New RX8+ Blank

I just recieved a new 100% graphite (no fiberglass scrim) Batson RX8+C865 blank. It's a 7'2" heavy action blank rated for 12-25 pound line. Batson calls it a Frog-Slop blank, but being as adicted to the frogs as I am, I think the tip is a little too stiff for that application. I'm going to put a carbon fiber rear grip on it and use it for pitchin' heavy jigs. This rod is very light weight for a heavy action blank, I'm very impressed. The guy in the post looking for a carolina rig blank may want to take a serious look at this blank, it is kinda pricey though. http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif

price and weight???

MSRP of the RX8+C865 is $180. It weighs about 2.5 ounces.

that weight is quite light... on par with a st.croix legend elite that i built (5c70hf)

cost is about the same too

It is really light. I really like the one I just built. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif

Pics man..Pics...

I haven't used foregrips in a while, but these two rods I decided to use foregrips. Here ya go:
An 8' Crankin' Rod for DD22s
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/4...100QaOXDJwxYsd


The 7'2" HVY Action RX8+ Pitchin' Rod

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/4...100QaOXDJwxYsd


Recessed Ring Zirconia Guide, the best guides money can buy in my opinion

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/4...100QaOXDJwxYsd


Modified by 896J at 4:49 PM 9/6/2006

May I ask why the cork foregrip but graphite handle?

what kind of rear grips are those and where can a guy get some??

Is that rear grip Carbon Fiber? Is it better than cork?

FiveAlive, the reason for the cork foregrip is purely for looks, not functional at all. The 2-inch foregrips don't seem to deaden the sensitivity at all or add much weight for that matter. I normally don't use foregrips. As for the rear grip that the other guys are asking about, they are indeed carbon fiber. You can buy them from http://www.utmostenterprises.com. They really make the rod more sensitive from my experience, and look nice too. http://xs-s.com/zf/images/smile/emthup.gif

how well does the carbon fiber handle match up to the reel seat? I assume you are using batson reel seat as well?

i have built a few spinning rods with a tennessee carbon fiber handle, but havent done a casting rod yet.


http://my.athenet.net/~jbarczak/rod/cf_handle.jpg

The tube is the same outside diameter as the reel seat. Notice in the first of the three pictures, you see a small adaptor from Batson that is new for 2007 that goes between the reel seat and the tube. The butt cap also uses an adaptor for both rods.

Great scoop and pic's thanks for sharing!!!