Who uses custom rods? 2024

AnthonyRSS reply :

I read a lot of posts about rods and how factory offerings often leave something out. Like, "I like the feel of this rod, but the grip is too short." Or, "This rod is nice but I wish it were a couple of inches longer.

I am wondering why more people don't consider having a rod built for them to get exactly what they want. Money? Time?

Anthony Robertson

Infidel. reply :

I have some that I wrapped, some that others have wrapped, and a lot of factory rods. For me you answered your own question. I am not going to spend the money and time on a custom rod when I can get one with all the specs I need off the shelf. There are so many choices out there now that the only reason one would need a custom rod is if they want a spiral wrap or they want it a certain color. Seems that spiral wraps are the only thing that the big makers haven't taken from the custom guys.

Evan Pease reply :

I dont think putting half a roll of electrical tape on a rod to patch it up counts as custom so I voted that I would like to have one.

Daniel My Brother reply :

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I dont think putting half a roll of electrical tape on a rod to patch it up counts as custom so I voted that I would like to have one.

It doesn't?!

Dang it. Now I gotta change my vote.

bassripper2000 reply :

I fish custom rods I make myself because I get a sense of gratfication when I catch fish on something I made.

Plus for around the same price as the factory, you get a better overall rod in terms of components such as guides, cork, real seat, etc.

You can balance your rod to your specific reel, set the guides up along the spine, etc. They also cast better than a factory rod if you place the guides correctly using static deflection.

So I have to disagree that spiral wrapping is the only thing that sets apart a custom rod from factory rods.

Not to mention some of the amazing things rod builders do with their artistic abilities.

Red reply :

i only have two rods, both of which are customs. one is a 6' MH that alpster built for me on a shikari blank. it is pretty awesome, built to exactly what i wanted. the second is a 6'6" H that i built with flecheros guidance on an allstar blank. also exactly what i wanted. i wouldnt trade either for the best loomis or st croix rod out there. both are spiral wrapped too. i am currently planning my next two rod builds, one will be a crankin stick that i plan to use an EVA grip on, the other will be a worm rod. i have never used a high end factory rod, and dont plan to. i am learning to make my own and plan to keep it that way.

Cliff

vtbassin reply :

I think of them as "home made"

I really enjoy catching fish on one of my rods ;D

Evan Pease reply :

I was looking at my rods and realized I do have a custom. Its just a Daiwa Custom Procaster with my name wrapped in to it. It also my oldest bass rod/reel but I never thought of it as custom.

Infidel. reply :

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Plus for around the same price as the factory, you get a better overall rod in terms of components such as guides, cork, real seat, etc.

I you do it yourself and don't count your time as a cost... sure. If you pay someone, unless the person works for five bucks an hour I'd say I disagree.

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You can balance your rod to your specific reel, set the guides up along the spine, etc. They also cast better than a factory rod if you place the guides correctly using static deflection.

I agree with you on the balancing part... to a point. You just have to pick a rod and reel that go together. As long as you aren't one of those people that are brand loyal, you can find a factory rod that matches the reel you want and vice versa at least nine out of ten times.

There are tons of off the shelf rods out there that are spined right. I have a Rogue, SC Avid, SC LE, and a GLX right next to me and I just checked them. They are all spined right on the money.

I have never had a factory rod that cost the same as a custom that had messed up guide spacing. Does the line touch the blank on some of my rods? Yes. Does it mater? NO! We are talking about bass here, not 200lb tuna.

Artistic thread wraps have nothing to do with fishing so it you want to pay extra for that, go right ahead. I understand.

Like I said above, I have some rods that I wrapped personally and some that I had custom made. I've been down that road. It wasn't worth the extra time and money. For the most part, almost any functional characteristic that you want in a rod can be found in a factory rod.

.RM. reply :

To all that do welcome to the 1% club.

It is a fact only 1% of the angling public use true custom rods.

