Here's a question from the March/April 1999 issue of RodMaker magazine:
"Help! I'm preparing to build a new saltwater rod and have been pouring over
the G.Loomis catalog. I have found two blanks, the SW108-20 and the SW1084,
that seem to be indentical according to the specs listed, except one costs more
than the other. Am I being hoodwinked? Are these the same blanks listed under
different categories? Jim . . .Tampa, FL.
They are the same blank, but your'e not being hoodwinked, as you say.
You see, many times a manufacture will produce a blank that works
very well for several various categories of fishing. As such, they will then
list the blank, albeit with different model numbers, under two or more
headings. This isn't done as much to "hoodwink" anyone, as it is to expose
the blank to a greater number of possible users who might not otherwise
bother to look under headings which don't nexessarily pertain to their own
type of fishing. Often I've wished that manufacturers would dispense
with all the "casting," "spinning," "bass," "saltwater" headings and just
provide a list of blanks and let us make a simple selection based on the
specs and how we feel a blank will fit our needs. But, these headings
seem to help some rod builders select the best blank for their needs by
steering them in the proper direction to begin with.
If you supect that a blank is listed under more than one heading, but
can't confirm it due to a different model number, call or write the
manufacturer and ask. Normally they are happy to confirm or deny
your suspicion and may even provide you with a cross reference sheet
for future reference. This comes in REAL handy when the blank you
want is out of stock, but may be readily available under a different
model number.
Oh, and as why one blank costs less than the other even when they are
identical blanks? I have no idea, but I'd buy the less expensive one.
~ Tom Kirkman
Publishers note:
If you have any tips or techniques, send them
along! Help out your fellow rodmakers!
~ Publisher, FAOL
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