bamboo build

Ok I know the last time I posted this it was beaten all to He!! but gonna try again. Looking to build a couple of rods from the blank up. Looking for a smallstream 3 wt on bamboo. I believe I posted and asked about personal experiences with the Hook and Hackle blanks. I now have heard of Anglers Roost blanks that are probably the same. Anyways, just want to get some feed back on these from personal use or experiences. Lets try and keep this civil. I know they are made overseas, cost less whatever. Looking for feedback not a made in the USA verbal war.

Thanks,
Richard

I hope someone chimes in on this because if I remember right, someone on the board ordered one to build and was going to report! I think there was a hold up on items being shipped. I really would like one if it turns out well.

The Angler's Roost blanks got a fair review over on rodbuildingforum.com. They are US made and are what they are, an inexpensive way to build bamboo. The tapers tend to run a tad thick, but are "close enough".

Another review can be found here... http://rodbuildersreview.blogspot.co...eview-and.html

One of the Bamboo builders on that board also ordered and built a rod on an Angler's Roost Presidential blank and gave it a fair review. As a commercial 'boo builder of some fantastic rods, he pointed out the good spots and bad. Very minor glue lines but generally well made. He also said that the finished rod casts nice. The Angler's Roost blanks will make a decent rod. It won't be presentation quality, but it will fish.

If I had a high end 'boo rod to build for someone, I would order a blank from this builder. For the average Joe that wants a nice 'boo rod he can enjoy and have fun with, I would order one of the Angler's Roost blanks in a heartbeat.

I have built and use the H&H bamboo kit 7' 4wt. I find it turned out very nice for the price and very fun to fish. My only concern is that it really insn't a 4wt. The firts time out I figured it just cast terribly. Then later realized my 4wt line just wasn't loading the rod. So I put a 5wt on it and find it is a very nice 5wt. It is a lot of fun for the panfish in the local park lakes. I would recommend the kit for a starter rod, but I have also seen the selection at Anglers Roost.

I myself may try that one as well. They have some very nice offerings there. But I have not dabbled in that area yet :) may come as soon as I finish the other 5 half built rods I have laying around!!

I am currently building on an Anglers Roost blank. Overall quality and finish is good, and it seems to cast well, although I have just test cast it with the guides taped on. The only issue I had with the blank is that it had Angler Roost Enterprises written on it. Not really so bad exept for the positioning of the name in relation to the size and taper, which were also written on the blank. I ended up sanding it off to maintain symetry.

Can you guys post some pictures of the rods that you have built. Also wondering if I want the Anglers Roost logo on the rod. I wouldnt plan on selling it but just wouldnt like the logo on it. My other concern would be the ferrules. How are the fit and finish of the ferrules close ups of the ferrules would be great too.

Thanks again,
Richard

As far as the Anglers Roost logo on the rod, it can be sanded off easily enough and since you are likely to varnish the entire rod at the end of the build, it is not really a problem. Anglers Roost bamboo blanks do not come with ferrules so you have to buy them and install them yourself. This turned out to be a major chore. I also paid about $70 for two sets of ferrules (I had a three piece blank with 2 tips). You can get cheap ferrules, but for a bamboo build I would go with the good stuff. If the Hook & Hackle blanks come with the ferulles installed, this is a major plus, but the Anglers Roost blanks are less expensive even after you buy the ferulles.

Just a suggestion, and no, I'm not disparaging the Angler's Roost bamboo blanks.

I'm not aware of your budget but I would suggest a Dennis Stone ferruled solid hex blank.
Google Stone Rod Co. The price may seem high to you but in actuality it is very fair.

And, if you're wanting a true 3 weight, I would discuss the 6' 8" 2 piece Thomas Fairy taper with him.
It's the truest 3 weight bamboo rod I've ever cast, less one.

The last 2 bamboo rods were built on his blanks. They are like you said a great deal especially if you catch him when hes running a special. I will be going back to him again. He is an awesome person to deal with and wont steer you in the wrong direction. I have another rod to build from one of his blanks that someone is sending me to finish out. Cant wait to see it. Its a 3/4 wt 3pc 2 tip based on a Granger taper.

Thanks for all the replies,
Richard