Loomis SWB 966 - Closest Blank Available?

[jbabin76]

Hey guys, has anyone measured the Loomis SWB 966 and found a blank that closely matches it?

[Spoonplugger1]

So, measure it yourself then get back to us, rod building is a participation endeavor, we learn by doing. Otherwise, you would have to be lucky enough for a builder to have bought that rod, at least for me not likely, being a builder after all, and then do what you can do for yourself. Then of course we would have to match up the carbon materials to get our match, we after all could build a blank out of bamboo or glass that will match any carbon blank when you put them on the board.

[jbabin76]

Spence, if I had that rod maybe I would endeavor to measure it... since I don't, I've come to the community of builders, enthusiast, and hobbyist to see if in anyone's vast tenure of rod building might have been "lucky" enough to possess that rod and performed a measurement on it. Or possibly built a rod that in their opinion closely matched that particular blank. This is a forum whereas members can come to exchange information and seek guidance. This is an extremely popular swimbait rod that I've been asked more than once if I could build a similar custom rod. Thus my curiosity around the blank.

I'm not certain if its your intent, but many of your responses seem to dismiss this platform of information seeking/sharing and contains a hint of belittlement for for those who don't possess as many years of experience as you seem to have. Therefor a non-response would have been just as beneficial as the response you provided.

If anyone productive feedback on my original question, I would appreciate it... if not, no big deal

[willwork4fish]

I've never held a SWB966C myself but have built a decent number of NFC swimbait rods, mostly 805's and 806's. I've got a local guy who's a big flat brim hat, socks and slides kinda guy and most have been for him.

The Loomis SWB966C is rated 25-45, 3-8oz and is Mod Fast.

NFC SWB808 IM is 20-40, 1/2-8oz (guessing not great on the low end of that) and is Mod Fast...built one

NFC BB809 IM is 17-40, 2-8oz and is Mod Fast...built one

Of those 2 I'd probably go with the BB809 for big glides. They've got a C602 SWB807 which is also 17-40, 2-8oz but never touched one.

I've got a NEO XRay MB808 in my shop but haven't built it. It's 15-40 and up to 6 oz. Based on how it feels, I'd bet it's good to 8oz.

[jbabin76]

I just finished building the 806 and 807 for personal use. Had I not just purchased the 807, I would definitely had picked up the new C602 807, and still kinda regret not grabbing one at the introductory price.

The IM MB807 has really good power and seems to fit a range of glides and paddles well.

Do you feel the NEO 808 is more powerful than the 807?

I nearly pulled the trigger on the BB809 for big glides and may still do that. I've been bitten by the big bait bug.

[willwork4fish]

I just received an IM MB807 the other day for a guy who wanted a 7'11" frog rod, I'll compare tonight.

[willwork4fish]

The NEO 808 is much more substantial than the IM MB807...that's the best way I could put it...completely different blanks, way more power in the NEO...I have a feeling though that you were referring to the SWB807 not the MB807 since the MB807 is only rated to 1 1/4oz. I don't even know if I'd throw a 168 S-Waver on the MB807, much more of a conventional bass blank.

[jbabin76]

I just received an IM MB807 the other day for a guy who wanted a 7'11" frog rod, I'll compare tonight.

It's fantastic blank... I've built three for myself and they are great for traps and hybrid hunters fishing hydrilla.

I realized in my previous post, I meant to reference the SWB807... not MB807. But good discussion.

[jbabin76]

I have a feeling though that you were referring to the SWB807 not the MB807 since the MB807 is only rated to 1 1/4oz. I don't even know if I'd throw a 168 S-Waver on the MB807, much more of a conventional bass blank.

Yes!

[kondan]

Take a look at Rodgeeks Carbon 4 - B4711XHF 7'11". It probably is the exact blank as the SWB 966

[jbabin76]

Take a look at Rodgeeks Carbon 4 - B4711XHF 7'11". It probably is the exact blank as the SWB 966

Very interesting, I actually have the C4711XHF here that I've mocked up but wasn't sure if I wanted to build it or not. It doesn't seem near capable of the 8oz listed rating.