Custom/Built Rods vs Manufactured Rods 2024

TylerT123 reply :

Do custom rods or built rods offer any benefits? Are they more versatile? Are they(built rods) cheaper? I think building one would be cool but is it cost efficient/effective for the first time? What does a good built rod cost? For me a good rod is like a St. Croix, Fenwick, or Dobyns. I want a versatile rod but manufacturered options are really limited. I’m not a tournament angler, but I fished almost everyday in the summer. I can’t really afford to shell out a more than $130 ish after purchasing my baitcaster.

spoonplugger1 reply :

Tyler,

It depends on what you want, what is your core presentation, the presentation you have the most confidence in and use a lot? Than you'll know where to start.

Stay away from most X fast rod blanks if you want a versatile rod, they are usually more specialized, for more specific needs.

Angry John reply :

Custom rods cost more than factory rods. Custom rods can be built to your spec depending on the applications you use most. I like extra fast rods running copolymer for single hook applications. I like medium fast rods for trebe baits. Your line choices change the flex in your system along with rod speed.

Everyone likes different things and one recommended setup might not work for you. Do you like a moderate or fast jerkbait rod. They both work just different styles.

Scott F reply :

In your price range, you can get a nice rod if you build it yourself. If you are paying someone else to do it, in addition to the rod components, you have to pay for their time. For $130, buy a manufactured rod.

MickD reply :

Custom doesn't save much money unless you're building your own AND building on top quality blanks. In your price range you are better off simply waiting for sales to get the best you can get for your money.

I also would not recommend building your first rod on an expensive blank. Most of us custom builders didn't reach a really high quality build until we had built a few. There are exceptions, but the odds are. . .

TylerT123 reply :

On 1/29/2018 at 7:16 AM, spoonplugger1 said:

Tyler,

It depends on what you want, what is your core presentation, the presentation you have the most confidence in and use a lot? Than you'll know where to start.

Stay away from most X fast rod blanks if you want a versatile rod, they are usually more specialized, for more specific needs.

I haven’t fished a ton but I like worms, top water,spinnerbaits...

68camaro reply :

Tyler, I had a full custom single hook rod built in early summer. Builder and I discussed my needs and every component. Final cost was $453 and was worth every penny and much more, it was built on a PointBlack PB761MF blank that is great. It was built for my style, presentations and water.

When I look at the price of high end G. Loomis, Daiwa and Megabass rods I think I got a bargain.

BTW, I put no restriction on cost so you definitely get done much cheaper with still ggreat quality.

TylerT123 reply :

On 1/30/2018 at 8:07 AM, 68camaro said:

Tyler, I had a full custom single hook rod built in early summer. Builder and I discussed my needs and every component. Final cost was $453 and was worth every penny and much more, it was built on a PointBlack PB761MF blank that is great. It was built for my style, presentations and water.

When I look at the price of high end G. Loomis, Daiwa and Megabass rods I think I got a bargain.

BTW, I put no restriction on cost so you definitely get done much cheaper with still ggreat quality.

Do you fish tournaments?

68camaro reply :

On 1/30/2018 at 8:55 AM, TylerT123 said:

Do you fish tournaments?

No, I am average weekender guy at best, in a kayak. And no, I don't need a rod this much but it is worth it to me.

TylerT123 reply :

On 1/30/2018 at 10:23 AM, 68camaro said:

No, I am average weekender guy at best, in a kayak. And no, I don't need a rod this much but it is worth it to me.

Yeah, I can’t spend that much on a rod, I’m only 16. I just wanted one good all around rod. I was looking at Dobyns and St. Croix, I think I’m going to go with Dobyns but I’m not sure yet, I want to get my hands on one first.

Tim Kelly reply :

A custom rod only allows you to choose the components and have them fitted the way you prefer. The blanks are generally the same as you can get with a factory rod, so unless you've got the experience to know why you might be fussy about some aspect of a rod build, there isn't much point in thinking of getting a custom built one. If you fancy having a go at building one, then fine, but don't expect the rod to be significantly different to the factory version, though it will probably cost you more.

TylerT123 reply :

On 1/30/2018 at 3:13 PM, Tim Kelly said:

A custom rod only allows you to choose the components and have them fitted the way you prefer. The blanks are generally the same as you can get with a factory rod, so unless you've got the experience to know why you might be fussy about some aspect of a rod build, there isn't much point in thinking of getting a custom built one. If you fancy having a go at building one, then fine, but don't expect the rod to be significantly different to the factory version, though it will probably cost you more.

This was really helpful, thank you.

WRB reply :

Factory off the shelf rods are made for the majority of anglers and mass produced off shore at your $130 price range. You will not get a state of the art rod blank, reel seat and guide train because those components cost more then your budget.

