Build it or buy it, first time rod builder

[DezracerCollin]

I am considering the purchase of a new Sage SLT and I am wondering if I should buy a blank and build it or if I should just buy it complete. Obviously it will take time to build one and if it breaks I will have to rebuilt it. But is the customasation factor and price difference worth it. Any input is appriciated.

[joshuahodges]

If you have not built a rod before, i would build one on a rodblanks.com to learn before you build one on a sage blank, the customization and the price difference and the feeling you get when you land a fish on the rod are worth the effort. If you want a good looking rod practice before you build on the sage.

[maxxsmoke]

rodblanks.com????? cannot seem to find a site like the one you named .....

[Lonnie]

They are re-vamping their site....

http://www.blackbearpontoons.com/ROD-BLANKS.COM.htm

[Addict]

If you are looking to build the rod to factory specs this link has them. http://www.shofftackle.com/sage-index.html They use good quality components. Cabela's has an SLT package but they use cheaper components. I believe that you still need to purchase a rod tube so you will save about $150 on the rod if you go with shofftackle. Check your local fly shops some of them might have the finish motors and let you toss your rod on for $5.

If you can tie flies and you don't rush it you can build a rod. The downside is if you break a tip then you have to rebuild it. Sage now offers a spare tip program so you could build a spare tip as well. That way the finish job will match. I have had to rebuild a top section on an xp before and there was no hassle with the return. My first build was a 590 xp but I had an EXPERIENCED builder helping me with every step. I thought it was easy and have built four other rods on my own since then that turned out awesome.

The only time I build is if I can save a bunch of money. I was looking at building one recently as well and the local dealer had it on such a good buy that I couldn't have built one for the price I paid. Plus you can customize it so it is a one of a kind rod. I like to make mine different.

This is a good forum to help you with rod building http://www.rodbuildingforum.com/
They would recommend that you build an inexpensive rod first before making the leap to a higher end rod. You can get inexpensive rod kits from http://www.hookhack.com/

Good luck
Addict

[Flyin Ties]

contemplating building another rod for myself as well. good advice on starting inexpensive first.
Question? the link to hookhack has rod kits for black matte IM6 blanks, anyone have experience with these? would the entire kit at $70 be worth the investment? would seem to me it is?
anyway thanks for the links
Jake

[Lonnie]

I think you should check the second page....
http://www.mailordercentral.com/hookhack/

OUR BEST DEAL ON ROD BUILDING KITS

40% Off Hook & Hackle Matte Charcoal IM6 Rod Building Kits

Take an extra 20% off the retail price of our Hook & Hackle matte charcoal IM6 rod building kits (total discount 40%). (http://www.mailordercentral.com/hookhack/departments.asp?dept=751)


Kits are as low as $46.77 after discount.
Compare with Loomis GL3 or St Croix SC3
No futher discounts apply.

[Addict]

Flyin Ties-

There are a ton of experienced rod builders on the http://www.rodbuildingforum.com/ they are always quick to answer and very helpful to anyone with questions.

There are alot of people who love the IM6 kits that you are asking about. I can't give you first hand opinions on them as I havn't built or cast one myself. Go ask on that forum or look up old threads I'm sure you'll find what your looking for.

The hook and hackle store always has at least 20% off. If you wonder if something is on sale click on the shop online button and then you can get the real price. Check out their reels. If you get an higher end reel you almost get the line for free.

Addict