Tight Lines!!!!

bpm2000 reply :

Yup, because quality 2-pc sticks are d**n near impossible to find here. I've also imported a couple JDM 2pc rods as well, but have a few customs too.

The Rooster reply :

I'd like to use custom rods but not only do I not know where to get them made at but also I wouldn't even have any idea what I want or need. I'm picky about my rods though, I don't like using a rod and reel that doesn't look good together. Laugh if you want, but if the reel and rod colors are ugly together, or mismatched then I won't put them together no matter how good they'd fish when mated. If I used custom rods then I could match the colors and also have exactly the grips, guides, number of guides, length, action, power, everything that I want. Too often I find a rod I like but the rear handle is too long, or the grip is not shaped right to be comfortable. Something is wrong just about everytime so I end up settling for only about 80 to 90 percent of the things I want in a rod instead of getting the whole 100%.

SimonSays reply :

I'd like to also use custom rods, I love the artistry of custom rods and the ability to customize them for yourself.

The one MAJOR killer for me is warranty. Off the shelf rods have pretty much 100% replacement policies. If you break it you pay a little and get another. Custom rods on the other hand do not have this replacement policy and that's a deal killer =(

lubina reply :

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To all that do welcome to the 1% club.
It is a fact only 1% of the angling public use true custom rods.

!

Love to see myself on the minority twice........

flechero reply :

That's funny Hector!

Infidel - You obviously fall into the "majority" which most rods are designed to work well for. I wish I did, then fishing would be a much cheaper hobbie for me.

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For the most part, almost any functional characteristic that you want in a rod can be found in a factory rod.

that sums up almost anything in life, but like a lot of things - what works isn't nessecarily the best tool for the job, or the best tool for everyone.

Muddy reply :

never mind!!!!!!!!

Red reply :

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I'd like to also use custom rods, I love the artistry of custom rods and the ability to customize them for yourself.
The one MAJOR killer for me is warranty. Off the shelf rods have pretty much 100% replacement policies. If you break it you pay a little and get another. Custom rods on the other hand do not have this replacement policy and that's a deal killer =(

my custom rod that alpster built for me has a warranty. if i dont like it or whatever, i get a full refund for the labor charge. ;D

i didnt pay any labor charge

fishbear reply :

This thread made me really think. I am a trained gunsmith, and all of my firearms and those of my brothers are custom or customized.

I am a firm believer that they will out shoot any off the rack firearm.

I also reload all my own ammo, so it is custom. Because, one it is cheaper, and two more accurate than factory ammo.

Then I go buy off the rack rods, and expect them to perform. I buy reels that are at best mid range and expect them to perform.

I am beginning to see the problem with my lack of fishing performance..... ;D ;D ;D

SimonSays reply :

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I'd like to also use custom rods, I love the artistry of custom rods and the ability to customize them for yourself.
The one MAJOR killer for me is warranty. Off the shelf rods have pretty much 100% replacement policies. If you break it you pay a little and get another. Custom rods on the other hand do not have this replacement policy and that's a deal killer =(

my custom rod that alpster built for me has a warranty. if i dont like it or whatever, i get a full refund for the labor charge. ;D

i didnt pay any labor charge

if you were to beak it how easily could it be replaced? how about again? and again?

AnthonyRSS reply :

The warranty situation is partially true. Most rodbuilders have a prorated warranty, but they can't act like GLoomis. Rods wouldn't break if taken care of.

While there are a lot of rods out there now, and very good ones, it still doesn't compare to the options in a custom rod.

Anthony

Red reply :

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Quote

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I'd like to also use custom rods, I love the artistry of custom rods and the ability to customize them for yourself.
The one MAJOR killer for me is warranty. Off the shelf rods have pretty much 100% replacement policies. If you break it you pay a little and get another. Custom rods on the other hand do not have this replacement policy and that's a deal killer =(

my custom rod that alpster built for me has a warranty. if i dont like it or whatever, i get a full refund for the labor charge. ;D

i didnt pay any labor charge

if you were to beak it how easily could it be replaced? how about again? and again?

i dont think it could be replaced if i broke it. but that is ok with me. i got a great rod, from a great guy, at a great price. if i did happen to break it, i would probably take it all apart and use the components to build another one. sure i would be ticked if it did break, but stuff happens right? give me an excuse to get a new rod!

