Custom Rods Vs Store Bought??? 2024
fmoi@D.b._fishing reply :
i have been planning on buying two h2o express nanos, academys highest end store brand rods. i know theyre not the best out there, but they suit me fine and the warranty they have is awesome (the rod breaks, you get a new one no questions asked). i have also been considering getting a custom built rod from a fairly new company called avcustomfishing. the guy seems like a down to earth dude and hes pretty nice, and says he can make me what i want, but im kinda iffy about dropping 120 on a rod that i wont even be able to try out before i buy, and if it breaks, im out 120 and am basically screwed until i can get a new one. on the other hand, the guy said he can make me exactly what i want, a 7 foot medium heavy extra fats 1/4-7/8. should i pay extra for what i really want and risk screwing myself out of money, or should i get something im alright with even if its not my dream rod and have a warranty to fall back on when it breaks?
MickD reply :
Have the builder show you some of his stuff. Pay attention to how solid the cork/other material and reel seat feels and the workmanship in general (wraps, epoxy where it doesn't belong, guide alignment and spacing, quality of the cork). Ask what guides he uses. This may clear some things up to make your decision easier.
A good builder will most likely deliver a rod with better structure than a factory rod since custom builders usually use better quality seat shims, cork, and don't skimp on the epoxy. The $120 price point for a custom rod seems quite low, but you should be able to tell a lot from seeing some of his rods.
fmoi@D.b._fishing reply :
On 12/18/2015 at 12:01 AM, MickD said:Have the builder show you some of his stuff. Pay attention to how solid the cork/other material and reel seat feels and the workmanship in general (wraps, epoxy where it doesn't belong, guide alignment and spacing, quality of the cork). Ask what guides he uses. This may clear some things up to make your decision easier.
A good builder will most likely deliver a rod with better structure than a factory rod since custom builders usually use better quality seat shims, cork, and don't skimp on the epoxy. The $120 price point for a custom rod seems quite low, but you should be able to tell a lot from seeing some of his rods.
all i can see are his picturs on instagram. from what i can tell he makes good stuff. im honestly most concerned about the quailty of the graphite. i dont know much about custom rods but that price seems low to me too. i have a notion that the guides and construction may be quailty, but the rod itself could be cheap graphite. i want something sensative enough that i can feel a minnow fart on my line.
A-Jay reply :
Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~
Simply ask what blank he plans of using for your build and if he offers options.
- $120 is a very reasonable price for a custom build.
However, I'd reccomend that you you know which blank he plans on using and that your happy with it.
Also in advance of the build, you'll want to find out about the other components too; handle, reel seat, guides & windings; Brand, type & material.
Good Luck
A-Jay
Dwight Hottle reply :
$120 for a custom rod leaves very little margin for profit & quality components. Minimal custom rod prices start at $200 & go up. Most custom rods sold are priced between $300-600 for spinning & casting rods.
new2BC4bass reply :
On 12/18/2015 at 12:01 AM, MickD said:Have the builder show you some of his stuff. Pay attention to how solid the cork/other material and reel seat feels and the workmanship in general (wraps, epoxy where it doesn't belong, guide alignment and spacing, quality of the cork). Ask what guides he uses. This may clear some things up to make your decision easier.
A good builder will most likely deliver a rod with better structure than a factory rod since custom builders usually use better quality seat shims, cork, and don't skimp on the epoxy. The $120 price point for a custom rod seems quite low, but you should be able to tell a lot from seeing some of his rods.
Not going to get much rod at this price.
EDIT: Several guys posted while I was out on the floor.............working. 
kickerfish1 reply :
On 12/18/2015 at 12:48 AM, Dwight Hottle said:$120 for a custom rod leaves very little margin for profit & quality components. Minimal custom rod prices start at $200 & go up. Most custom rods sold are priced between $300-600 for spinning & casting rods.
