Forecast 2WT or MHX 2WT

[RALMD11]

Has anyone built on either one of these blanks? I'm looking for a small stream brookie/panfish rod and eyeing one of these as my next build. I know that H&H has the forecast on sale now, and the MHX is a bit more expensive, but the MHX line looks very interesting to me. Any other blanks in a similar price range that y'all know of would be great as well. This will be my second rod build, and is basically a moving to Virginia (SNP), present for myself.

As always, thanks for the help!

[ohiotuber]

Joe Valencic gifted me with a 6'6" 2 piece 2wt he built on a Forecast blank. The first fish I caught with that rod was my first brookie in a mountain stream in the Shenandoah Range in Virginia while fishing with my great friend (and brookie mentor & guide!) Tim Grubbs (FAOL's Grubb). I got it on a #14 Klinkhamer.
Joe also built a 4 piece Forecast 6'6" 2wt for himself & he said his is a good bit faster in action. I have uplined mine to a double taper 3wt line & it performs very well.
I can't speak of your other option, but the Forecast blank will not disappoint & it's been proven in those Virginia waters.
Whatever you decide, enjoy it & tight lines!
Mike

[dunfly]

While I am a big fan of Batson blanks, I'm not fond of their Forecast line. I have built on MHX blanks but not that particular one so I can't speak to it. If I were building that size rod, I would probably use the 6'6" Tiger Eye 2/3. I really like the Tiger Eyes in the lower line weights and the chestnut brown color is outstanding.

[Midwest Custom Fly Rods]

I'm building one of the MXH ones right now for a customer. They are a tad faster blanks then most others in the same rating. The forecast 2wt is pretty nice and a lot more moderate action (which I personally like better in a small stream rod). So it just depends if you like the moderate action small rods or the faster action ones. Tiger eyes are nice (I've build 100's on them over the years) but the Tiger eye 2/3wt is actually more of a 4wt IMO. Take a look at American Tackles 2wt Matrix series as well, those are very nice and a nice smooth mod/fast action. Another good option would be a Dorber 2wt. I've built a few of those and they are really nice, only about $40. made in the USA (AZ) and I believe they are also a FAOL sponsor if I'm not mistaken.

Steve

[jstraightj]

I built a Hook and Hackle Xi 6.5ft 2wt and love it.

[Thunderthumbs]

I built a forcast 2wt for my brother. I just had to take it out to see how well it casts. I have to say, I like it a bit better than my TFO 2wt, and I love my TFO!

TT.