Need a decent 3wt BLANK

[FlyinFish]

Hey guys,

Looking to build a rod for a friend and I'm looking for an 8' 3wt.

This will be for PNW waters so it may vary from some small creeks to big waters with similarly sized gem fish. That's the main reason I want it to be at least 8' is to give him the casting and mending advantage.

I've got a few options, but I don't have any experience with some of these blanks. Any input would be much appreciated. Here's what I'm looking at, and feel free to throw me other ideas. Again, has to be a blank and price range for the blank is probably $200 MAX, but preferably closer to $100. Also, no 2 pieces.

- TXL 7'10" 3wt is a possibility, though it's a bit short.
- TFO LK Pro Series 8'6" 3wt is nice, but I haven't been able to find the blank anywhere.
- Winston Ascent 8' 3wt, any thoughts on this?
- Sage VT2 8'6" 3wt, is it really worth it, or is it just like the other low end Sage's where you don't get much for what you pay?
- Rainshadow RX7 8'6" 3wt is an option, but not sure how nice the Rainshadows are?

The problem with some of the lower end rods is it ends up being cheaper to just buy the rod, once you consider the cost of components, a sock, and tube, and even ignoring the labor. So maybe it's not worth it until you get into the more pricey blanks. In any case, these are blanks and rods I'm considering. If I can't find the right blank, I'll just go with the completed rod at a cheap price.

What you guys think?

[Pete]

I like both the Sevier blanks and the Forecast RX6. Mark and Colleen at Acid Rods sell the Forecast RX6 blanks. I prefer them over the RX7. Lower modulus and to me a tougher blank because of it. JMHO, but super high modulus rods are too fragile.

I love the root beer color of the Sevier blanks. Makes for a very classy looking build. They are on the slower end, but once you let them work they can rocket out a great cast. Examples of Sevier and RX6 blanks: http://www.renaissanceflyrods.com/graphite-builds.html . The Colorado Build & Ross Build(s) are both Sevier blanks. The Family Affair builds are on the RX6.

While the Sevier is a little more than the RX6, neither blank will break the bank. Complete rod should be under $200 in parts.

Pete

[midger]

The Sage VT2 is a nice rod, but even on closeout the blanks run $150+. Like Pete, I also like the RX6 blanks better than the RX7. Unfortunately there isn't a 4 piece 3 weight in that blank (but the 2 piece 7'9" 3 weight sure makes a fine rod--I've made up 4 of these so far). There is a nice 8 foot 4 weight and the blank can be picked up for about $40.

I think you'll find your selection is limited when looking for a 4 piece 3 weight. Check out the dan craft blanks--you may find one there. Just be aware his FT series is very fast actioned--not the best for dry flies but great for nymphing or streamer chucking

[fflutterffly]

Winston. I've tried one and I loved the way it roll cast and handled delicate dries.

[FlyinFish]

Thanks guys. With that said about the RX6, I know you like it better, but do you still like the RX7?

What Midger said is true, so I'm thinking the RX7 may be a good option still. I'm hard set on a 4 piece as well as a 3wt for this particular stick. It does make it tough...

The Dancraft ones are all out of stock on the models of interest, and they are a bit fast for what I may want. My buddy is a novice caster and he's a pretty calm, laid back caster so a really fast rod is not good for him.

Any 411 on the Rainshadow warranty policy? Seems they have one, but it's not as one ended as others are.

I'll check the Seviers as well...

[midger]

I have the RX6 and RX7. I prefer the 6, but I like the slower rods in those shorter, lighter weights--at least with that series.

Ariel is right on the winston's being nice, but you won't be finding any $100- winston blanks. If you could, the LTs are sweet.

[FlyinFish]

Well, the Winston Ascent blanks I found on sale for $70, regularly $115. But, the built rod is $120, down from $225. It ends up being much cheaper to just buy the rod. It is a lower end Winston though, and I know some of the lower end rods from the pricey names can be very little value for the money.

And just realized the TFO Pro 3wt doesn't come as a blank. Dang it!

Midger, do you ever feel limited with the 7'9" rod? I have a 7'6" 2/3wt and although I can lay out some nice casts and some serious roll casts, there are plenty of times I've wanted 6 or 12 more inches. I mean, I fished this rod on a big water with my buddy and it threw a #10 stimi well enough, but I definitely could have used a longer rod.

[stanbery]

Arvin

The VT 2 blanks are nice
Check here they are having a sale on a few blanks

http://www.mrfc.com/MadisonRiverShopping/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=4

Click refine search and go to fly rod blanks

Jon

[FlyinFish]

Arvin

The VT 2 blanks are nice
Check here they are having a sale on a few blanks

http://www.mrfc.com/MadisonRiverShopping/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=4

Click refine search and go to fly rod blanks

Jon

Where do you think my initial list came from ? I'll keep that one in mind as well.

[midger]

Midger, do you ever feel limited with the 7'9" rod? I have a 7'6" 2/3wt and although I can lay out some nice casts and some serious roll casts, there are plenty of times I've wanted 6 or 12 more inches. I mean, I fished this rod on a big water with my buddy and it threw a #10 stimi well enough, but I definitely could have used a longer rod.

Ofcourse there are times you will be limited with the 7'9" length, but that's more a function of the line weight than the length. If I want to throw streamers, for instance, I prefer a stiffer, 9 foot rod in a 5 or 6 weight. For fishing locals, however,(and I include the lower Owens and hot creek in this "locals"), then the 7'9" usually performs flawlessly and it is one of my main go to rods. Unfortunately though, the one I like best only comes in a 2 piece config--I sure wish it came in a 4 piece--but I like it well enough that I still use it a lot.

IMHO, if I were going to make a rod for a newbie, I'd go with a 4 weight. I feel it is overall a more versatile rod for somebody just learning. The additional backbone also makes it easier to cast for a newbie.

[Eric]

Midger, do you ever feel limited with the 7'9" rod? I have a 7'6" 2/3wt and although I can lay out some nice casts and some serious roll casts, there are plenty of times I've wanted 6 or 12 more inches. I mean, I fished this rod on a big water with my buddy and it threw a #10 stimi well enough, but I definitely could have used a longer rod.

Ofcourse there are times you will be limited with the 7'9" length, but that's more a function of the line weight than the length. If I want to throw streamers, for instance, I prefer a stiffer, 9 foot rod in a 5 or 6 weight. For fishing locals, however,(and I include the lower Owens and hot creek in this "locals"), then the 7'9" usually performs flawlessly and it is one of my main go to rods. Unfortunately though, the one I like best only comes in a 2 piece config--I sure wish it came in a 4 piece--but I like it well enough that I still use it a lot.

IMHO, if I were going to make a rod for a newbie, I'd go with a 4 weight. I feel it is overall a more versatile rod for somebody just learning. The additional backbone also makes it easier to cast for a newbie.

Arvin checkout Ebay. yesterday I saw a winston b2x 8'6 4wt. blank going for 185.00

Eric

[KRoberts1]

I have a rainshadow 2 piece, 3wt, 7'9" RX 6 and love it. Fairly inexpensive, too. great value

[Gary C.]

I see that the Madison River site has a 7'6" 3wt 4pc Winston Vapor rod for $170.

[nikonday]

i just ordered a 3wt 8ft redington rs4 finished for $129 on sale at corbelas.cant hardly build it that cheap,