Hey Guys, So I am just about fully setup and ready to wrap a couple of rods. I still have a couple of questions and am looking for any advice. I had been referenced to Sevier Manufacturing and TIger Eye as a good cheap option for blanks in the past. His website is still up and phone still on but I cant get any response. Is this guy still in buisness? I like the color of these blanks and it fits the budget. If Tiger Eye isnt an option any nice cheaper 4 piece 5 weight blanks out there? What size thread do you use for wrapping your guides? Two are available on most sites A and D. Are most preformed cork grips not inletted? I prefer to use inletted real seats and am wondering if I need to buy a crafty's cutter to inlet for myself. What guides do most rod's use? I want to make a quality rod that will last a long time and am really surprised at how expensive guide sets can be. Titanium/Hopkins Halloway/Snake Guides etc. What would you recommend? I dont want to break the bank but dont want to cheap out either. I am looking for a simple black real seat with inletted hood. Pac Bay appears to have some cheaper options but in their ads they have Pac Bay written on them and I dont like this, any advice? Also dont want to spend a ton here. Thanks for any help, Josh
You will have fun Josh. I am working on just my third rod, the first was a Tiger Eye. I just kept calling Dave back in Indiana and once I reached him I had the blank in 3 days.
Tiger eyes are a great choice. I know that Dave has had some health issues that he has been dealing with and has his business on the back burner. I have also ordered tiger eye's from http://www.schneidersrods.com/New Hot Specials.htm a little more cost wise but that ship quick and as for thread the only size you will need is "A".
Any of the Batson guide sets are fine. You can use the Recoil, Hopkins, etc but they're not necessary. Hook & hackle often has Rainshadow or Forecast kits with reel seat, cork, guides and thread included for 25-30% off which makes them pretty competitive. Most of the reel seat manufactures also sell cork grips with the appropriate inletting, no need to buy a cutter unless you are turning your own grips.
