Anyone try fishing rods made with Batson Blanks ? 2025

Primus reply :

If you have please let me know what you think of them. I'm going to check out rods by a custom rod builder who use their blanks. Thanks

Dave T. reply :

I'm also torn between a St. Croix blank or a Baston blank for my next rod.

I've heard nothing but praise for Baston rod blanks. Some folks "insist" upon using them.

.RM. reply :

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Anyone try fishing rods made with Batson Blanks ?
If you have please let me know what you think of them. I'm going to check out rods by a custom rod builder who use their blanks.

Yea I have built on and used Batson Ent. blanks (still have about 6 of the rods) long time ago..

They are a good blank (depends on the series) but there are tons of good blanks out their.

Mostly build on St.Croix, and Gary Loomis's new NFC (North Fork Composites) blanks now...

Who is the builder?

Tight Lines!!

SWMIBASSER reply :

If I were building a custom rod it would be on a Rogue as my first choice, and Lamiglass as 2nd choice. Rogue builds excellent rods, and the blanks are light, sensitive and fast, and the Lamiglass blanks are a great value.

hmongkidBee reply :

phenix blanks are the ones that I custom wrap. They're pricey but well worth the money.

Primus reply :

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Anyone try fishing rods made with Batson Blanks ?
If you have please let me know what you think of them. I'm going to check out rods by a custom rod builder who use their blanks.

Yea I have built on and used Batson Ent. blanks (still have about 6 of the rods) long time ago..

They are a good blank (depends on the series) but there are tons of good blanks out their.

Mostly build on St.Croix, and Gary Loomis's new NFC (North Fork Composites) blanks now...

Who is the builder?

Tight Lines!!

I'm looking at Patriot Custom rods out of Portage , MI. He's invited me to his shop to look at the different blanks & components that are available, I'm thinking of a 6'9" spinning rod that would be used for suspended jerkbaits & small cranks.

ArcticCat500 reply :

I for one really like the Rainshadow blanks offered by Batson, I've a few rods built of the RX8+ blank, I find them to be everything my Loomis Mossyback(not GLX)and St Croix Avid is and in some case a little more.

.RM. reply :

Primus,

IMPO that is the best way to have custom rods built.

Meet with the builder and be able to view his/her works and feel the components that are available from that builder.

While it can be done on-line with extreme care, live in person (talking. measuring, etc.) is still a better experience.

I know that my clients have more fun going through my many examples that I have stored down stairs, than just looking at what's on my rod site.

Make sure you take the reel you want to use on this rod your builder will appreciate that...

Keep us informed of how the build goes and what kind of experience it was....

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!!

Primus reply :

Thanks Reel Mechanic, by the way you cleaned up a few reels, upgraded bearings & drags a few months back on some of my Curado's and I want to let you know that I was very pleased with your service. I look forward to sending you another batch when I get around to it. ArticCat500 I appreciate the Loomis comparison which is a product line I'm much more familiar with, thanks to all the posters for the good info.

SWMIBASSER reply :

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Anyone try fishing rods made with Batson Blanks ?
If you have please let me know what you think of them. I'm going to check out rods by a custom rod builder who use their blanks.

Yea I have built on and used Batson Ent. blanks (still have about 6 of the rods) long time ago..

They are a good blank (depends on the series) but there are tons of good blanks out their.

Mostly build on St.Croix, and Gary Loomis's new NFC (North Fork Composites) blanks now...

Who is the builder?

Tight Lines!!

I'm looking at Patriot Custom rods out of Portage , MI. He's invited me to his shop to look at the different blanks & components that are available, I'm thinking of a 6'9" spinning rod that would be used for suspended jerkbaits & small cranks.

I'm pretty sure he will build you ANY rod you want. VanDam's shop carries them, so you could check a few out. They have Rainshadow, American Rodsmith, and maybe a couple other blanks they have used.

.RM. reply :

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I for one really like the Rainshadow blanks offered by Batson, I've a few rods built of the RX8+ blank, I find them to be everything my Loomis Mossyback(not GLX)and St Croix Avid is and in some case a little more.

