Thinking of a building a new skippin' rod(components list)

[TonyMc]

Guys. I need a new skipping rod. At this point it will be for next season, but I have the bug for a build now.
Parts list. Tell me what you think:
Blank: 4S510MXF sixth one down the list.
http://www.mudhole.com/Shop-Ou...-Cast

Reel seat in Titanium/coralwood:
http://www.mudhole.com/Shop-Ou...Seats

Guides:
http://www.mudhole.com/Shop-Ou...uides

Cork rings:
http://www.mudhole.com/Shop-Ou...Rings

Butt cap:
http://www.mudhole.com/Shop-Ou...-Tack

Winding check:
http://www.mudhole.com/Shop-Ou...ilver

I haven't decided on thread color yet, but it will feature a simple diamond wrap at the foregrip.

I'm thinking of matching it up with this reel in the 2506 variety:
http://www.japantackle.com/Dai...s.htm

What do you think?

[Obed]

Tony,

Looks like a really neat combination, it should look really nice . That is an incredible blank that could also be used for finesse techniques. Those components are some of the best that money can buy. I do want to point out a few things though. As built, that rod will probably be very hand heavy. In fact, the reel seat, full cork, butt cap, and then a chevron will add a lot of weight. This somewhat offsets the effect of the high dollar single foot titanium SiC guides and lightweight xfast blank. I am unsure what you are going for; is it a really cool looking customized rod (which it sounds like it would be), or a specific build to perform a function? IMHO, this build may not accomplish both. One other thing to offer is to have your reel seat, handle, and reel before ordering your guides. This way you can measure the reel face angle and diameter which will depict where your guides will be placed (choker etc...) and the heights needed. Please post pictures as it should turn out to be a sweet rod.

[TonyMc]

Thanks for the comments Obed.
I hear ya on the ordering process. This ain't my first rodeo.
Generally I order the blank and guides first, figure handle and guide placement, take all diameter measurements(what the manufacturer advertises is not always accurate) and order the handle components.
I took sensitivity(or lack there of) into consideration when I dreamed it up, but that reel seat looked so good and even though it's a fly seat I thought it would make a beautiful spin grip. I figured that I'll use graphite arbors instead of tape. This should help transfer some vibration to the seat and maybe I'll heed your warning on the wrap and go naked.

[Obed]

Tony,

I realized that I misinterpreted your original message thinking that was your order, as in one order. My bad.
I can tell by your other posts that you have a good "handle" on what you're doing.

I would like to learn from your experience with this rod as I will build one for next spring at some point. Good Luck

[TonyMc]

Thanks bud.
I'll keep ya posted as I go along.

[Chris Davis]

Tony-those are really nice looking reel seats-but most fly reel seats have smaller hoods than spinning reel seats. The folks at Mudhole will let you know if thats the case with this seat. Asking might save you some time, not having to order another seat. The waiting is the hardest part.