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Last Wednesday, I took possession of my new custom built smallie rod built by Josh Turner (L1Ranger). It is numbered (#17) and hand built using a Batson blank etc. Josh can fill in the details since he knows all of the components.
I have not caught a fish with it yet but I can tell you that it is very balanced, incredibly beautiful and strong. I cannot wait to catch a fish with it! I did throw it in the pond the other day but mostly to get a feel for it.
It's cool that it's personalized....
and it has some incredible detail....
I think that Josh did an outstanding job on it, far exceeded my expectations!
Ernie
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That is sweet! What power and action is it Ernie?
I have been finding myself drooling over a lot of split grip designs lately, I just can't wait to get my St Croix Legend Tournament!
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DD,
I will let L1Ranger to post all of the details...it is Med Fast with micro guides.....the cork is neat too! Incredible workmanship!
Ernie
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The blank is a batson RX7 ISB802.75 - 6'8" Med power - extra fast action - 3/16 to 5/8 oz
the spinning guides are fuji concept alconites and the rest are batson size 3.5 micros. Most freshwater rods carry size 5 or 6 guides out to the tip top. these are much lighter and it takes about 5 or 6 micros to equal the weight of one size 5 or 6 guide.
the cork is an exotic burl from Lamar fishing, finished with tru-oil.
The split area is decorated with holo wrap, which is mesmerizing in person, but hard to capture the true effect on camera.
here's a couple more shots I took myself.
split grip with no foregrip, amtak aero reel seat, which i really like and will be using on my personal rods in the future. The rod was built to the specific reel, for balance and optimal castign performance, and should prove to be a great rod for plastics with enough butt to keep the big ones out of the nasty stuff and into the boat.
Last edited by L1Ranger (Jun-03-08 9:30AM)
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What he said!
The rod really is gorgeous but the balance is what impresses me! The workmaship is top notch. Now, it's on to having a casting rod built....can't wait to see that one!
Ernie
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lemme know on that casting stik - I got one for my brothers anniversary on the hot plate right now, and vacation coming up soon, but should be good to go after that.
but its time to get some slime on that one!
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That's beautiful! I will have to take a look at it one of these days. I love the personalization and artwork at the end. Is the split handle for better feeling? I will definetly have to invest into one of his custom rods in the future!!!
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L1Ranger wrote:
But its time to get some slime on that one!
I think I already droolled on it at the meeting
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the split grips do several things - one is reduction in weight. the reduction in weight aslo increased sensitivity.
This also means less material, and less cost - good cork is running upwards of 2 bucks a ring these days, and lower quality cork is still a dollar or more. That would add up to 50 bucks additional cost for materials on the above rod.
some people like to cast two handed, so the split rear can lengthened to accommodate this, but I've never had aproblem with the shorter butt peice.
plus is more room to add the pretty stuff
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Well...it is real nice.
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that really is a work of art, Ranger. Do you have a rod making business or is it just a hobby?
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Well damn, if I had a rod that looked that good I think I would be too scared to risk actually using it and would just hang it on a wall in the living room for people to admire. Very very nice !
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just a hobby, right now
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If I ever crack it, I will cry....but I know where to get the tape!
Ernie
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that cork should be pretty crack resistant
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What characteristics usually classify a rod as a "smallie" rod? I know Loomis has their Bronzeback series, but I never really knew how they are specifically designed for smallmouth...
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IMO - what makes a smallie rod, a smallie rod, is using it for smallies
I know, thats a little vague, but thats the way I see it. It could very well be a largemouth rod, or a light saltwater rod.
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For me, I will use the rod for smallies and greenies. I just won't use it if there is real heavy cover.
Ernie
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That's what I always figured, I just didn't know if their was any action/power/tip that someone had determined to be generally better if used for smallies
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its all personal choice dan - I'm a big fan of specific rods for specific tasks.
its not necessary, I never had more than 3 rods until I graduated college - one fly rod, one bass rod, one musky/catfish/carp rod. That was how I rolled.
After school and getting a real job and having some money and time to get back into fishing more, i figured out what i like for different things. I mostly fish in rivers for smallmouth and musky, and rivers and streams for wild trout these days, and having what I consider the right tool for the job makes my day more enjoyable.
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