I built myself a batson 1088-4 switch for the upcoming steelys this year. I used a RFIL2-GWG black reel seat from batson and matched it with black snake guides. I used burl-mocha, burl, burl-light dark mix and rubberized cork for the grip and shaped it to a western style. The top grip is 12 inches and the butt is 4 inches. Copper trim and black are the thread colors I used for the wrap. I heard about Guidebrod Black on the RBF but I figured that it was a thing of the past..........NOPE. I got a bad spool of black from them and found out when I applyed the epoxy. I re prepped the wraps when they where set enough to file flat. After I cleaned up the wraps I re applyed the finish. The final coat went just as smooth UNTIL the belt broke on my turner and the finish sagged needless to say after more sanding and finishing its all done and ready to fish :thumb:. I picked up new scandi line that Mr Meiser makes for the 1088 and its a wonderful thing and now fish ready. View attachment 43725 View attachment 43724 View attachment 43723
I found out that they will back their thread and ship you a new spool if you want them too. I didn't mind all to much after the fact because I am new enough at this I didn't mind the experience but at the time it happen I was getting ready to.... as my little girl likes to say "Flip the freak out". Now I just cant wait until the season gets here.
Here's a minimum-trouble way to test new components (thread, color preserver, thread coating, etc.): make a test wrap or two on a pencil. It's also a good way to practice wrapping a guide.
This problem I had with this switch rod did teach me allot and one of the biggest is to test new products before it gets to the rod. I'm using a metal rod to wrap and finish to test the product from now on. I'm wrapping up a tiger eye right now with new thread that I tested and looks great. I have read about the GB's black thread problem and I'm aware its getting harder to find a shitty spool but I guess that I just lucked out. Not to bash any company but are there others components out there that have been giving people a hard time?
I'm sure this is common knowledge, but if you use Madeira, USE CP! Several coats or you will have a fish eye nightmare on your hands. I learned this the hard way obviously. I now use an old carbon fiber arrow shaft for test wraps, long enough to wrap multiple colors in 1" increments and coat one in CP and the other without. I do this with any new thread I get now, and always have a reference later. Those copper inlays are badass by the way. Cheers, Steve