This 100%. For $120 you can't get squat. He has to ship the rod and charge for the build. Figure $25 for shipping and about $50 for the build. Now actually build that rod for the remaining $50. Unless you find a blank and parts at blowout prices you will be getting a very average rod.
smalljaw67 reply :
There is a reason I don't suggest custom rods to anglers such as yourself. I don't want you to take offense, but you are using an Academy rod and you seemed to be pleased with them and that is great. Custom rods are for someone who wants something different from the mainstream either as a status symbol or because there fishing is dialed in to the point there isn't a factory rod made that will work. I have 2 customs I had made for me in the mid 90s, both are spinnerbait rods, one is a split grip with a cherry wood split grip and is 6' in length, I had it made to sling spinnerbait under overhanging trees and the split grip makes it just a tiny bit tip heavy which helps me with roll casting. That rod is one you can't buy off the shelf and I had it made for a specific purpose, my other custom is also a spinnerbait rod, it is a 6'6" made the traditional way with a full grip and a fore grip, I had it made because I needed a longer rod than my 6' and I wanted a specific reel seat that I couldn't find on any factory rod that I liked at the time. If I was able to find the rod I needed on the shelf, I would have bought it but there is a lot of other things to consider. Most custom rod customers are normally fishing high end factory rods and they may want a certain length that isn't available or perhaps they like their St. Croix Lenend Extreme blank but don't care for the reel seat, well they get a custom builder to build them a rod with the blank and reel seat that they want. In other words, if you aren't picking out the reel seat, the blank, the guides and the type of handle then you really aren't getting a custom rod, you are buying a rod that the guy has the blanks and components for and he is offering to build you a rod with the stuff he has for a certain dollar amount, and at $120 you are getting low quality guides on a cheap blank with a basic handle kit, and so you're better off with the rods you are buying off the shelf. Now, if you get more serious and get more experience, you may find that a custom rod will benefit you but right now it isn't, especially at that price.
Raul reply :
I don´t think you can get a lot of the custom rod experience with a 120 bucks budget.
WRB reply :
A good custom rod builder should give you a trail period to make sure you are satisfied with the rod.
I would contact the site sponsor DVT before venturing into something you are uneasy with, regardless of price.
The $120 budget may be lower end rod components, be sure you know what you are getting, along with a warranty, no reason to roll the dice!
Tom
PS, ALX is good custom rod builder,more in the $200-$300 price point.
Hogsticker reply :
While I agree 120 bucks isn't going to get you a lot of rod, on the other side if the coin you're not getting a whole lot with the rods you're purchasing from Academy. If this guy is local he doesn't have to ship the rod I'm assuming. Believe it or not there are some folks who will do a build and charge only for the cost of parts which might be his case if he's trying to get something going. I'd ask what he's planning on brewing up for you. It never hurts to ask.
cottny27 reply :
Unless you are tournament fishing for a living or have gobs of money to burn then I think its pointless. You can get a lot of nice rods for 100-120 they will do the job.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
I can't add much without the build details. Even at wholesale I can't get components for a top quality build for even close to $120.
Batson reply :
This is true.. But you can't argue the fact that a rod is built properly, has great components etc.. BTW, for 120 is reasonable depending on what your trying to get. Don't expect a NRX or Legend Extreme equivelant for $120.
gulfcaptain reply :
On 12/18/2015 at 3:31 AM, Hogsticker said:While I agree 120 bucks isn't going to get you a lot of rod, on the other side if the coin you're not getting a whole lot with the rods you're purchasing from Academy. If this guy is local he doesn't have to ship the rod I'm assuming. Believe it or not there are some folks who will do a build and charge only for the cost of parts which might be his case if he's trying to get something going. I'd ask what he's planning on brewing up for you. It never hurts to ask.
