How to buy the right fly rod for you
(without busting your budget!)
We deal mainly in Graphite fly blanks and feel that there is a graphite for every casting style and situation. If you are interested in bamboo blanks please go to our home page where we introduce Bill Carter and his wonderful hand made bamboo rods. This is really a great art and if you can afford the craftsmanship, it is a wonderful addition to any fly rod collection.
Almost every Graphite rod or blank manufactured today will fall into one the 3 grades of graphite, IM6, IM7 or IM8. In its simplest forms this is what differentiates one rod from another, The graphite is the biggest influence on the flex of the rod which is used to determine blank action. Each manufacturer has their own mandrels (the metal rod the graphite is wrapped around to produce the blank) giving them a slightly different action, but the first step in finding the right rod for your fishing style is to determine which "action " best fits your casting style.
Let's discuss the 3 basic categories and explore examples of each. If you are interested in the lengths & weights available for any of the blanks mentioned below, just click on the link to see a chart of sizes and prices including any current specials.
IM6 graphite produces a moderate action, which means that the flex of the rod reaches the mid point, of the rod. This allows for most ample time to complete a cast. You will often hear it said that these blanks will make rods that are very "forgiving" they do not require the precise timing of some of the faster action rods. Various companies have added special glues or additives during the making of the blanks, but Most IM6 graphite blanks/rods, will have a similar action and fall into the moderate category.
Cote's IM6. A great entry level blank, price friendly to every budget. These are very nice finished in a translucent brown. We use them in all of our rod classes. The deliver a smooth yet powerful action with excellent dampening abilities.
Batson RX6 The foundation standard modulus/ high strain rate graphite fiber (33 million modulus) is bonded with a light fiberglass scrim using a space age resin system. These blanks have a dark blue finish and have been very popular for both performance and price.
Pacific Bay Rainforest. The standard IM6 graphite in a distinctive forest green finish. They come with a lifetime warrantee These blanks are no longer produced by Pacific Bay, so there are limited lengths and weights, These are a great deal so get the while they last.
Pacific Bay Tradition II These blanks received a material upgrade in 2005, resulting in a slight upgrade in action. The rich matte gray color works well with the wide variety of new guide colors available today.
American Tackle Matrix. American Tackle Fuses the beauty of a woven twill graphite material with the traditional intermediate modulus blank design. The result is a cutting edge blank and the first of its kind to be offered to rod builders. The “Matrix” material adds power and sensitivity to the butt section without inhibiting the performance of the unidirectional tip section. Presented in an emerald green finish.
IM7 Graphite produces a fast action, which means that the flex of the rod reaches only one-third of the way down from the tip of the rod. These rods allow less time for error in our casting style. They load the line faster, and if used properly, can cast further than a slower action rod. Consider a blank from this group if you have to make longer casts to reach the fish, or find that you are casting too fast for your current set up.
RAINFOREST II SERIES was upgraded in 2005 from IM6 to IM7 graphite, improving on our instant Classic. The new Rainforest II features a slightly darker version in Hunter Green of this highly popular series. You will find the action faster and rod stiffer than the Original Rainforest series.
Batson RX7 These blanks are fashioned from an "intermediate modulus/high strain rate" fiber (43million) combined with a light fiberglass scrim, finished in an olive green. These blanks offer superb strength, sensitivity and light weight at a very competitive cost. They High performance and fast tapers, available in both 2 piece and 4 piece models priced from $39.00 to $100.00.
IM8 Graphite produces an Extra fast action, which means that the flex of the rod reaches only one-quarter of the way down from the tip of the rod. You need exceptional timing and control to make the most out of these rods. They are the most powerful and responsive of the 3 graphite grades, and usually the most expensive.
American Tackle Heritage Series is designed and manufactured in the USA. This unique blank line provides the serious angler with a true step above in quality. By utilizing a high strain, high modulus carbon material, American Tackle Company provides a light weight blank with quick responsive power to enhance casting and hook setting performance. Available in a rich matte clear. These blanks are special orders for us at this time, if you are interested in these please E-mail us or give us a call to order or with any questions.
St Croix Legend Ultra is designed with an extraordinary high-preformance, high-modulus graphite. These are extremely lightweight rods with crisp, fast actions and an incredible transfer of power. They are also very sensitive. The blank prices start at $150 up to $350 for the 15' spey blank. They have a matte spruce green finish. These blanks are special orders for us at this time, if you are interested in these please E-mail us or give us a call to order or with any questions.
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