Know who makes the RX8 blanks for Batson Ent.??

Primus,

Thanks for the kind words on the reel service, when you send the others we will be ready...

Been doing a lot of upgrades lately....

Tight Lines!!!

ArcticCat500 reply :

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I for one really like the Rainshadow blanks offered by Batson, I've a few rods built of the RX8+ blank, I find them to be everything my Loomis Mossyback(not GLX)and St Croix Avid is and in some case a little more.
Know who makes the RX8 blanks for Batson Ent.??
Primus,

Thanks for the kind words on the reel service, when you send the others we will be ready...

Been doing a lot of upgrades lately....

Tight Lines!!!

Tell me who you think makes the blanks for them.

SWMIBASSER reply :

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I for one really like the Rainshadow blanks offered by Batson, I've a few rods built of the RX8+ blank, I find them to be everything my Loomis Mossyback(not GLX)and St Croix Avid is and in some case a little more.
Know who makes the RX8 blanks for Batson Ent.??
Primus,

Thanks for the kind words on the reel service, when you send the others we will be ready...

Been doing a lot of upgrades lately....

Tight Lines!!!

Tell me who you think makes the blanks for them.

Agreed. A custom rod is far to expensive to select a blank based on hear say, or suspicions.

I'm more inclined to have a rod built on a Loomis, St Croix, Rogue, or Lamiglass blank because I have heard of them and fished with them.

Rainshadow/batson......NO I haven't.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks this.

ArcticCat500 reply :

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I for one really like the Rainshadow blanks offered by Batson, I've a few rods built of the RX8+ blank, I find them to be everything my Loomis Mossyback(not GLX)and St Croix Avid is and in some case a little more.
Know who makes the RX8 blanks for Batson Ent.??
Primus,

Thanks for the kind words on the reel service, when you send the others we will be ready...

Been doing a lot of upgrades lately....

Tight Lines!!!

Tell me who you think makes the blanks for them.

Agreed. A custom rod is far to expensive to select a blank based on hear say, or suspicions.

I'm more inclined to have a rod built on a Loomis, St Croix, Rogue, or Lamiglass blank because I have heard of them and fished with them.

Rainshadow/batson......NO I haven't.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks this.

On the contrary to what some may believe, Batson Enterprises is one of the largest OEM blank suppliers know to date, the blanks they build are often used in the rods you buy, and it wont display the Batson name.

SWMIBASSER reply :

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I for one really like the Rainshadow blanks offered by Batson, I've a few rods built of the RX8+ blank, I find them to be everything my Loomis Mossyback(not GLX)and St Croix Avid is and in some case a little more.
Know who makes the RX8 blanks for Batson Ent.??
Primus,

Thanks for the kind words on the reel service, when you send the others we will be ready...

Been doing a lot of upgrades lately....

Tight Lines!!!

Tell me who you think makes the blanks for them.

Agreed. A custom rod is far to expensive to select a blank based on hear say, or suspicions.

I'm more inclined to have a rod built on a Loomis, St Croix, Rogue, or Lamiglass blank because I have heard of them and fished with them.

Rainshadow/batson......NO I haven't.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks this.

On the contrary to what some may believe, Batson Enterprises is one of the largest OEM blank suppliers know to date, the blanks they build are often used in the rods you buy, and it wont display the Batson name.

That's fine.....But it is an easier sell if we knew WHO they built for.

.RM. reply :

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contrary to what some may believe, Batson Enterprises is one of the largest OEM blank suppliers know to date

Only in this decade.

I was building (02-03) on the then US produced Rainshadow blanks that were rolled by Cascade Graphite Composites virtually across the street from Batson.

The Forecast were then and still are the import blanks from China.

As a matter of fact the last 6 Rainshadow blanks I purchased in 2005 had made in China stickers on them, the main reason I switched to St.Croix nd now to NFC.

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the blanks they build are often used in the rods you buy, and it wont display the Batson name.

Not going to argue here but they don't build anything. Yes they do sell them to any rod mfg for rebranding, Kistler, G-blank, Cabela's, etc.