I'd have to disagree with you on this one. I have 3 of their rods, the components are nice, the rods have great feel, and are balanced and nicely wrapped. I have had Vendetta rods that were more when I bought them that cost more...the Veritas wouldn't even stack up against the original H20 Ethos rods. Don't knock the quality of their lines unless you have picked one up and fished with it. Bluebasser86 will agree with my statements about these rods. To the op, if you are nervous and you like the feel of the rod you're looking at Academy, then get it. You can't argue with the warranty of bring it in no questions asked. As I stated, I have 3 of the Ethos rods and still fish them. For a $60 rod, they would easily compete with rods in the $100 price point and the ones you're looking at are a upgraded model. I would expect they will suprise you and do what you're looking for. The IM-8 rods I have are sensitive, and $120 custom, there's something that doesn't add up or he's trying to start a business and doing it at his cost. Find out the blank as some have suggested as well as components. If he can't do that walk away.
Maxximus Redneckus reply :
Unless he has a stockpile of blanks at 120$ you might as well buy a mass produced rod ,,alconite guides,gudebrode wraps,fuji reelseat,and the cork will be close to that price in a custom rod..if i had the need for a custom id want one of those cool custom pistol grips made out of maple or teak,,with a wild handle shape .but
M
Bluebasser86 reply :
I have 9 Ethos rods from the originals to the micros, great rods for the money.
I'd look into the custom for sure though. If he's using a good blank and components and you get to pick your length/action/power, then that's a sweet deal on a custom rod.
S Hovanec reply :
$120 might get you a decent rod, if you build it yourself. That $120 won't even cover the labor on most of what I build. Either he's using really low end components or he's not charging labor. Sounds like he's trying to cater to the Walmart crowd, and he won't be in business long if he doesn't get away from that. Once you're known for building cheap customs, you'll never be able to raise the prices.
fmoi@D.b._fishing reply :
On 12/18/2015 at 2:22 AM, smalljaw67 said:There is a reason I don't suggest custom rods to anglers such as yourself. I don't want you to take offense, but you are using an Academy rod and you seemed to be pleased with them and that is great. Custom rods are for someone who wants something different from the mainstream either as a status symbol or because there fishing is dialed in to the point there isn't a factory rod made that will work. I have 2 customs I had made for me in the mid 90s, both are spinnerbait rods, one is a split grip with a cherry wood split grip and is 6' in length, I had it made to sling spinnerbait under overhanging trees and the split grip makes it just a tiny bit tip heavy which helps me with roll casting. That rod is one you can't buy off the shelf and I had it made for a specific purpose, my other custom is also a spinnerbait rod, it is a 6'6" made the traditional way with a full grip and a fore grip, I had it made because I needed a longer rod than my 6' and I wanted a specific reel seat that I couldn't find on any factory rod that I liked at the time. If I was able to find the rod I needed on the shelf, I would have bought it but there is a lot of other things to consider. Most custom rod customers are normally fishing high end factory rods and they may want a certain length that isn't available or perhaps they like their St. Croix Lenend Extreme blank but don't care for the reel seat, well they get a custom builder to build them a rod with the blank and reel seat that they want. In other words, if you aren't picking out the reel seat, the blank, the guides and the type of handle then you really aren't getting a custom rod, you are buying a rod that the guy has the blanks and components for and he is offering to build you a rod with the stuff he has for a certain dollar amount, and at $120 you are getting low quality guides on a cheap blank with a basic handle kit, and so you're better off with the rods you are buying off the shelf. Now, if you get more serious and get more experience, you may find that a custom rod will benefit you but right now it isn't, especially at that price.
i got you man and no offense taken. thanks for explaining that. i had the same sort of thoughts myself after thinking for a few more days.
