has anyone built and fished the xt51 rod kits that hook and hackle sell? are they fast action?. this is my first bb post so please bear with me.
Welcome bugmaster!
I haven’t myself but I am curious about them also. I’m glad you asked the question. Looking forward to the replies.
Joe
I’m curious about this too. Just ordered one in a 9’ 5wt. It will be my second build.
bd
My 10 weight is an H&H XT51 blank, and it is fast fast fast. A real cannon. For the price, they are a steal. If you want a fast rod, I recommend them.
I built the 9’ 6wt and it is a great rod! Fast action and a very nice light feel in hand. I highly recommend them. Great prices too. As for Bob, when I got my XT-51, the butt section was broken. I called them and they sent me a new rod right away and had ups pick up the broken one. Great service! Bob’s service and prices have done a lot of damage to my wallet LOL.
Peter
[This message has been edited by Wipers (edited 14 June 2005).]
I heard a rumor that they were relabeled Batson RX8 blanks. If so, they will be awesome. I have a 6’6" 2 weight that may be one of the nicer casting rods I’ve ever used.
ol’ blue, I don’t believe that rumor. The specs and available sizes do not match.
Joe
I want to thank all those that responded to my question. I only have to decide on which rod to build first. general, steelhead, or small creeks. I think tying a few flies will help me decide.
If you ever get to State College Pa. Penns creek is a must fish stream.
Joe
I was told that they are the RX7 not the RX8.
Peter
RX7
I don’t know how these rumors get started but the XT51 blank specs do not match the RX7 or any other Batson blank.
Joe
flyfisherjoe:
The RX8 (or XCEL) line of blanks (not the new RX8+) line matches up EXACTLY (including butt diameter and tip size) with the XT51 line including the odd 7’9" 3 weight. Plus they are both listed at 51 mil modulus. The RX8 blanks have been discontinued and are being closed out and are getting hard to find, but there are a couple of suppliers that still have a few sitting around. I highly recommend them.
[This message has been edited by ol’ blue (edited 16 June 2005).]
Could be RX8, but I could have sworn that when I built mine it had a Batson Enterprises RX7 label on it. Also, I bought my blank on closeout from H&H, the 9’ 3-piece 10 weight is discontinued (as are all the other 10-weight XT51 blanks, aparently).
Thanks for clearing that up ol’ blue, I don’t have the specs on any of the discontinued blanks, except for the RX7.
I have seen the RX8 blanks at good prices on close out, along with the RX7. I just haven’t seen one in a size I can’t live without.
Hook & Hackle is also closing out the XT51 blanks.
Joe
The US company which made those blanks was purchased, by I believe Shakespear, and the rods (no blanks) will only be available through them.
LadyFisher, Publisher of
FAOL
Then it was All Star who made those blanks? They were bought out by Shakespear within the last year.
Yes, it was All Star…
LadyFisher, Publisher of
FAOL
I thought Cascade Composites had a hand in them. Interesting.
Not on this one ‘blue’.
LadyFisher, Publisher of
FAOL