I teach rod building and casting at Project Healing Waters - Fort Belvoir and we have quite a production line going - but we mostly buy kits and have good program supplied equipment and the best supplies, something most builders don't have at their disposal when they start out.
-- The truth about building is you can make a great rod from a mediocre rod blank using the correct components, good technique and patience. Conversely, one could build a mediocre rod on a premium rod blank. Another fact is manufacturers often degrade the performance of their own blanks with traditional components one has come to expect, rather than the ones that would maximize the performance and life of the rod, and usually because it would cut into profit margin and most anglers are happy with the product anyway. The little details are what make a great rod though IMHO. Some of it is esthetics, but frankly a Fuji graphite spinning reel seat costs about $8 and hands down out lasts and out performs most $50 fly reel seats, but you'll never see one on a commercial rod because it's not downlocking rosewood or an anodized aluminum the manufacture doesn't actually make. Incidentally, If you see a Fuji on a fly rod, it's definitely custom, and probably a excellent rod.
There is nothing economical about it building your own, like fly tying, you won't really save money. There's a reason why a custom fly rod is usually more expensive than it's commercial cousin though - especially if you, or a pro builder can make tweaks to conform to your casting and fishing style, or tweaks to improve your casting and fishing. You probably can't tell difference between a custom Orvis Superfine Touch . But if you want a Ritz grip, smaller guides, different color wraps, a fighting butt on a 4 weight (why not?) then you'll have to either build it, or have it built custom.
I would encourage any of you to consider building your own rod, at least one. There's decent blanks and components on ebay to get started as well. I too have less time to tie flies incidentally because of it, but I can usually mooch a few flies.
Steve
On Thursday, June 19, 2014 10:31:52 AM UTC-4, Clarence Fullard wrote:
I broke a snake guide on my 5wt Greys rod. It has a warranty, but between the hassle of actually getting a hold of the customer service department, paying the shipping, and forking over a warranty fee, I could purchase a new rod with less hassle, the same cost, and faster shipping.......so:
Can anyone give me advice on how to replace a snake guide? I can't imagine it is that difficult, though getting the wraps back on neatly could be challenging without some sort of tool to spin the rod rather than spinning the thread. I searched online and found the new guides to be inexpensive, but I have no idea what size to get.
Thanks!
Clarence
http://www.tpfr.org
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