Bamboo Blanks

[texfly]

Sorry bobbyg. I guess I just rambled on until I answered my own question. Theres not such thing as a quality , cheap bamboo fly rod. Unless you maybe run across that lucky find in an estate sale or pawnshop somwhere. Until then I think I'll just continue to try and educate myself on the subject and save my pennies

[jimswanson]

I hate to add another question , but this thread got my attention. I've looked into bamboo rods and have not found any that seem to have "quality" and "good price" both. From my research if you want a "quality" bamboo rod be ready to pay for it. I have no problem with this because the process to build one seems to take a lot of time which is not cheap. I have seen one guy on e-bay that offers rebuildt rods at a good price but without being a rod builder who knows about the quality of the components or quality of workmanship. I would like to have a bamboo rod one day but I'm not buying one because the price looks good.

Which guy on e-bay? I bought two from a guy who rebuilds them. He did a really good job on both of them. I got compliments from two different shops on the workmanship. I think his name was sierragv. I love the 5wt he sent me, and the 3wt is working great now that I fixed the problem I caused.

Jim

[texfly]

Hey Jim , let me know if you find out which guy it was. One reason I was hesitant to look into it closer was not knowing anyone with first hand experience with the seller or rods. Thanks for the tip.

[skondolf]

if yer considering this I highly recommend the american made blank. the imported ones are of questionable quality...i.e. no pattern to node spacing, poor quality ferrules poorly finished, etc.

others may disagree, but I'm looking at them from a maker's perspective and they just don't cut it.

Can I assume you've purchased the imported and US made blanks from H&H to make this statement?

[mr. blur]

assume nothing.

I build my own blanks from the culm and bamboo rods.
I've based my claim on the imported blanks (and rods) I've seen and in comparison to my own and other maker's blanks.

[ET custom flyrods]

I've tried my best to stay out of this discussion but,...... assumptions cannot be made based on not examining the particular product of question. I cant support or ridicule H&H's cane blanks having never seen them. It is true that in the past a lot of imported blanks have not met standards expected. At the same time what makes it any different to thinK an unknown US maker would be any different unless examined? I'm fairly sure if H&H were asked to submit one of each blank for examination & review they would be happy to. IMO this is where JC, and his product reviews will be sorely missed........Ed

[jimswanson]

Hey Jim , let me know if you find out which guy it was. One reason I was hesitant to look into it closer was not knowing anyone with first hand experience with the seller or rods. Thanks for the tip.

I'm pretty sure his screen name is sierragv. He really does great work, and he doesn't charge an arm and a leg for the rods. Most are Heddons/mass production rods that he fixes up. I am notoriously cheap, and I bought two rods from him, so take that as you will.

Jim

[texfly]

Thanks Jim. I'll do a little research and see if I can find him.

[Betty Hiner]

clipped: I'm fairly sure if H&H were asked to submit one of each blank for examination & review they would be happy to. IMO this is where JC, and his product reviews will be sorely missed........Ed

I haven't gotten into the on line fray about these rods ... yet ... BUT ... would certainly VOLUNTEER to receive the said blanks from H&H, build 'em up. and work 'em out!
Sorta think the foreign rods would be a total hoot to use, cuz you wouldn't have to worry near as much about the rod, as you would with a multi thousand dollar rod!

Offer stands. Ron!!

[texfly]

Hey Jim , found'em. This is a very good looking rod for the buck. It looks like a good way to get started in bamboo for the budget minded person. I'll let you know if I can get one. Thanks again for the tip.