I've not made any banty's but have seen some gorgeous works by Dleo and others on the board. I'm ready to do one soon (when time is available?). I've read from one or two members also that did have some bad results with bantys so test cast the tip/mid sections to simulate before you cut the butt section in half and there's no turning back .
But as far as cutting down tips, mids and butts to make a rod shorter... Someone's gettin' the short end of the stick! Pun intended.