BTW the RX8 is made by St.Croix

flechero reply :

I don't know what being offered at this very moment but I do know for a fact that RX8 and RX8+ are different blanks (and made on different continents).

Are you guys are talking about the same blanks?

back on topic, I've built and fished a number of rods on Batson blanks... all have exceeded my expectations.

bowtech_182 reply :

I thought that the RX8+ blanks were built by St. Croix, bu the RX8 blanks are built overseas. Batson is a highly respected blank company with blanks that are of high quality. 4 of my Personal rods I built on Batson RX7 blanks with one RX8 in my lineup. Personally I would rate the RX7 on par with a St.Croix SCIII(Avid)and the RX8 is comparably to a St. Croix SCIV. My next personal rod will be another RX8.

SWMIBASSER reply :

The last few posts only help to solidify my statements. With so much hear say, and guessing, and no definite facts it's hard to choose these blanks over well known blanks

Gone_Phishin reply :

I was not aware that NFC and Gary Loomis were up, running, and selling blanks. I searched, but could not locate a website.

.RM. reply :

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I was not aware that NFC and Gary Loomis were up, running, and selling blanks. I searched, but could not locate a website.

Yup, their up and producing, they don't sell direct they have 3 US distributors, Angler's Workshop, Bingham Enterprises, Mud Hole Custom Tackle, and 1 Australian, Australian Rod Manufacturers ..

Just finishing up on one of the Inaugural Run (first 35) blanks.

http://www.northforkcomposites.com/index.html

Tight Lines!!!

bowtech_182 reply :

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The last few posts only help to solidify my statements. With so much hear say, and guessing, and no definite facts it's hard to choose these blanks over well known blanks

The RX8 are built in China, and the RX8+ are built in the USA. That is fact. It has been said that the RX8+ is made by St. Croix, but I don't think that you will get Batson to admit to that. Batson is a very well known company in the rodbuilding community. The only reason why they are not well known in the finished rod community is because their products are rebranded. Take Kistler as an example, as those are reportedly Batson blanks. You really can't go wrong with an RX8 or RX8+. I would highly recommend them

ArcticCat500 reply :

I fish with the 8+'s, I have a few now and as others have mentioned they've been very pleased. These are not to be compared to the flagship rods from Loomis like the GLX, but in a comprable market they are every bit the rod Batson claims them to be. Thats a great USA made blank and you'll satisfied. All you need to do is find yourself a good builder that wont charge you an arm and a leg .

I no longer push my rod builder but alot guys in here know who builds for me. PM me if your interested.

Heres an 8+ spinning.

Tin reply :

I will say the custom rods ArcticCat has are amazing and very well priced.

flechero reply :

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The last few posts only help to solidify my statements. With so much hear say, and guessing, and no definite facts it's hard to choose these blanks over well known blanks

I would think the opposite... you have a number of builders and customers singing the praises of these blanks... the only real question in this thread is if the RX8+ blanks are made by St. Croix.

Glenn reply :

I'm curious if there's a website or source of information somewhere that lists all this info that somebody could use to reference. Seems like you have to be "in the know" otherwise, which seems odd to me. You'd think this info would be readily available somewhere, no?

I Love BassResource reply :

This is about all you'll get Glenn, second hand info from forum posts across the web. I'm slowly learning from simply buying and building.

I've grown to love the 8+, but I've thrown the RX7 and standard 8 out of my build line entirely as I feel there are better blanks out there, available for the same amount of money.

I currently have an NFC blank and several of the new Mudhole MHX blanks in hand, so I'll be finishing those builds hopefully this month. The NFC seems promising, but the MHX is a great buy when you consider the value.

bowtech_182 reply :

Glenn,

Look at Rodbuiling.org. Karry Batson posts there on a regular basis. It is there that he has stated the country of origin on these blanks

SWMIBASSER reply :

I really shouldn't post this without double checking my info, but last winter I was going to build a rod, and found that the RX8 was close in price to both Lamiglass and Rogue....

