I know this post has gotten a little off topic but I do have a comment to the original question. I've often wondered about the Hook and Hackle bamboo as well as the blanks from Anglers Roost. There dont seem to be too many people who have them that are willing to comment. I can offer this though. I bought a really old foreign made bamboo rod at a garage sale years ago from a guy (who is now a great friend) and I must say that I just loved how that rod cast. I know it was no high end rod and I'm sure any bamboo rod maker would probably laugh at the site of it, but it was sure fun to fish with. I doubt that the quality of the rods coming out of China and Japan have gotten any worse than what they were when this rod was built, and that rod was absolutely a blast to fish with.

I say go for it.

Yonks