[mysticfisher]

So my wife wanted a Sage Bolt...not because she can cast such a fast rod, but she loved the orange blank. Rather than buying her a rod that would probably be too fast for her to cast, I searched for a quality orange blank and found Rodgeeks, built by St. Croix. They make over 30 different blank colors and the description (fast, but progressive enough to cast at any distance) was perfect for what she wanted. I had Bill from Snokist build it up and I just can't say enough about how well the rod cast! I have a 6wt Burkheimer Seatrout and this rod beats it hands down!

I couldn't find any reviews on their fly blanks, so I just wanted to post and give them a big thumbs up in case any of you guys have thought about building on them. They are fabulous!

 

[veilside180sx]

My understanding is basically that the Legend Ultra mandrels got shipped down there when they discontinued them. That doesn't mean the materials are necessarily the same, but the tapers should be.

St Croix owns a portion of the company, as they have the Mojo's and a few other lines built at the factory.

 

[veilside180sx]

My understanding is basically that the Legend Ultra mandrels got shipped down there when they discontinued them.

St Croix owns a portion of the company, as they have the Mojo's and a few other lines built at the factory.

 

[mysticfisher]

My understanding is basically that the Legend Ultra mandrels got shipped down there when they discontinued them.

St Croix owns a portion of the company, as they have the Mojo's and a few other lines built at the factory.

OK...I don't have any experience with St. Croix rods, but based off the description that makes sense. Makes you wonder how often those mandrels get recycled under different names???

 

[veilside180sx]

It's not super uncommon. Mandrels are expensive... and a long lead time to get them. There is only a couple of people that make them...and make them well. It's a big part of why R&D is labor and time extensive.

 

[mysticfisher]

It's not super uncommon. Mandrels are expensive... and a long lead time to get them. There is only a couple of people that make them...and make them well. It's a big part of why R&D is labor and time extensive.

Fascinating!

 

[NIrodneck]

I have built quite a few rods, fly, spin,and casting, on RodGeeks blanks. They are very good quality blanks, especially for the price. The carbon 2 series is supposedly like the SC V/II and the series 4 like SC IV. They are straight and light and getting custom paint colors are a bonus.Considering they come from Mexico shipping is very reasonable ($20) and quick (2 weeks or less).

 

[Philonius]

Props to Bill at Snokist Rods! He did a repair and replaced a grip on another rod for me last year and is a stand-up guy.