S I G M A reply :

i just got my first custom rod a little over a week ago... i definately love it more than any factory rod i've ever owned... i may never go back

flechero reply :

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The one MAJOR killer for me is warranty. Off the shelf rods have pretty much 100% replacement policies. If you break it you pay a little and get another. Custom rods on the other hand do not have this replacement policy and that's a deal killer =(

I question the number of rod builders you spoke to on this. All professional builders have a policy for warranty replacement... however, most charge for car doors and stepped on rods... as they should. True warranty situations are pretty rare. And in those cases you are likely to pay a little for your replacement, just like many factory rods.

If you buy any particular rod because of the 100% replacement warranties, you are not a good candidate for a custom rod...

In all my years of fishing and subsequent few years of rodbuilding, I have come across exactly 2 defective blanks. (and one was actually a friend's rod) which makes it below 1% for my own experience. So even if I'm twice as luck as the average guy, that's about 1 in 150+ rods with actual defects.

If you count operator error as such, warranties are just not an issue. If I abuse it and break it, I should have to replace it... not the factory that sold me a quality product that I shut in a car door.

Ok, I'm off the soapbox now.

AnthonyRSS reply :

What Flechero said. Rods just don't break under normal usage that often. Can't expect the small builder to just build another one for free cause you drop the locker lid on it.

I think the pride of ownership would be higher in a custom rod.

Anthony

Infidel. reply :

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Can't expect the small builder to just build another one for free cause you drop the locker lid on it.

Which is why guys who fish hard, 3-5 times a week, aren't going to spend the extra money on a custom rod. Even if it was a blank failure I would have to wait longer and spend more money to get the thing replaced. The majority of us don't have the luxry of extra time and money to spend.

flechero reply :

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Which is why guys who fish hard, 3-5 times a week, aren't going to spend the extra money on a custom rod. Even if it was a blank failure I would have to wait longer and spend more money to get the thing replaced. The majority of us don't have the luxry of extra time and money to spend.

I would tend to disagree. Plenty of die hard, hard core, tourney guys, etc. fish with custom rods. Fishing hard and just being hard on equipment are 2 very different things.

Infidel. reply :

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Fishing hard and just being hard on equipment are 2 very different things.

I understand that. Fishing hard and often means that you don't have time to wait for one of your critical rods to be replaced in the event of an accident. I have had six rods break on me in the last 20 years of bass fishing and only one of those was due to me being hard on it.

Just to clear the air though. I think I ended up playing devils advocate a little too much on this one. I am not trying to put custom rods down. Like I said before, I have true custom rods that I fish with regularly and some of those are rods that I built myself. I'll take some pics this week and post them. I am just trying to answer the original question which was why don't most people use custom rods.

Jeff H reply :

I have 2 now, with a 3rd arriving this week. I don't know where it will stop! ;D I am certainly enjoying the "spiral wrap" builds and wish ALL my rods were such. Definitely BETTER in my opinion.

SimonSays reply :

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The one MAJOR killer for me is warranty. Off the shelf rods have pretty much 100% replacement policies. If you break it you pay a little and get another. Custom rods on the other hand do not have this replacement policy and that's a deal killer =(

I question the number of rod builders you spoke to on this. All professional builders have a policy for warranty replacement... however, most charge for car doors and stepped on rods... as they should. True warranty situations are pretty rare. And in those cases you are likely to pay a little for your replacement, just like many factory rods.

If you buy any particular rod because of the 100% replacement warranties, you are not a good candidate for a custom rod...

In all my years of fishing and subsequent few years of rodbuilding, I have come across exactly 2 defective blanks. (and one was actually a friend's rod) which makes it below 1% for my own experience. So even if I'm twice as luck as the average guy, that's about 1 in 150+ rods with actual defects.