I remember Rogue selling blanks really cheap comparatively

ArcticCat500 reply :

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Glenn,
Look at Rodbuiling.org. Karry Batson posts there on a regular basis. It is there that he has stated the country of origin on these blanks

Show me.

Gone_Phishin reply :

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I was not aware that NFC and Gary Loomis were up, running, and selling blanks. I searched, but could not locate a website.

Yup, their up and producing, they don't sell direct they have 3 US distributors, Angler's Workshop, Bingham Enterprises, Mud Hole Custom Tackle, and 1 Australian, Australian Rod Manufacturers ..

Just finishing up on one of the Inaugural Run (first 35) blanks.

http://www.northforkcomposites.com/index.html

Tight Lines!!!

Thanks Reel Mech.

bowtech_182 reply :

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Glenn,
Look at Rodbuiling.org. Karry Batson posts there on a regular basis. It is there that he has stated the country of origin on these blanks

Show me.

http://rodbuilding.org/read.php?2,274901,275239#msg-275239

ArcticCat500 reply :

nice, it sits right along side better then 50% of the rods sold in America.

good reading from Bob Batson

http://www.stripersonline.com/surftalk/showthread.php?t=412316

Big Bait Fishing reply :

if you really want more info on their blanks , call Baston and you can talk to Karry yourself . and to as these blanks being of an unknown brand , obviously you are un-informed there guy (swimbasser) : . anyhow , i have 2 swimbait rods built on Rainshadow blanks , a 2-6 oz. rod and a 3-8 oz. rod . both are pretty light for their rating . i am in the process of getting another wrapped by the same guy as ArcticCat500 . this time it is gonna be able to throw VERY BIG , HEAVY BAITS !!!!!! ........

SWMIBASSER reply :

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if you really want more info on their blanks , call Baston and you can talk to Karry yourself . and to as these blanks being of an unknown brand , obviously you are un-informed there guy (swimbasser) : .
You are absolutely right friend.

I am un-informed. And so are most when it comes to a 'off brand' blank. And it sure doesn't help when there are so many differing "facts"

However the last few posts cleared things up for me, and possibly for others. As long as your willing to take Batson's word for it. :

You see for me, how a custom rod PERFORMS 'has' to be based on facts alone. What I mean by that is that I feel some guys have custom rods built and feel they are the greatest thing ever.....When in reality they are an OK rod customized aesthetically to their liking.

Sometimes it's easier to 'think' you have have the greatest rod ever made when it cost you double what an off the shelf rod would have cost.

ArcticCat500 reply :

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if you really want more info on their blanks , call Baston and you can talk to Karry yourself . and to as these blanks being of an unknown brand , obviously you are un-informed there guy (swimbasser) : .
You are absolutely right friend.

I am un-informed. And so are most when it comes to a 'off brand' blank. And it sure doesn't help when there are so many differing "facts"

However the last few posts cleared things up for me, and possibly for others. As long as your willing to take Batson's word for it. :

You see for me, how a custom rod PERFORMS 'has' to be based on facts alone. What I mean by that is that I feel some guys have custom rods built and feel they are the greatest thing ever.....When in reality they are an OK rod customized aesthetically to their liking.

Sometimes it's easier to 'think' you have have the greatest rod ever made when it cost you double what an off the shelf rod would have cost.

I'm sure there's some truth in there somewhere. Batson carries 100's of blanks, the RX+ being one of their best, if some one's looking for a mid priced rod on a decent blank they've got you covered there also, while the RX7's & 8's may be made in China, like I mentioned before, so aren't better then 50% the rods you fondle on the racks at you LTS

I know first hand my customs ARE NOT the "greatest thing ever" but I do know they are an excellent blank and have compared to the many of rods I fished. I do own Kistler, Loomis, St Croix, I also feel the RX8+ is every bit the rod some of those are, I WILL NOT say the RX8+ is the best rod of the bunch, but for what I use it, it certinally outperforms some of my others.

This debate can go on and on and unless one has actually fished one then one cant compare it to anything in one's collection.

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Anyone try fishing rods made with Batson Blanks ? 2025

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