in general you will get a stiffer rod by flaming than oven tempering cane to make a blond rod. many builders use a combination of methods to get the results they are looking for. either method will take a backseat to the taper, glue, finish, and method of curing the glue though. IOW, select a rod by how it feels and the cosmetics you like, the rest is up to the builder to do a competent job
splinter