bobbyg: Thanks for the comments. The first insert I tried was ebony (very dark). I was not a fan...although I thought I would be. Then I tried a few maple burls. I was going to go with gold wraps (which turn pretty bright orange) exactly like Vlad's build here: http://ultralightflyfishing.com/foru...4&hilit=kabuto

I turned an osage orange seat which is pretty cool looking (it almost glows), but it didn't look quite right (to me) on the blank. I finally settled on this more simple and classic look.

But having a translucent white blank opens up a lot of interesting options and forces creativity. From my experience doing test wraps, I think it would be very easy to go "over the top" and making the rod look tasteless.

I would say that Vlad pulled his off nicely though. And he did another with red and clear wraps which is even riskier.

Kbproctor: Thanks.