Best $100 Blank

[pathaws]

Just need some guidance on a good blank. Was hoping to build something like adn 8'6" 4 wt, preferrably 3 pieces. I don;t know, I'll see what I can get for the money I have to spend on it right now. Any good sources for blanks would be appreciated.

[cheech]

I just built a Hook & Hackle IM6 blank. It is seriously a sweet blank. I got it for $36, and it has a lifetime warranty. They have a nice selection of blanks to choose from. You should be able to build a rod for under $100

[pathaws]

Thanks Cheech. I just checked out the web site and think I will order something from it.

[Curtis Fry]

I 2nd the hook & hackle stuff. Great prices and great service!

[Jason]

Where do they get their blanks? Do they make their own?

[cheech]

They are very similar to the pac bay rainforest blanks. According to Bob at H&H, his blanks are a bit lighter and faster. I think it is Pac bay that makes them for him.

[Ouzel]

What is the flex curve like, parabolic (full even curve down into the handle)? Mostly from in front of the handle on up? Just the top section?

[newtyer]

his 47 million and 51 million rods are both Rainshadows rx7 and rx8 series made in Sequim WA. If he uses pac bay rainforest blanks also (sounds like thats what cheech got) they are an import blank distributed through pac bay. oh. and I would vote for Dan Crafts blanks or Amtaks in the 40 to 100 dollar range. Dan Crafts are made by a bunch of guys in oregon under the name five rivers. They use high grade prepeg and high modulous, they are also fast action and come in a variety of weights and piece models. Amtak's also have a im6 import blank that is a fast action, their other series is a medium fast series. Both great blanks, but I also like rainshadows rx7 and rx8. I'm building both right now.

Also I found a place up here in the Puget sound that has a bunch of 2 piece sage RPL's and LL's for 75 bucks each. They might be into shipping you one.

[pathaws]

Do you have any contact information for Dan Crafts, Amtak or the Sage blanks?

[newtyer]

dan craft - http://www.dancraftent.com/loadit.html click on the catalog button below the nav buttons.

Amtak blank are cheapest through Janns Netcraft - http://www.jannsnetcraft.com/Content.aspx?src=home.htm
be sure to call before ordering because they haven't had em in last month when i tried to place an order.

Sage blanks are at Patricks Fly Shop in Seattle Washington, I dont have the number infront of me and i dont think they have a website. look em up in the online yellowpages. be sure to ask them to pick out a straight one. about 80 percent that I looked at were straight as an arrow but a couple weren't.

Also for 20 to 50 bucks more (depending on where you get it) you can get a Saint Croix SCIV as well. its a sweet blank.