fmoi@D.b._fishing reply :
On 12/22/2015 at 9:04 AM, gulfcaptain said:I'd have to disagree with you on this one. I have 3 of their rods, the components are nice, the rods have great feel, and are balanced and nicely wrapped. I have had Vendetta rods that were more when I bought them that cost more...the Veritas wouldn't even stack up against the original H20 Ethos rods. Don't knock the quality of their lines unless you have picked one up and fished with it. Bluebasser86 will agree with my statements about these rods. To the op, if you are nervous and you like the feel of the rod you're looking at Academy, then get it. You can't argue with the warranty of bring it in no questions asked. As I stated, I have 3 of the Ethos rods and still fish them. For a $60 rod, they would easily compete with rods in the $100 price point and the ones you're looking at are a upgraded model. I would expect they will suprise you and do what you're looking for. The IM-8 rods I have are sensitive, and $120 custom, there's something that doesn't add up or he's trying to start a business and doing it at his cost. Find out the blank as some have suggested as well as components. If he can't do that walk away.
i fished with that higher end rod i mentioned. honselty, it was crap. i really like their base ethos and have no problem with them. but their ethos nanos feels like garbage once you start casting and reeling in. feels like line is wrapped around it even when its not.
SMITTY0045 reply :
My brother has a couple of the H2O rods and I have to say, they really are impressive. They fish just as well as any other rod in its price range, I think they are just looked down on because it's Academy's brand of rods. I really think you will be fine with these rods and if this is what you like in the price range than that's what I would fish. Rods are all about preference.
That being said, I would definitely look into the custom rod. The most important thing I would want to know is what components he is using. I would check with him and if you do not recognize the manufacturer maybe look them up online and read some reviews. I would also take a look at some of his other custom builds because that should give you a good idea as to whether or not he will be giving you something that will last.
Big Bait Fishing reply :
On 1/9/2016 at 3:46 AM, SMITTY0045 said:My brother has a couple of the H2O rods and I have to say, they really are impressive. They fish just as well as any other rod in its price range, I think they are just looked down on because it's Academy's brand of rods. I really think you will be fine with these rods and if this is what you like in the price range than that's what I would fish. Rods are all about preference.
That being said, I would definitely look into the custom rod. The most important thing I would want to know is what components he is using. I would check with him and if you do not recognize the manufacturer maybe look them up online and read some reviews. I would also take a look at some of his other custom builds because that should give you a good idea as to whether or not he will be giving you something that will last.
with custom rods , the customer picks the components , not the builder ...
$120 , you are not gonna get a custom rod , to me , if you're gonna get a custom rod built , get a good blank (most good blanks are at least a $100 bucks and up) , good guides ( $50 and up a complete set ) and a good comfortable reel seat ($10 and up) handle materials ($7 and up ) thread wrap (choose color(s) and build price that is usually around $100 and your well past the $120 bucks you were quoted ....
SMITTY0045 reply :
On 1/9/2016 at 2:18 PM, pgersumky said:with custom rods , the customer picks the components , not the builder ...
I was assuming that the builder could possibly be using parts he already had in stock or on hand because of the low quoted price, so although he may have been able to choose the components that actually went into his rod, I was thinking his options may be limited in order to stay within the quoted price.
Thats my take on the quote. I apologize I wasn't very clear in my original post
Big Bait Fishing reply :
On 1/9/2016 at 2:51 PM, SMITTY0045 said:I was assuming that the builder could possibly be using parts he already had in stock or on hand because of the low quoted price, so although he may have been able to choose the components that actually went into his rod, I was thinking his options may be limited in order to stay within the quoted price.
Thats my take on the quote. I apologize I wasn't very clear in my original post
when i'm having a custom rod built , i choose the blank, the guides , the hook keeper, reel seat , thread wrap color(s) , handle material , handle dimensions , handle length . i pick the components i want and have them assembled how i want , that's the whole reason behind having a rod built from scratch .
research and explore different components (guides, blanks , handle materials, handle lengths etc..) and keep note of the brand and sizes to compile towards what you would want on your rod . a lot of people fish off the shelf rods , never feeling the need to have a custom built . for me , i couldn't find the exact rod i wanted so i researched and researched till , in my mind, i had the exact set up i wanted then conveyed them to a builder and have never bought another off the rack (factory built) rod again and never will ..
