Rainshadow/Forecast blanks.

One of my favorite rods that I built was the Batson SW1087 that I spiral wrapped. I love this rod, and for the money, you cannot beat the quality.

I've also built three fly rods on Batson blanks (I forget the exact blanks, but they are four, six, and twelve weights).

I'm just about to order six of the SWB70 Blanks, probably three of Lights for kid's spinning rods, one of the Mediums, and two of the Medium Heavy's. Except for the GUSA blank that I just got from Billy, the SWB70M and SWB70MH rods will be the "go to" rods being fished from my boat.

I plan to use all Batson components as well. I've been very impressed by the fly rod guides that I used from Batson, so these new rods will all be sourced from a single company.

This post edited by doyle007 06:27 PM 02/05/2008

i use alot of batson stuff. the guys around here really like them, from surf blanks to the RCLB series, i was helping a guy build with the VS3 guides tonight. the alps seats are nice, i put them on my cod jig rod. there are a few great bomber blanks..and sod bank rods..also hoping to get a distributorship soon for this area down here

Hi,

I am pleased with the Forecast reel seats, guides and tip tops.

What I like about the guides, BUDLG, is that the ends of the feet are ground and then the frames are double dipped. I think the feet are a bit more flexible than Fuji and I like that as I hope it also helps retard cracking of the finish at the ends of the feet. No one has complained about the frames rusting.

A year or so ago, maybe more, I opened up a thread to order from Batson. Many members joined in. I have not received any complaints. Someone recently asked me to do it again.

Paul if you become a distributor I hope Batson will do some advertising in the Noreast. This site would be a good place to start.

Neil

Hi paul,

That is a great looking place to teach rod building.

The guy with the tan vest in the last pic looks familiar. He is in the back.

Neil

neil..thats ben marks, and clay Johnson in the front with the red shirt, both good friends and great guys

This post edited by paul708 09:25 PM 02/05/2008

Thanks paul.

I could not remember Ben's name and I completely missed the rocket man.

A friend is going to contact you about a blank, IMU 824.

Neil

Captneilf wrote:




I use the SWB70-ML, M, MH and H for TLIS. The MB 843 is also one of TLIS blanks. Much has been posted here about the M and MH.

Capt Neil

Capt,
Do you think the H or the XH would make a good cod stick for up here in the GOM?

Hi Mac,

Recently delivered a 7 1/2' MH. I have not heard from the guy yet. He cod fishes.

Am trying to get an 8' MH and a 8' H completed before the end of March for a couple of guys to test for me on cod. One fellow does fish up in MA. If I can get them done I will post the info.

I do think they will work especially for an angler that likes the flex of a fiberglas rod. For the blank price it is definitely worth the test.

Neil

Big fan of Batson's components. The folks there are great, from Kerry to Bill to answering questions to fast and correct shipping. Buy all my parts from Utmost Enterprises. Components have held up great.

Been using steadily 3 rods I built from Batsons over the years.

SWB80M w/ HCBG guides and AHD seat.
RCLB70M w/ Alps components XTCXZG guides and CAH seat.
IP844 w/ BVS3TUG guides spinning matched with a Penn 4200SSG for jigging leadheads for fluke in back bay and rivers.

FNR

Hi,

Nice selection of blanks.

I have been using the BUDLG guides and BPLT tip tops. Recently ordered the BVSLG guides. Have been using GS and GT reel seats.

Yesterday and order of the Easy tight Salt Water reel seats arrived and I like them.

Neil

MacSquid wrote:

Capt,
Do you think the H or the XH would make a good cod stick for up here in the GOM?


I have built several cod rods for the GOM on the SWB80XH. These blanks make for an excellent low budget cod rod for GOM... works well jigging or bait fishing off party boats. Blank is a bit on the heavy side, weight wise, but for the price, can't beat it. Working on another one now, and always keep a few more on hand.



This post edited by Seane 03:54 AM 02/13/2008

Hi Seane,

Do you and your guys think that the XH is too light for the GOM?

Neil

Capt Neil, most of the metal seats you will be happy with. i just sent a guy the centra lock for the wahoo jr blank. i have used the tri grip on the CGBT961MH .and they come in a good assortment of colors.

Captneilf wrote:
Hi Seane,

Do you and your guys think that the XH is too light for the GOM?

Neil

Hi Neil,

The XH is perfect for the GOM, can handle 20 ozs. of lead and the 17 oz. jigs. This blank is the best alternative I have found for those who do not want spent the money on the higher end blanks that are popular in the GOM for party boat cod fishing.