New Custom - MHX HM drop-shot! WTF!!

[Tokugawa]

In keeping with the WTF theme, I just picked this rod up today from Mitch, and I'm super impressed with the HM MHX blank. I haven't had a chance to get it on the water yet, but it feels incredible in hand. If the cosmetics look familiar to some folks, that is because this replaces the "Edo" period rod that broke (my fault).

Name: Tanto
Blank: HM MHX822-MHX drop shot blank
Length: 6'10"
Action: x-fast (72 degrees RDA)
Lure: 1/4 - 3/8 oz...but good down to 1/8 really
Guides: SS/Alconite micros; spiral wrapped left
Guide wraps: metallic purple with mint trim band
Foregrip: none
Grips: Split burl cork, 1.5" each
Reel Seat: Matagi (Fuji ECS) painted
Handle Length: 8" from reel seat
Weight: 3.5 oz
Rodsmith: Mitch Leppelmeier (Northcoast Custom Rods)

The Sol is modded with an Alphas Ito spool, a TDZ 4BB handle and a Carbontex drag. It is spooled up with #7 Sniper FC. The combo weighs out at 10.8 oz.

The rod sleeve is a very nice added touch. It comes with every MHX HM blank, and is as nice as the Megabass sleeves. Some companies should take note on how to pay attention to details on high end rods and accessories (cough...NRX...cough).

Here it is:

















I will try it out tomorrow!

I have another custom coming...and it will be a doozie!!

Toku

[ecu daniel 14]

woah dude thats awesome. I may have to get a nice custom rod eventually. I really like your red one.

[vArm]

Really great looking rod, GREAT color scheme.

[africanbass]

The detail is amazing

[Tokugawa]

Thanks guys! I need to grab some corks for the Sol tho.

[facelessnewsouth]

Nice rod, Toku! Some corks on the Sol would definitely set it off nicely.

[USA-RET]

Beautiful Details and colors - superb

What do they call the design between the split grip?

[Tokugawa]

Beautiful Details and colors - superb

What do they call the design between the split grip?

Thanks RET!

They are Kirameki flowers and leaves. Kirameki is a Japanese variety of azalea (satsuki), typically more suited to bonsai and more fragile than a western azalea.

Here is one in Bonsai:

http://www.satsuki-bonsai.com/kirameki-p-169.html

[Tokugawa]

...and the hanko

[lpquick]

Beautiful Details and colors - superb

What do they call the design between the split grip?

Tokugaw is that abalone shell strips or veneer?
Great looking rod, hope the new blank is what you expected. Definitely update us on the how the rod fishes. I am trying to decide which blank to buy for my next build (my first casting rod) only built fly rods up until now. The blank prices seem reasonable @ the Mud Hole.

[Tokugawa]

Beautiful Details and colors - superb

What do they call the design between the split grip?

Tokugaw is that abalone shell strips or veneer?
Great looking rod, hope the new blank is what you expected. Definitely update us on the how the rod fishes. I am trying to decide which blank to buy for my next build (my first casting rod) only built fly rods up until now. The blank prices seem reasonable @ the Mud Hole.

It is yuzen chiyogami paper with thread epoxy over it.

Mitch has the process down now...it took some experimenting at first . So then I ramped up the difficulty with the next build.

[gordoleo]

Absolutely perfect. Please let us know how it fishes, and I would also like to know how it compares to your XSB822.5.

[rugud2go]

Great looking rod. The corks off a TD-Z ito would really set off the combo.

[PainInTheBass]

Absolutely beautiful combo! It makes me want to get onto starting my HM MHX rod. It has been sitting here for a month now.

[TeamDaiwaRick]

CLASSY