North Fork Composite HM-XRay Blank Question

[Chode]

what are all the production rods that use this blank?

[KP Duty]

I think the new zbone is the only one....that I know of anyway. I have 2 black widows built with IM blanks im thinking of having a builder swap in x-ray's..

[TravisNY]

I just purchased four of the 2020 Z Bones. Couldn’t be happier. They won’t be my last.

[Revofisher]

travisNy did the 2020s change any from the 2019 first x ray blanks on the z bone that you can tell as far as taper and actions go

[scrapiron]

I have some of the earliest X-ray Zbones and had some new ones mid/late last year. I noticed they down rated similar blanks- the MH went from 1oz. to 3/4oz. For example. They don’t seem to make the light powered longer rods anymore- 7’3” Medium for example.

The early blanks (serial #s below 5) are very “thin” but are surprisingly strong. The later ones seemed ‘thicker’ and didn’t have that electric feel. They are/were still great, don’t get me wrong.

These early ones are right up next to the new Steez AGS rods as sensitivity- just amazing. I did comparisons with the Zbones and other rods (same reel, line, lure) and it was night and day. The later Zbones- still good, still sensitive, still awesome... but the early ones a tad more ‘zing’.

I also felt the actions were more firm on the later Zbones. I love me some mod fast and the three I have are wonderful- true mod fast. The later Mod Fast didn’t have near the smooth action- they were more Fast. Could’ve been the blanks, could’ve been a design change.

Can’t speak to the newest models after the redesign as I haven’t tried those and probably won’t. The early Zbones and Steez AGS have me set for this year anyway.

I wonder if they were pushing the proverbial envelope early on and perhaps found they were not as robust as they needed to be for all fisherman. I don’t fish a ton compared to a lot of folks here and I baby my equipment.


That 7’3” Med/Mod Fast rod is an absolute standout. In every regard- feel, sensitivity, strength, elegance, etc. I almost cried when I tripped on some concrete stairs while holding it. Thankfully had someone put on two part expoy (crack was below handle) and that seems to have fixed it. Still feels the same.

[DavidSA]

I have one on a zbone. I purchased in October so guess it is the 2019 model. very nice blank. I've got the 7'10 H model. My take is as sensitive as any rod I've owned or fished in a stout rod.

[nvbroncrider]

Kistler Zbones Edge rods Black Widow series those are the only ones I know of.

However I have built on a couple of the X-Ray blanks and really like them. There regular HM blanks are really good too. Got a bunch of rods that need testing. Just need the time to go and weather to cooperate.

[DaisyZillion]

Kistler Zbones Edge rods Black Widow series those are the only ones I know of.

However I have built on a couple of the X-Ray blanks and really like them. There regular HM blanks are really good too. Got a bunch of rods that need testing. Just need the time to go and weather to cooperate.

I don’t think the X-Ray blanks were used for the Edge Black Widow series or at least not advertised as such, they were called Next Gen HM blank, the new Silver Widow series is quoted as built on the X-Ray HM blank.

[amso4]

Kistler Zbones Edge rods Black Widow series those are the only ones I know of.

However I have built on a couple of the X-Ray blanks and really like them. There regular HM blanks are really good too. Got a bunch of rods that need testing. Just need the time to go and weather to cooperate.

I don’t think the X-Ray blanks were used for the Edge Black Widow series or at least not advertised as such, they were called Next Gen HM blank, the new Silver Widow series is quoted as built on the X-Ray HM blank.

Thats right. The 733 BW Edge rod is the only IM NFC blank in the series, all the other BW are the HM. No BW are X-Ray.

[_diggy_]

https://www.leviathanrods.com/shop/prod ... -bass-rod/

I ordered a swimbait rod from them, but their bass rods do

[Chode]

https://www.leviathanrods.com/shop/prod ... -bass-rod/

I ordered a swimbait rod from them, but their bass rods do

please post some pics of the balancing point when you get it. thx

[_diggy_]

https://www.leviathanrods.com/shop/prod ... -bass-rod/

I ordered a swimbait rod from them, but their bass rods do

please post some pics of the balancing point when you get it. thx

8ft XH 2-8 with lexa 300

I used the wide angle so you can see the whole handle

[Chode]

oh wow. that balancing point is sick

[_diggy_]

oh wow. that balancing point is sick

I was pleasantly surprised. I will give it a run tomorrow evening.

I even tried putting a gen1 tatula on it and it balances less than an inch higher

[ss30378]

For the Edge rods only the Silver Widow line uses the x-ray blanks.