noob building a tube rod - what blank to use?

[thedude]

i've just started getting into rod building and i'm working on a few ice rods for this winter as practice.

As I look into full sized rods, i've settled on building a spinning rod to use for tube fishing. My dilemma is that when i'm finished, i want a rod that i will want to use, but i don't want to spend 100+$ on a blank for my first rod (in the very likely chance i might screw it up). I don't know of anywhere nearby to check blanks out in person, so i'm swinging blind here.

So i'm looking for opinions on what a good blank would be for a rod of this type that won't set me back too much...

also - does anybody know what blanks B&R uses? I like them a lot and they seem economical for the price of a complete rod.
thanks
-Justin

[richard stone]

You can get a blank from mud hole supply for around $20-30. If you are comfortable in your skills and what to build on a nicer blank I recommend a rainshadow spin bass blank or st. croix premiere. Both should set you back around $50 or so.

Richard Stone
http://www.rscustomrods.com

[trapshot100]

st croix and rainshadow are real good ,also just finish 3 matrix black blanks by american tackle. Haven't landed any fish w them but they feel great and cast as well as my alstars and loomis do. these blanks run anywhere from 30-60 dollars. look a catalog MUDHOLE. com

[thedude]

thanks for the replies. i have a patriot built off the green matrix blank and carbon fiber-looking grips that i like a lot.. might try to duplicate one of those just with a heavier blank.

[gothooked]

If your are looking for the best blank for tube rods try the loomis 902 blank 7' 1/2"
you won't be sorry. You can order them from Jann's Netcraft in Maumee, Ohio.

[action]

I like Rainshadow!
Jack