Dan Craft Sig V or FT?

[Orthoman]

I'm trying to decide which blank to build on. In the past, I have used the FT but now I'm thinking a slower action might be preferable.

for you rod builders that have used these blanks, what are your opinions?

[Jet369]

I have built a rod on the FT blanks and they are very fast and I would rate them at least one line size higher than the manufacturer. The Sig V suit my casting preference much better and I like med-fast rods. They also have a few new models of the FTL blank which are tad slower than the FT but cast very nice. I consider them fast but not like the FT. If you choose the Sig V I would suggest using the lightest componets you can get to keep the weight down.

Good Luck,

Jet

[ol' blue]

I don't have the FT, but I have the old version of the Sig V. I love that blank. If the new ones are anything like the old, you can't go wrong. It is a bit slower in action, but can fire line out there if you need it to.
I also just recently built on of Dan's FTL blanks. WOW, what a light blank! My 9' 6 piece 6 weight weighs less than some of my shorter rods. The FTL is a bit slower action than the FT, but is lighter than the Sig Vs. It might be one to consider as well.
Call and talk to Dan. He's a great resource and will help you decide what will fit your style and needs.

[kglissmeyer]

I built an 8wt on a Sig V blank for my Alaska trip in 07. I loaded it with a 9wt WF floater and couldn't load the rod, but when I loaded it with a 10wt WF floater it casts like a dream and shoots like a cannon. This is my favorite big fish rod and I recommend it highly!

Kelly

[mediger]

Jet and the others are all right on.
The FT is as fast as you will find, but I assume you know that since you have built on it. The Sig V is a nice blank, I loved how my older model Sig V 3/4 wt rod casted. I don't think the newer ones are the lightest rods out there, so if the FTL is lighter (the only one I haven't built on) I would probably look at that.
Good luck.

[ol' blue]

I believe that the FTL is lighter than the Sig V, but I'm not sure if I recall correctly.
BTW, he's also offering a XFT blank now. Light with an extra fast taper. Looks to be a 57-60 mod blend (similar to the Batson RX8+?). Sounds interesting if you like the super fast action.

[Orthoman]

I do like the FT but I notice while practicing for certification that on short casts, I don't have any feel. As I get further out, 30ft and more, then I start to be able to feel the line load the rod. So, I was considering a more moderate action rod.

by the way, thanks for the input.

[mediger]

I believe that the FTL is lighter than the Sig V, but I'm not sure if I recall correctly.
BTW, he's also offering a XFT blank now. Light with an extra fast taper. Looks to be a 57-60 mod blend (similar to the Batson RX8+?). Sounds interesting if you like the super fast action.

I shudder to think about an extra fast FT....the FT is about as fast as I have ever casted.