The CHEAPEST ROD BUILD

[goldrod]

what’s the cheapest you’ve built a rod and how did it perform?
I’m considering a ultra minimalist rod build

[hoohoorjoo]

I have a few utilitarian custom builds that I don't have over $120 in each rod. I use them a lot more than most of my other rods.

[amso4]

I built a rod on a $35 NFC Delta Hybrid CB 7106 blank and put a cheap Mudhole guide set on it with a cheap seat. I use it on Deep cranks and some swimbaits. The action of the blank is fantastic. I have like $70 is the whole setup and I use it more that the Dobyns 806CB that I bought for this task. Go figure.

[setsail26]

I built a bunch of rods for my club on Rainshadow RX6 blanks. Cost I think was $48 per rod. They turned out surprisingly nice. I built one for myself with smaller nicer guides and better cork and it turned out to be one of my favorite rods at a cost of something like $65.

[RMCatchNrelease]

NFC Delta....PERIOD!

They punch well above their weight in quality and durability. Built the 706 for a friend who high sticks it and I've watched him boat flip 100s of fish on it. I cringe everytime him bounces one off the side of the boat.

With carbon grips, ECS, Fuji alconites, you are still under $130.

There are some special blanks in the lineup.

MB664 - mine weights 91grams built and is great for Jerkbait and can handle +1 deeper styles bits with a bit more resistance.

MB693 - All around amazing rod. I got lucky and they sent mine untrimmed @7'2" and it is my go-to bladed jig, rattle bait rod.

SJ705/706 - Again all around awesome rods. 5 is a MH and the 6 is closer to a heavy. Sweet tapers that are faster than an MBR but still versitlie.

Those 3 rods would cover many applications.

Currently building a couple XRays and they are all still under $200.

[Stump jumper]

If I want a cheap rod, I just go out and buy one - there are plenty of functional sub $200 rods out there. I figure it takes me the same amount of time building a cheap rod as it does an expensive one, so why waste the time (or have your name associated with a cheap rod). Besides, it seems $200 (in parts) and about is about the point where I can start making rods that are better than what I can buy.

[LowRange]

I could do 99% of my fishing with two Walmart Lews Hank Parker rods and a Lightning rod if I wanted to.

[Cal]

if I wanted to.

[Hogsticker2]

Least expensive I have would be built on a Phenix Maxim blank, which feels better than every other cheap blank I've tried, and a cheap 3 dollar Eva grip. I think the ECS reel seat was like 5 bucks, and Fuji Hardloy guide train that was 16-17 bucks.

[RMCatchNrelease]

If I want a cheap rod, I just go out and buy one - there are plenty of functional sub $200 rods out there. I figure it takes me the same amount of time building a cheap rod as it does an expensive one, so why waste the time (or have your name associated with a cheap rod). Besides, it seems $200 (in parts) and about is about the point where I can start making rods that are better than what I can buy.

I'd say you are correct in the $50 range. Especially as most folks will need supplies.

I'm building "cheap" rods because I can make something to my exact specs. I'd also say my $120 delta fishes better than anything under $299 of the rack. The carbon grips will look great in 5 years when the cork on my gen1 expride has had to be shrink wrapped.

The custom part is where it gets fun. I built a 664 with an incredibly short handle. It gives me a fishable length closer to 6'8" and a bit faster tip. The short handle is easier to work the bait.

Lastly is guide placement. I can't stand to look at a poorly laid out guide train. You would think these companies building thousands of rods would take the time to static load test for optimal placement. But I see $400 rods with flat spots under load.

[toddmc]

My rod builder got too old. It's now up to me to build, and I like simple. He did some cheap Mudhole spinning blank builds for my two son's that are great. I got tired of all of the Matagi trim parts on my custom rods anyway. All of my recent builds have been very minimalist with higher end blanks. I have no problem building inexpensive crankbait blanks. These are often your least expensive.