, really good rods for that price in the flea market. There have been numerous Loomis and Dobyns listed in that range.

GBlanks will make you a real nice rod for that price.

You could contact Delaware Valley Tackle. http://www.delawarevalleytackle.com/

He is a sponsor. I'd talk to him before giving up on a custom rod.

Think about it, guys. You're telling someone to build a rod with a blank that is most likely in the $50-$60 range at most. You're talking a St. Croix SC2 or IM6 blank. The equivalents to those would be a St. Croix Premier, for instance. You're telling someone to pay $160 to build a rod that you can otherwise buy for $110. Even Batson Rainshadows are in the $90 range for a casting rod.

So, in essence, what you're suggesting he does is spend $160 on building a rod that is going to have less sensitivity and quality than he would get if he bought a new rod at the counter. Even better, he could buy one of the several used sticks that show up on a regular basis from the Flea Market.

Don't get me wrong, DVT is a great guy. I'll be sending reels to him after this season for some mechanic love. Yet, the advice you're giving the guy, in all honesty, is terrible. You are thinking of the cost alone, you're not thinking of the quality.

Check out Ebay as well as they have some custom built rods there that might be just what you are looking for in your price range.

Well it looks like I'm crazy But you guys already knew that.

But I'm going to do my homework and I got a feeling this might be possible. I'll let you guys know how it works out.

Tight Lines,

Capt.O

Check out Ebay as well as they have some custom built rods there that might be just what you are looking for in your price range.

These pre-built rods could be called hand-crafted, but IMO don't qualify as "Custom" due to the lack of in-put from the user.

Well it looks like I'm crazy But you guys already knew that.

But I'm going to do my homework and I got a feeling this might be possible. I'll let you guys know how it works out.

Tight Lines,

Capt.O

You may not be as far off-base as you think. The brands in the OP run more in the $160-$180 range. There are some very high quality blanks available at reasonable prices. Custom rods don't have to break the bank (unless you wan't them to)lol. PM or email me if you'd like to discuss options.

These pre-built rods could be called hand-crafted, but IMO don't qualify as "Custom" due to the lack of in-put from the user.

You're right as I agree a "Custom" built rod should have in-put from the user regarding "how" the rod will be used.

You may not be as far off-base as you think. The brands in the OP run more in the $160-$180 range. There are some very high quality blanks available at reasonable prices. Custom rods don't have to break the bank (unless you wan't them to)lol. PM or email me if you'd like to discuss options.

PM sent

I've heard that a MHX from mudhole is a quality blank.

Thier kits start at about 100.00

Add labor??

Mike

I've heard that a MHX from mudhole is a quality blank.

Thier kits start at about 100.00

Add labor??

Mike

Mike I was looking at those and I'm glad you said something about the blank because I was wondering if they where fine.

Thanks,

Capt.O

Mike I was looking at those and I'm glad you said something about the blank because I was wondering if they where fine.

Thanks,

Capt.O

I have built several of the MHX kits in the last few months. About 100 for what you want. I have added split grips to mine which don't come in a kit at this time. PM me if you want one built.

FD

The MHX blanks are top quality and come with a life time guarantee. I build most of my personal use rods on them. They are comparable to other companies' offerings at 2 & 3 times the price. They also offer a super high modulus line that just rolled out last week.

Well it looks like I'm crazy But you guys already knew that.

But I'm going to do my homework and I got a feeling this might be possible. I'll let you guys know how it works out.

Tight Lines,

Capt.O

I would take DVT up on his offer. If you can swing it, and get a custom rod for under $200, I'd go for it. Maybe a MHX blank, with a minimal split grip , Alconite guides with the "true" Concept setup.

You won't be sorry you went custom... especially with a good rod builder, and I've personally heard really good stuff about DVT.

P.S. I wouldn't go with the kit. Talk to DVT first.

Well looks like its going to happen guys. It is a little bit more than my budget but for the price is going to be worth it.

Check back here in a few months and I might have something to show you.

Capt.O

Well looks like its going to happen guys. It is a little bit more than my budget but for the price is going to be worth it.

Check back here in a few months and I might have something to show you.

Capt.O

Good Luck and let us know how it goes. Just looked at the MHX spinning rod kits which are on sale now.