MB663 (IM or HM)

When production rods are not enough, it's time to go custom. Come share your experiences building and/or ordering a custom rod and tell us if you'll ever go back to off the shelf.
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jbabin193
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MB663 (IM or HM)

Post by jbabin193 » Sat Jun 12, 2021 5:09 am

Anyone have experience with the MB663? Was thinking of grabbing two of them to make jerk bait rods. I recently ordered the 664 and it's way too powerful. Looking to build the rod for throwing the standard 110 sized jerk baits in 1/2oz size. Open to other blank recommendations as well.

Already did a search, but the blank came up as being recommended for lighter applications. Seems like it would make a good blank for jerk baits based on what I see in the MB664.

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Re: MB663 (IM or HM)

Post by jglenn21 » Sat Jun 12, 2021 2:43 pm

for that weight I'd opt for the MB664

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Re: MB663 (IM or HM)

Post by Hogsticker2 » Sat Jun 12, 2021 11:44 pm

I have the 664 HM extended two inches. Honestly, I think half ounce jerkbaits are the top of it's threshold. 3/8 oz is about perfect imo. I don't think either 663 is going to have the appropriate power.
If your 664 is the IM, this series tends to have a bit more power than its HM brother. My perfect blank for half ounce jerkbaits is the Point Blank 701MF. If you want a shorter blank, find one of the 6'6 or 6'9 models that has close to the the same grams of power. I prefer fast action PB blanks for jerks over the extra fast models. Point Blank also offers increased sensitivity over the NFC HM series imo. Very good blanks.

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Re: MB663 (IM or HM)

Post by Mattman » Sun Jun 13, 2021 4:09 am

Personally, I use the 665.

I've built on and measured the 661 all the way thru the 668. The 663 is very similar in power to St. Croix's 5S66MLF. As a matter of fact, one model I measured gave me the exact same power number as one of the 663's I measured. The MLF is much faster however. And quite a bit lighter.

I have seen guys that like crankbait style rods for jerkbaits use the MLF before.
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jbabin193
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Re: MB663 (IM or HM)

Post by jbabin193 » Sun Jun 13, 2021 4:28 am

I ordered and received a MB664 in the Delta series... I'm wondering if I received the wrong blank or the Delta is that much more stout than the HM or IM. Something is off.

I also ordered the 703/4/5 in IM with the recent 75% off sale just to see. I don't have experience with many of the NFC blanks and only have around 8 builds under my belt. With 75% off, may as well grab a few and start testing.

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Re: MB663 (IM or HM)

Post by jbabin193 » Sun Jun 13, 2021 4:35 am

I am currently using a Kistler LMH which utilizes an xray blank. It's nearly perfect, but not sure if its a shelf blank from the xray or specific to Kistler. I could see it being a 3 powered NFC rod in SJ.... possibly 4 powered. it's more of an xf action.

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Re: MB663 (IM or HM)

Post by Mattman » Sun Jun 13, 2021 6:30 am

jbabin193 wrote:
Sun Jun 13, 2021 4:35 am
but not sure if its a shelf blank from the xray or specific to Kistler.

Kistler has many, if not all, proprietary blanks. Some of Kistler's blanks have no similar model in North Forks offering.


jbabin193 wrote:
Sun Jun 13, 2021 4:35 am
I ordered and received a MB664 in the Delta series... I'm wondering if I received the wrong blank
Unfortunately, in the last two years, I have received 3 incorrect blanks from North Fork. Luckily, I measure all of my blanks and I find that issue right out of the gate. They've always taken care of me but getting the wrong blank really messes with my build scheduling.
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jbabin193
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Re: MB663 (IM or HM)

Post by jbabin193 » Sun Jun 13, 2021 7:39 am

Mattman wrote:
Sun Jun 13, 2021 6:30 am
jbabin193 wrote:
Sun Jun 13, 2021 4:35 am
but not sure if its a shelf blank from the xray or specific to Kistler.

Kistler has many, if not all, proprietary blanks. Some of Kistler's blanks have no similar model in North Forks offering.


jbabin193 wrote:
Sun Jun 13, 2021 4:35 am
I ordered and received a MB664 in the Delta series... I'm wondering if I received the wrong blank
Unfortunately, in the last two years, I have received 3 incorrect blanks from North Fork. Luckily, I measure all of my blanks and I find that issue right out of the gate. They've always taken care of me but getting the wrong blank really messes with my build scheduling.

Are you measuring butt diameter, tip size, and length to verify? Do you also have to load test to verify?

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Re: MB663 (IM or HM)

Post by Mattman » Sun Jun 13, 2021 9:16 am

jbabin193 wrote:
Sun Jun 13, 2021 7:39 am

Are you measuring butt diameter, tip size, and length to verify? Do you also have to load test to verify?

I use the RDA measuring system. When I get power/action/weight numbers that don't jive with previous models I've measured, or don't make sense against the next model up or down, its a pretty sure sign that the blank was mislabeled.
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Re: MB663 (IM or HM)

Post by jbabin193 » Mon Jun 14, 2021 6:57 am

Mattman wrote:
Sun Jun 13, 2021 9:16 am
jbabin193 wrote:
Sun Jun 13, 2021 7:39 am

Are you measuring butt diameter, tip size, and length to verify? Do you also have to load test to verify?

I use the RDA measuring system. When I get power/action/weight numbers that don't jive with previous models I've measured, or don't make sense against the next model up or down, its a pretty sure sign that the blank was mislabeled.
You contributions to this site are greatly appreciated.... I need to get setup so I can start taking measurements. I've read over the CCS system, doesn't seem too difficult and understand the RDA is slightly different.

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Re: MB663 (IM or HM)

Post by MikeK » Mon Jun 14, 2021 4:16 pm

To me RDA measurements are much more useful than CCS. RDA uses 1/3 of the working length for deflection so it accounts for a handle. That gives a better representation of the action measurement vs CCS (If you deflect any blank enough the action angle approaches 90 deg). You can also deflect at different working lengths to figure how much power the rod will have when built. On many blanks a 5" difference in working length equates to 30-40 grams of measured RDA power which is significant.

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