Batson RX8 blanks or whatever they're calling them now - too many break and the warranty isn't worth the paper it's printed on. Fuji Alconites - I know many of you love them, but I went through a period 12-15 years ago where every other rod I built broke an insert on a guide and I've never gone bac...

Batson-Brands wrote:Don't want to steel this thread, but they went with the nano resin cause we did! http://rainshadowrodblanks.com/product-cat/1828/

I didn't realize you guys actually made blanks.

Batson RX8 blanks or whatever they're calling them now - too many break and the warranty isn't worth the paper it's printed on. Fuji Alconites - I know many of you love them, but I went through a period 12-15 years ago where every other rod I built broke an insert on a guide and I've never gone back...

Chronarch 50 MG
TDZ
MGX

Not intentional, but three different manufacturers.

I think Johnny is spot on. I'm happy with the drag on both, especially the 1016 since my stock drag Daiwas stutter more than Mel Tellis. I've got fish up to 7 lbs or so on both with no complaints. To my hand, the MGX is more comfortable. The only time I favor the Daiwa is pitching. It is by far my f...

In my experience, you won't find a better reel under 6 ounces for the same price, currently $110. I agree with those that complain about the 7:1 not being as smooth as the other ratios. I've switched over to the 5s for cranking and use the 6s for everything else. While the reel isn't equal to a Stee...

Built a handful of MBXs and never had any issues. Broke a k2 and had tons of issues with the RX8s, crooked tips and way too many break. The RX8s were so bad, I've just about completely gone away from them. And the Batson warranty isn't worth the paper it's printed on.

I've been fishing them for a long time and have evolved the gear I use over the years. Originally I started with a 7' medium heavy to heavy powered rod to match the weight of the bait. I'm now using 8' mh and 8' h crank bait rods for throwing spoons. I find the CB rods keep the fish on better. FWIW,...

Read some different things on how important a moderate action is to a punch rod. Any truth to that? I think they're the best option but they are hard to find. You get a stiff tip to handle the heavier weight, but still get a deeper flex with the slower action. You'll keep more fish hooked up using ...

I bought some and have been happy with them so far. Going on 4th or 5th trip using them.

Definitely one of the best tournament bass fishing reels ever made. Since he stop using that reel, his overall performance has dropped. Its a powerful reel. The handle is the same as the one on the Skeet Reese reel having a measurement of 105.35 mm, giving that reel a lot of torque. I believe there...

Price isn't bad. These can go for close to $200 used on eBay. Not sure what it is, but these are loved by lots of people. I have one and like it, but haven't figured out what makes it so special for some.

I highly recommend any new builder do their first rod or two with low end components. Unless you have someone guiding you thru the build, like in a class, the learining curve between your first rod and your third rod is huge. You will quickly learn what to and what not to do. Best advise you'll get...

Had my T3B for a year or so. Had an issue with the line rubbing grooves in the face, but it has performed fine. It cast really well, maybe not further than my other reels, but with less effort for sure. Drag is smooth. It's a great pitching reel, the only reel I used that I liked better for pitching...

I used to build on their blanks and I'd pass at that price. They remind me of a basic IM7 blank/ rod. The rods aren't bad rods, but you'll never get anywhere near $170 out of it if you don't like it. They never really chased the bass market. If you're looking to spend $170, I think there are better ...