If you count operator error as such, warranties are just not an issue. If I abuse it and break it, I should have to replace it... not the factory that sold me a quality product that I shut in a car door.

Ok, I'm off the soapbox now.

You're right I haven't talked to any rod builders about warranty, but I've read their policies. The situation I'm referring to is not one where there is a defect to the blank or workmanship. In fact if ANY builder or manufacturer didn't replace a rod due to blank/workmanship then I, and most certainly many others, would look to another rod, so that's a moot point.

The warranty I'm referring to is the car door/stepped on policy. You maybe right, I might not be the best candidate for a custom rod, what are the requirements? I love my rods and try to take as much care of them as possible, but accidents do happen. For example I fish in some pretty secluded and tight areas, recently I set the hook on a fish and slammed my rod into a large rock near me. Yes it was my fault, but it's not like I wanted to snap my rod in 2. In this case I'm out only $50+shipping whereas if it were a custom rod maybe $150+price of a new rod. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing at all against custom rods, in fact I'd love to have one made by you, reelmech or any of the other fine rodbuilders on this site but for me I love the extra peace of mind I get from a manufacturer warranty.

roadwarrior reply :

So, custom rods aren't for everyone. If the cost is "not that important"

you can buy the perfect rod. The initial cost is not really expensive

for a high-end rod, but if you need all the insurance for "stupid" it's

not for you.

I have had one rod broken on a cast which may or maynot have been

my fault. Every other rod I have broken has been "stupid". I think it's

great to be able to buy rods for life and that's my general preference,

but to have a rod built just for me would certainly be special!

8-)

AnthonyRSS reply :

It seems like high-end rod manufacturers are perpetuating this lack of accountability of their purchasers.

I didn't know people bought rods just for the warranty.

I have witnessed one honest broken rod, although it was being asked to do more than it was supposed to.

Anthony

.RM. reply :

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Can't expect the small builder to just build another one for free cause you drop the locker lid on it.

Which is why guys who fish hard, 3-5 times a week, aren't going to spend the extra money on a custom rod. Even if it was a blank failure I would have to wait longer and spend more money to get the thing replaced. The majority of us don't have the luxry of extra time and money to spend.

Infidel,

As a custom builder, sorry I just gotta say this....

You don't fish hard you fish stupid. I have seen how the anglers in CA fish, and IMPO none of them are a good candidate for custom gear....

There now its off my chest........ 8-)

Oh and BTW the original question was "Question: Do you use custom rods?"

AnthonyRSS reply :

I don't see them as being a bad candidate for custom gear, they just have to accept responsibility for their actions.

Anthony

Infidel. reply :

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Oh and BTW the original question was "Question: Do you use custom rods?"

Well that was answered with the click of a mouse. I was answering this question. The only one that really required any sort of disscussion.

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I am wondering why more people don't consider having a rod built for them to get exactly what they want. Money? Time?

Fishing hard means putting a lot of effort into it. It has nothing to do with how I treat my equiptment. But whatever, you're probably right. You have seen how we Cali boys fish.

SimonSays reply :

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It seems like high-end rod manufacturers are perpetuating this lack of accountability of their purchasers.
I didn't know people bought rods just for the warranty.

I have witnessed one honest broken rod, although it was being asked to do more than it was supposed to.

Anthony

It's not a total lack of accountability, it's just padding for the little "just in case" and it's not free to replace a rod. Also, it's not that I "buy rods just for the warranty" it's that I stay away from rods without a replacement policy. Semantics? sure, but I take into account the quality/sensitivity of the rods also so the warranty is not the only thing I look at, all my rods are St. croix rods.

Don't tell me that if you were to break a $400 rod you wouldn't wish you had a $50 replacement policy. Yes it was an accident, yes it was your fault, but would you take a $400 hit to accept accountability? I wouldn't and I'd have ~$350 to go towards another rod ;D

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