Hogsticker reply :
On 1/9/2016 at 2:18 PM, pgersumky said:with custom rods , the customer picks the components , not the builder ...
$120 , you are not gonna get a custom rod , to me , if you're gonna get a custom rod built , get a good blank (most good blanks are at least a $100 bucks and up) , good guides ( $50 and up a complete set ) and a good comfortable reel seat ($10 and up) handle materials ($7 and up ) thread wrap (choose color(s) and build price that is usually around $100 and your well past the $120 bucks you were quoted ....
Rainshadow Revelation blanks run 50 60 bucks and are still better than the majority of what you will find on a 150 dollar production rod. A set of Fuji SS/Alconite guides runs less than 30 bucks and are still better than most of the stuff on a 150 dollar production rod. 6 bucks for an ECS reel seat, 6 bucks for some split grip EVA handles, three winding checks another 6 bucks. A little less than 120 bucks. As I already stated, if this guy is doing some builds for next to nothing in an attempt to spread word, showcase work, whatever, it seems it may be worth looking into for the OP. Ya never know. He could have a surplus of old Shikari or RX7 blanks he got at a steep discount he's just trying to unload. You won't know till you ask -
S Hovanec reply :
On 1/9/2016 at 3:46 PM, Hogsticker said:He could have a surplus of old Shikari or RX7 blanks he got at a steep discount he's just trying to unload. You won't know till you ask -
If he had a surplus of Shikari or Cascade rolled Rainshadows, he'd be marketing as such and selling for a premium!
Big Bait Fishing reply :
On 1/9/2016 at 9:09 PM, S Hovanec said:If he had a surplus of Shikari or Cascade rolled Rainshadows, he'd be marketing as such and selling for a premium!
and they would sell quickly ....
Hogsticker reply :
My point was a surplus of something. Maybe somebody should call him and ask.
Big Bait Fishing reply :
On 1/10/2016 at 12:42 PM, Hogsticker said:My point was a surplus of something. Maybe somebody should call him and ask.
maybe the OP will find out and relay the details of this mystery !!! 
S Hovanec reply :
No such thing as a surplus of Shikari or USA Rainshadows, you have a gold mine. Well, not quite, but maybe a silver mine!
Hogsticker reply :
There is a seller on the Bay who has some customs he states are built on Shikari blanks. They sure have been on there awhile.
Tim S. reply :
I know a guy......lots of Shikari blanks stashed away.......crazy-low prices......gotta buy in bulk, though.....
Tim S. reply :
On 1/10/2016 at 7:33 PM, Hogsticker said:There is a seller on the Bay who has some customs he states are built on Shikari blanks. They sure have been on there awhile.
Stay away from that guy, he's a shyster. He lists rods built on powers/lengths/actions that Shikari never manufactured.
kash1 reply :
fmoi@d. You gave a lot of information about the length,Power and Action of the rod you want, but you left out the most important parts, What are you going to be fishing for and How do you plan on using it? Full grips? Split Grips? All 7'M/F rods and blanks are not equal.
I build a lot of custom rods and the first thing I ask is What are you fishing for? And How are you going to use it. I do that so i know what type of blank to use. The How will tell me Which Blank to use. Example: A friend wanted me to build him a 7' M/F rod with full handles. I did and he liked the way it looked. Next he tells me the rod is bending to much when he is using it. Comes to find out he is running 3oz bottom bouncers with spinner harnesses on a rod blank meant for 1 1/2 max weight. Knowing the species also helps to select a rod blank type. Fishing for Blue gills you don't need a $220 St.Croix Legend Elite blank, Im6 would be fine for about $30. Bass rods depending what you want to do with it falls in between. More need for sensitivity the more the cost. I just tried to add a picture of some I've made but it was to big a file it told me. If you have any questions feel free to PM me. Post what you are going to use it for and species.
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