Click here for ordering details and estimated wait time.
All prices are in US Dollars and are current as of
December 30, 2009 |
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Hexagonal,
6-Strip Rods
The most common geometry.
Constructed of six identical tapered strips, glued
together to form a hexagon. The standard in bamboo
for over a hundred years.
Click to View Available Tapers
Price: 2/2 - $1250 : 3/2 - $1400 |
Spiral Built
Hexagonal Rods
Spiral building is a method
originally conceived by Fred D. Divine and
patented in 1892. Basically, during the
glue up stage of making a rod, the blank is twisted
so that there is a 1/6th revolution between each
guide along a rod's length. The idea is the
rod is 'pre-tensioned' by putting the fibers under
stress so the resulting rod is stiffer and more
powerful without adding any mass. Very few
makers offer spiral rods for sale. An example
of a spiral built rod can be found by clicking
here.
2-Piece only. No hollow built option.
Price: 2/2 - $1750
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Pentagonal,
5-Strip Rods
A somewhat uncommon geometry
that offers an excellent, asymmetrical balance between
forward casting power and cushioned hookset to protect fine
tippets. Pentagonal rods tend to be slightly lighter in
weight than their hexagonal counterparts.
Click to View Available Tapers
Price: 2/2 - $1450 : 3/2 - $1600 |
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Quadrate, 4-Strip
Rods
Quadrate rods, though more difficult to make and a bit
unusual looking compared to other geometries, have the best
strength-to-weight ratio due to the greater density of power
fibers along their circumference.
Click to View Available Tapers
Price: 2/2 - $1600 : 3/2 - $1800 |
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Saltwater Series Rods
I have had a enough interest lately that I have begun work
on a series of rods made specifically for saltwater use.
These rods feature hollowing as a standard feature, titanium
REC Recoil saltwater guides and stripping guides, ferrule
overwraps to protect the nickel silver from corrosion,
Struble titanium hidden-thread reel seat with fighting butt
and custom turned wood insert, as well as a handful of other
modifications with saltwater and big fish in mind. Pretty much any rod taper 7wt or above
can be made as a Saltwater Series. Prices are the same
for 2/2 or 3/2 rods.
Price: $1750 Hex : $1850 Penta : $1950
Quad |
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Hollow Fluted Hex
Hollow Fluted Penta |
Hollow-Built Rods and Blanks
By removing material from the
inside of a rod section, the resulting rod recovers more
quickly while casting and feels more responsive, not to
mention being lighter in weight. Hollowing must be done
carefully however as it does change the flex
characteristics, and to some extent, the strength of the
rod. By modifying the tapers slightly as well as tapering
the interior hollowing to suit the rod taper, rods can be
made lighter, snappier yet still as strong as solid built
rods.
I have experimented with all the various hollowing
techniques and have determined that the 'scalloped' method,
originally conceived by E.C. Powell, is the best for weight
removal, action and durability. Details on this method can be found
here.
Price: Add $100 to Rod or Blank Price
(Included in Saltwater Series Rods)
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'Star'
Hollow Hex
'Star' Hollow Quad |
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Hexagonal, 6-Strip Bamboo Blanks
(see below for Quad and Penta
blanks)
Varnished blank with ferrules mounted and fit, spine marked and tip
tops installed.
Custom rod sock included.
Click to View Available Tapers
Blank Price: 2/2 - $400 : 3/2 - $450
Add $100 for
hollowing.
Quadrate, 4-Strip
and Penta, 5-Strip Bamboo Blanks
I am currently
offering a limited number of quadrate and penta blanks for pre-order.
Put in your order now for a fall delivery!
Prices include a varnished blank with ferrules mounted and fit, spine marked and tip
tops installed. A custom rod sock is included.
I have many quad and penta tapers available.
Please contact me to discuss which is right for you.
Blank Price: 2/2 - $500 : 3/2 - $550
Add $100 for hollowing.
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Cork Upgrade
Finest Grade Cork Grip Upgrade
- $100
Hover mouse pointer over text above for an example
I always try my best to get the cleanest cork rings possible for my grips.
However, quality cork is always difficult to find, and even the best quality
hand graded cork is usually far from perfect.
When I do get in a batch of good cork, out of maybe each 1000 rings I might
get enough near-perfect cork to make one grip. Grips made from these
rings will still likely show a few blemishes, though they will be
much fewer than any other cork. Those veins that do show up
during turning will be small and very shallow.
Because some people very
much prefer the finest grade cork possible, I am now making it an optional
upgrade for me to use this extremely limited, best-of-the-best cork on your rod.
This upgrade is only possible when I have enough top grade cork to
make a grip.
Currently I am completely out of this top grade cork. I'll put
up a notice if/when I get some more.
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Rod and Component Details
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I make each and every
bamboo blank and rod from start to finish myself here in my shop in
Alaska. From selecting then cutting and splitting the raw
culm to varnishing the finished product, every step along
the way is performed personally.
I purchase most of the
hardware that I use (guides, ferrules, etc.) from US
suppliers and manufacturers. My philosophy behind this
is until I am able to make the components myself, and can
make them better in quality to what I can purchase, I'll continue
to use what I can buy, but only if it is the best.
The finest quality
Tonkin cane from
The Bamboo
Broker.
I prefer to flame my rods and blanks.
Tones can range from a light, orangeish tan to deep chocolate brown.
Blonde or mottled light/dark rods available upon request.
In addition to cosmetic flaming, all rods and blanks are oven
treated.
Bellinger reel seat, either up- or down-locking with choice of various wood inserts or
Struble Titanium reel seats with custom turned inserts
by request.
Nickel silver hardware can be blued or bronzed upon request.
Aluminum hardware is also available. Cork core seats are available for an additional $50.
Finest grade cork rings available from
Picky Bastard Cork.
Snake Brand
wire snake guides and agate stripping
guides in natural chrome, blued or bronze or
REC RECOIL
guides and strippers on the saltwater series rods or by
request. Mildrum-style stripping guide can be substituted on request.
Snake Brand
or
PacBay tip
tops in chrome, blued or bronze.
Pearsall's Gossamer
or
YLI
#100 rod wrapping silk.
Wrap tipping is optional and available at no extra cost.
Intermediate wraps can be added for an additional $100.
Classic Sporting Enterprises - CSE - nickel silver ferrules.
Can be blued, bronzed or overwrapped with silk on request.
Wraps are finished with multiple coats of varnish or other sealant.
Rods are coated with 2-3 dipped coats of spar varnish and left
high-gloss.
Landmark or
REC aluminum rod
tube with silkscreened logo.
Custom made, fitted rod sock. |
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