I'm not sure if it's relevant to what you're looking at, but my first solo rod build (I did a rod building class before,) was an inexpensive Hook & Hackle kit, which was Pac Bay all the way. It was all pretty easy as I remember. The guides needed some work and I think I substituted my own thread, but no problems. It wasn't fancy, but it was a complete, low cost package and I ended up with a rod I still use on occasion.

Hope that helps,

Cliff