Batson vs TFO blank choice?
I've got a customer who wants a new 9' 8 wt. he's using it for carp in open water , fresh water bonefishing, and some salmon and steelhead.
We have it narrowed down to 2 choices. the TFO professional series blank
or the Batson RX7 model IF 908.
To me they are both good blank makers and I've built on both makers but in lighter lines.
We are open to all suggestions/opinions.
Thanks.
The only things we permanently keep, are those we give away-Waite Philips
Take a look at the H & H sale on Batson blanks. If your customer can step up a little they have some RX8+ blanks on sale. This would truely be a case of getting a lot of rod for the money! I have built two of these in 8wt and everybody is VERY happy with the results.
Other wise I have always been very happy with the Batson blanks. They are a very good company with excellent customer service. Nothing against a TFO but you can buy one of those (although not custom) off the shelf.
Last edited by hardhat; 01-27-2010 at 12:35 AM.
Another option could be the PacBay Rainforest 2
I've built a lot of rods on Batson blanks. I doubt you'd go wrong with one of them.
My own favorite pike and heavy bass rod is that IF 908, it's an awesome blank with plenty of power.
I know little about the TFOs, just that they offer a lower end manufactured rod and recently began offering their blanks for sale. They weren't available back when I was building rods to sell.
Buddy
It Just Doesn't Matter....
FYI, the TFO blanks have the company graphics all over them.
I love the RX8+ Rainshadow blank, but for Salmon and Steelhead, I would probably go with the RX7+ Rainshadow. It is a little softer and a much prettier chestnut brown. It is also on sale at Hook and Hackle for a few dollars less than the RX8+. By the way, both the RX7+ and RX8+ are built in the USA, so you can stimulate the economy while you are at it.
You don't ever want a crisis to go to waste... - Rahm Emanuel
Who is John Galt?
Yep, right in Wisconsin.Originally Posted by dunfly
hmmm wonder who that is???
Build with a Batson and you can't go wrong but on the other hand, the TFO--TiCrX is a fantastic blank and would be good choice too.
Randy
I think we are going to roll with the Batson. I picked up a couple of 8 1/2' 4 and 6 wts Batsons last week. If the 9'8 is like these I'm sure we will all be happy!
The only things we permanently keep, are those we give away-Waite Philips
Nothing wrong with Batson, but TFO isn't a lower end rod.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote