I asked about factory and custom rods some time ago…the consensus, as I interpreted it, was the factory was the winner…
In terms of dollars how much more would you pay for a factory rod vs a custom made rod?..let’s say the factory retails for $650?
Anyone want to go the other way?
Please define “custom”!
Exotic woods?
Etched reel seats?
Agate stripping guides?
Graphite?
Bamboo?
Etc!
Good question…
Let’s just say a graphite with custom components equivalent to the factory rod.
A custom with the really high end stuff would be worth another discussion.
I vote for the one that will catch more fishies for me. Cost is irrelevent if the goal is met. Please advise which does the better job of catching fish so I can place my order for one. I’m having a heck of a time catching good numbers of fish with the ones I have now (all factory). There’s GOT to be “fish catching” rod out there for me.
Joe
I build my own rods so I might be a bit prejudiced. Figure a mark-up of 50% or better on the factory rod.
For $325 you could pick a nice name blank, top of the line components and have someone cobble it together for you for probably a $100 less than the cost of the factory rod. If I had $650 to spend on components, I can see the real gold guides and the rare exotic wood real seat, maybe if I win the lottery.
Joe:
There ain’t no such thing, but with a good custom rod built to your fishing style, it would be more enjoyable. Would’t it be nice to have a grip that actually fit your hand.
Joe
Your new 7’ 6" 5 wt hollow built bamboo rod will be delivered to you at your show in January. You do still tell everyone that my rod make even you look good, don’t you?
fishbum
I love custom rods and own 4 of them. With all of them - the price was considerably less than the comparable factory rod. Example: My favorite rod is built on a St. Croix SCIII blank. That’s the same blank the SC Avid is built on. My rod cost $180 and an avid at the time cost a bit over $200. I got to pick the thread colors, guides, reel seat/wood insert, and grip style. It turned out beautiful and puts the factory built rod to shame. Plus I got exactly what I wanted.
There are disadvantages to custom though. No lifetime warranty generally. That’s a big one. The better blanks will be lifetime guaranteed but you still have to have the rod rebuilt. Plus you have to get the right builder. I’ve used three builders. Two of the builders were wonderful craftsman but one was not.
But to me they are worth the disadvantages. Having a rod built for YOU with your name on it is a wonderful thing. At least to me.
So to answer the original question: I would actually be willing to pay more for the CUSTOM rod - but I’ve never had to do that.
Greg
I’m right there Philly’s take on rod costs. I think its definately more cost effective on the higher end rods. I build and sell as a hobby, and I usually charge a flat $225 over the cost of the blank. That includes a component set that is nicer that what you find on high end factory rods. Obviously I won’t compete with the mid or low end rods. For example I can build an Avid that retails for $200 and I’d sell it for $325. The difference is that you get better components and a better build. That brings up one point to keep in mind-- Most custom builders who have been doing it for a while will always give you a better build than a factory rod.
So this begs the question-- if you are going to spend over $500 on a rod, why would you NOT want a custom? Warranty? Ok, that’s valid, what else?
I am by no means an expert on judging a fly rod. Take this for what it’s worth.
I just bought a custom Sage VT2 8 weight 9’6" built by Alaska Interior Custom Rods. $315 shipped. I got to pick my own hardware and wrap design. My name was also painted on the rod. That’s just a nice touch.
It’s twice the rod as my White River and has definitely improved my casting.
So, in a nutshell, I saved $100 from the factory price, got a smokin rod, customized that casts like a dream!
I did my research on the guy who built the rod, he is top notch and I am planning to have another rod built by him next year.
But if a smokin deal on a factory rod came along, I’d go with that too!
Remember, I’m not a rod expert by any means!
Resale value???
Well duckster that is THE reason to go with a factory rod over a custom.
But then again why would you sell a custom rod.
I know if I had a rod custom made for me I would tend to hang onto it.
Dudley…since you asked…
I have 3 Sage custom made rods of the RPL era…that’s a few years ago…
One is a 6wt that indeed I will not part with…it has been my go to for years…
The other two a 7 wt & an 8 wt were my steelheading rods and backup…since I don’t seem to be steelheading anymore…AND…since the Z-Axis sounds so darn good I think [after I cast it] I’ll want one …in a 5wt…being how I am I want to sell the other two first.
So the reason for starting this thread was to get input from you folks on how much more or less than retail should I expect to pay for a custom rod…???
And I knew there would be enough info on quality ,etc. to decide if I should just go factory.
Also it would help me set fair prices on the rods I want to sell.
I have found the replies helpful and informative and I hope more replies are coming…
fishbum,
I ALWAYS tell people that your rod made me look good at that first Expo. I think George has that rod now, doesn’t he? If you recall, I was so intimidated by your fine craftsmanship that I didn’t even want to cast it, but I’m glad that I finally did. I recall laying the line in the gap between two tables, and that’s where it was actually intended to go. :lol: :lol: Surprised the daylights out of me!
Glad to hear you’re nicely on the mend. Have fun in Mason while I’m remodeling a bathroom that weekend. I’ve got four days to do a complete tearout and rebuild while the customer is out of town, but you know I’d rather be tying flies and telling lies. Don’s got some medical issues as well, so he wasn’t planning to come either. I’m sure it looks bad for the two award winners to NOT show up at the Expo, but sometimes things happen.
BTW, I hope you’re pulling my leg on that 5wt boo, cuz my wife would kill me I spent all the butter and egg money on a rod of that quality. That’s the stuff dreams are made of.
Joe
Joe
Hope Don’s med problem is not serious. I will see you in January. You an cast some new stuff and look even beter. We might even tell a few lies and tall tales. Why would I kid around about a new rod for you? I din’t care if your wife tans your hide. (ha ha) :lol:
Just to keep this thread on track, If I added up the retail value of the bamboo I fish with it would come to around $7,ooo.oo. Sure glad I made all of them myself.oops, wrong thread
Your humble fly tier and bamboo rod maker,
fishbum
I usually build my own rods, or have to modify the handle of the rod if I buy a store bought. The reason is my hand grip diameter is 1-1/8 inch diameter (large hand size, skinny palm thickness.
If I casted with a store bought fly rod, I would have fingers wrapped around to the top of the handle, and my arm muscles and tendons, would be restricting my casting motion, just to hold the fly rod while casting.
To compound the matter I have tendinitis in both arms, and need all the power I can muster I do not want having tight muscles and tendons while casting.
So I build my own, and save money by buying the blanks when the model gets a new modulus. Then I can chose guides, handle grip (I love Burled Cork), reel seat and what thread to do guide wraps.
Professional Golfers customize their golf clubs, Professional Tennis Players customize their Tennis Rackets, Professional Baseball Players customize their bats. Maybe we should do the same also. I know when I buy a suit, I do not buy a suit off the rack, it will not fit me correctly. I have a tailor size me, and a seamstress makes alterations so I wear a suit that fits me proper.
For our 25th wedding anniversary, I bought a new custom tailored suit. When I put in on for our anniversary dinner party at a fancy restaurant, I modeled it for my wife. When my wife saw me in the new suit, she said "Oh sure now I will look like (deleted expletive) at the party.
That is what a custom rod is in comparison to a store bought rod. There is no comparison on looks, handling, or action. ~Parnelli
[i][b]"Have you seen the well-to-do up and down Park Avenue
On that famous thoroughfare with their noses in the air
High hats and Arrow collars, white spats and lots of dollars
Spending every dime for a wonderful time
If you’re blue and you don’t know where to go to
Why don’t you go where fashion sits
Putting on the Ritz
Diffrent types who wear a day coat, pants with stripes
And cutaway coat, perfect fits
Putting on the Ritz
Dressed up like a million dollar trouper
Trying hard to look like Gary Cooper
Super duper
Come let’s mix where Rockefellers walk with sticks
Or “umberellas” in their mitts
Putting on the Ritz
Strolling down the avenue so happy
All dressed up just like an English chappie
Very snappy
You’ll declare it’s simply “top-thing” to be there
And hear them swapping smart tidbits
Putting on the Ritz" ~Irving Berlin(Putting On the Ritz)[/b][/i]
Well said, kind sir. You have a gift for putting things into their proper perspective. But, alas, I’m still too fiscally retentive (my wife says “CHEAP”) to spend the big bucks on myself.
Joe
It seems to me that a custom or “semi-custom” rod would outperform any factory rod. I’ve graduated to the semi-custom field after purchasing three rods from Great Bay Rod Co., a regional manufacturer that uses all titanium in its saltwater series, and high end components in its freshwater series. They hand spine all rods, you get to choose from multiple thread designs and still have it delivered in a timely manner.
It cost me less to purchase these rods than it would have from Winston or Sage with the same actions.
Ducky, put your rods on Ebay. Google custom rod builders or ask the guy that built your RPL’s. Compare the prices. Blank for factory rod. Z-Axis blank $323.00- $335.00 for a 5w 4pc . Factory rod is $645.00.
Then find the hardware you want- stripping guide agate or ceramic ,single foot or double foot guides, snake or titanium-
http://www.2computerchicks.com/Merchant … ry_Code=RM
Reel seat and components for it- http://www.venneris.com/.
Thread color and type (nylon or silk),
you want feather inlays? Custom handle? http://www.upstreamadventures.com/fly_rods.htm
$645.00 for a factory Z-Axis. ?$$$$ for a custom. I guess the sky’s the limit. It’s your money. Sell the RPL’s and reach for the sky. Why not. You’ve already paid for them. The ball’s in your court now.
Or you can get a cheap reel seat and grip for $50, $8 will get you an inexpensive set of guides, couple bucks for a tip top and stripping guide. Etc. etc. And figure in the price for the builder.
Or build it yourself.