[mdraft1]

Hi everyone,

Just wondering how many of you have had a custom rod built. I have been building rods for 15 years and am thinking of offering a new program where I build a rod according to your specs. ship it to you and you evaluate the value. Thoughts? Just trying to gauge interest in the idea of the plan.

 

[jeff bandy]

Don't know about the "send me a check for what you think its worth." part. That's a very arbitrary way of doing things.

You could at least ask for the cost of materials. Anything above that would be what they thought your time is worth.

Are you doing this to make money or just because you like making rods?

I would love to have my rods custom made. Have big hands and some of mine feel like I'm holding a straw.

 

[Cold]

I've had a few custom rods made.

After reviewing my options and choosing every last little detail, I've found that my tastes steer toward subtle, understated looks fairly similar to what comes stock on most rods anyway...so there's little to be gained, for me, in getting away from a factory build.

 

[David Loy]

Thr only problem with a custom build (from a good builder anyway) is that the rod won't sell well on the used market later, particularly if your name is on it. I have a couple great rods from ACR, with my name, and I won't bother to sell them because of that. Great rods, RPLs, and a fantastic builder too. I have acquired a couple other custom rods that were not built for me and without script of any kind. I kind of like that about them actually. I typically buy what I want and don't worry about selling them later. Many guys do however and that's probably a better tactic.

 

[Old Man]

I have two of them. One an 8wt, which I used for Steelhead and a 3wt which I use for small trout. I tried to sell the 8wt, but it has my name on it. So I still have it.

 

[dust in the wind]

...

 

[mdraft1]

Sorry, not trying to spam or market to anyone. Just gauging interest. My other post is a reply to a direct question.

 

[Kyle Smith]

I have an Aurora built by Fred Paddock. Fantastic dry fly rod!

 

[Penobscot]

I have two of them. One an 8wt, which I used for Steelhead and a 3wt which I use for small trout. I tried to sell the 8wt, but it has my name on it. So I still have it.

So it says "Old Man" on it?

 

[Old Man]

N

So it says "Old Man" on it?

No, it says Jim Swan on it. I do have a name other than Old Man.

 

[madmike98]

4 of my 5 rods were custom built. But full disclosure they were built by my Dad and given to me through the years as birthday or Christmas gifts. So I didn't have to pay for them and because he was working with another rod builder he was able to buy the supplies at a discount. Making the rods cheaper to build than buy a rod of similar quality. 3 of the 4 say "built for Mike by Dad". So yes I own and would like to own more custom rods but I really have no idea what a fair price is.

 

[Jim F.]

3 if you count the ones I built. While I'd love to have a custom rod, my quiver is pretty full.