If you can build a rod or know a good rod maker, the options available for owning that perfect surf rod become much wider than those that you will find in the prebuilt surf rod market. Not only will you be able to specify the the components, you will also be able to have it custom wrapped to your own specs and budget. Custom rods can get get quite expensive depending upon the blank choice,guide quality and the amount of detail put into the thread wrap. You can, however, get what I think is one of the best surf blanks wrapped for under $300. One of my favorite surf rods is designed around the Rainshadow SU1386F rod blank. In fact, I loved the first one I built so much that I built two more. I learned to wrap rods after consulting a few how-to videos when I needed to replace some broken guides on a few rods. It is not difficult but some patience is required. The Rainshadow 1386 can be fully built for about $225 using the highest quality components if you do your own building. Add another $100+ for someone else to wrap it.
On my rods I used Fuji BNLG casting guides and a BNLG tip guide. After spining the rod I glued the Fuji reel seat in place at 27 " from the bottom of the butt and then added hypalon grips. I then temporary placed the guides (8 guides + tip) along the blank as to where I thought they may go. I then placed the rod under full stress and repositioned the guides so that a parallel arc of line from the reel formed against the blank. Then on to the wrapper. I used 5 different guide sizes as follows: Tip 12, 12, 12, 16,16, 18, 18,20,25. The guides placed from the rod tip in inches are approx as follows: 4, 8.75, 14, 20.25, 28, 36.75, 46 ,65.75. all guides were placed on the top piece of the rod, the butt section has no guides, but keep in mind where I set the reel seat. The sweet spot on this rod is 4 oz. but will throw 3 or 5. I would not recommend going above five on this rod if you are trying to maximize distance. The tip is a size 9 and the butt section .855 diameter making for a nice lean rod with fairly fast action. It is a (50/50) 2 piece 11'6 rod blank which weighs a mere 8oz making it user friendly for a long day of casting. I have all three of mine paired with ABU 6500 CTs with 14# test, a well balanced pairing. It will zip the lead off the ground 160+ yds all day long. The tip is nice and soft and can detect the faintest bite,even with that much line out. Although it is on the lighter side, this blank can still turn the big boys over too, but it will take some finesse on your part.This blank would also be a very good for throwing 2 -3 oz metals . Very nice blank's which have become my # 1 Pompano rods. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
RAINSHADOW has changed their blanks. The closest model to this is the 1385 which has a slightly wider butt and tip and is rated 2-6oz. The older 1386 is still available at a few rodbuilder sites on the web.
14 comments:
I didn't see a link to email you so I thought i'd comment. I just have a question and this probably isn't the place but, i cast on Long Island NY and will be visiting Fl in aug. I was thinking of bringin my stuff down, is there a permit needed, what test line should i bring etc. if you can help drop me a message my blog is brianyoos.blogspot.com
A temporary license is required for all non residents to fish anywhere in Florida. I use 14 lb test for the most part which is adequate to bring in Pompano,whiting,Drum, Redfish,Blues, Rays and smaller Sharks. I move up to 40# for Tarpon and Larger Sharks.
I looked at the Batson specs and the 1385f looks a little bit heavier than the 1386f...Take a look at the measures and let me know you think the 1385f may perform vs. 1386f
Looking at Batsons website, they have 2 models the 1385 and the 1386. I beleive these rods replaced their previous models the 1386 and the 1387. the 1387 is now the 1386 and the the 1386(which is what I have) is now the 1385. The specs are a bit different too. The current 1385 model is the lighter of the two rods. The new 1386 (the old 1387) has a bit stiffer tip and looks to have a higher rating 4-8. Sweet spot probably close to 5. A bit beefier maybe, but probably a great all arounder.
I spoke with Karry Batson before ordering the 1385f blank and he said that the ratings are a little light...That the 1385 is closer to 3.5ozs.- 7oz...with the blank starting to load at 4oz. I will have it completed by tuesday....Will let you know for sure..
I love this rod...It is light and has a fast action....I am looking at removing the #17 suffix tri+ and adding #14 suffix tri+...What will the difference be in casting distance and the way the rod and reel performs...You said that was a good balance for you....Why..
Kevin, 14# Tri is the ideal line for the 6500. I know a few who have gone to 12#, but I think that would be better on a 5500. I can't tell you exactly what the casting difference will be since it depends upon many factors. However, I will tell you that your distance will improve. It will also greatly improve your spool capacity which helps when the big guy hits. Have you upgraded your drag at all?
Yes the drag has been upgraded..I had #17 on it but I wanted to go down to the #14....I have #14 on my Record Which is on my 7'6" Shimano Teramar and I slay the 26" Stripes, Red Drum and Black Drum...I think that I am going to order another 1385f and get it built in the next week or so...Because I am getting a good deal on the 6500 CT MAG(the red one) for $115.00
Sweet deal on that CT MAG. You are now a convert of the Rainshadow. So many others don't get it.
traded in a 6600C4 and sening 80.00 for the 6500...getting another 1385 built in the next 2 weeeks...only paid 50.00 for the 6600...
I have my CT Mag...Now time to get another 1385f....I have friends with the 12' GLoomis MH that cost $395.00....I know that the 1385F is lighter, more sensitive and cost $150.00 less...I think that this is the best surf rod on the market that I have touched...Period!
Question for you? I have a friend of mine that has the Rainshadow 1418f..It was off the market for a little while but I spoke with Karry Batson today and he said that he is getting a shipment of them in soon...Are you familiar with it..A friend of mine has one and it is 11' 9" rated 15-40lbs. mod-fast...Any info on it?
Kevin, I believe that the blank is the same one used on the legendary Allstar/Breakaway 11'9. Rated at 3-6 and is a better heaver than it is for bite detection. I have two Breakaway 11'9s and use them for Tarpon and Sharks. They have good backbone.
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