I know that a lot of you have some experience with the Rainshadow blanks. I recently picked one up in 8’6" 4wt and I am pretty pleased with the overall quality of that rod. After checking for the spine on it for a few minutes, I decided that the differences I did see were negligible and wouldn’t make a hill of beans in the casting of the rod. Is this pretty much typical with these blanks?
dleo6446
I’ve use Batson’s blanks (Rain Shadow & Forecast) for 3 or 4 years now and have always been pleased with them. If you’re looking for the most “bang for your buck” they’re the way to go.
I’ve built a couple of Forecasts but no Rainshadows. My eight weight is rated a 10 by one fly shop fellow who tried it. The others were 5-weights that have a smooth casting motion. Not the fastest things in the world, although I’m still trying to get my cerebrum around that. I wouldn’t hesitate to wrap another one nor to fish with one. Especially the lighter weights. My eight can strain a bad shoulder now and then, if a rain is forecast. Is this where they got the name? JW