A good custom rod builder is a highly skilled technician knowledgable with rod building techniques, knows exactly what guides to use and where to place guides to optimize casting the lures you prefer to use, what reel seat fits the reel you plan to use to align with the guides. What rod blank power and action is optimal to perform with the lures and line you use. Rod handle, length and materials and style to meet your preferences.

Nothing about a custom rod is the same as OTS, everything is selected without compromise for the average user.

Site sponsor DVT can walk anyone through the custom rod build, price depends on materials selected and labor to build the rod, somewhere between $250-$500.

Tom

Tim Kelly reply :

With the greatest respect, that's not really completely accurate. The blank will probably be the same as an OTS blank, the guides may well be the same, though hopefully more thoughtfully placed on a custom. The reel seat, handle design and whipping thread will be to the customers choice. The end result will be better, if the customer knows why he wants what he wants, but with top end blanks, the factory versions already use top of the line components, so the differences are really down to the customer wanting it built differently to the factory version.

Mid priced blanks can be made to fish significantly better than factory as you can get better, lighter guides which make the blank perform better than the factory build, but top end, not so much.

Fishingmickey reply :

Tyler,

You'd be hard pressed (next to impossible) to be able to build a rod that is as good quality wise as a good quality off the shelf rod for $130 dollars or less. The St Croix Mojo bass rods or the Dobyn's fury rods are excellent quality and reasonably priced. I know that are several other brands that would probably fill those same shoes. I just don't have any experience with them.

Fishingmickey

WRB reply :

Not to debate this to death there are rod blanks not available to OTC companies because they are proprietary and some proprietary blanks are not available to rod builders like Conquest. For example Lamiglas made my rod blanks only available from them and not available as their OTC offering that ALX used for my custom rods. Rod lengths are set without optional length from OTC companies as another example, custom you can have the length you want. Fuji is the guides and reel seats most OTC use, there are other options in sizes, styles in micro and standard, like Kagin. Custom isn’t just fancy threads or colors but it can be.

Peace,

Tom

Angry John reply :

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dobyns-Champion-XP-7ft-3in-Heavy-Casting-Rod-Great-Condition-RL109/202206456229?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Grab something used like this one and grab a magic eraser to clean the cork and have at. This place sells a lot of mid to high grade rods used and you will save half or more off new. At your age and spending power value is king.

TylerT123 reply :

On 1/31/2018 at 8:40 AM, Angry John said:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Dobyns-Champion-XP-7ft-3in-Heavy-Casting-Rod-Great-Condition-RL109/202206456229?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

Grab something used like this one and grab a magic eraser to clean the cork and have at. This place sells a lot of mid to high grade rods used and you will save half or more off new. At your age and spending power value is king.

I’m weary of eBay, sometimes it’s cheaper to buy a rod from the manufacturer than to buy from a third party and lose your money and have to buy a rod from the manufacturer.

Angry John reply :

On 1/31/2018 at 9:05 AM, TylerT123 said:

I’m weary of eBay, sometimes it’s cheaper to buy a rod from the manufacturer than to buy from a third party and lose your money and have to buy a rod from the manufacturer.

These guys are different to me and are a real brick and morter store. I got two rods from them and some other stuff and have never had issue. Everyone has a different ebay experience so you do have to go with your gut. I have never been burned but my dad has several times. There is risk in everything.

spoonplugger1 reply :

Though I'm a custom builder, I've done some fishing this year around some industry people and got to use their new offerings. One rod stood out in your price range, and was built to be a versatile rod geared more toward your favorites. The St. Croix BXC71MHF.

TylerT123 reply :

On 1/31/2018 at 10:40 AM, spoonplugger1 said:

Though I'm a custom builder, I've done some fishing this year around some industry people and got to use their new offerings. One rod stood out in your price range, and was built to be a versatile rod geared more toward your favorites. The St. Croix BXC71MHF.

Thanks, wanting to try cranks, jigs, light pitching and flipping and a few other techniques this year too

On 1/31/2018 at 9:54 AM, Angry John said:

These guys are different to me and are a real brick and morter store. I got two rods from them and some other stuff and have never had issue. Everyone has a different ebay experience so you do have to go with your gut. I have never been burned but my dad has several times. There is risk in everything.

There’s very little risk in stores though.

spoonplugger1 reply :

The blank is stiff like many St. Croix, works great at the bottom end 3/8 oz. rating, but not much under it, however it does well in the top end, easily exceeding the 1 oz. rating on some large cranks and swimbaits we threw. You can drop down one power if need better light gear performance, the 5/8 oz. upper limit can be extended to 3/4 oz., or maybe a bit more.

The Fenwick World Class rods I tried weren't in the same league as the Bass X rods.

TylerT123 reply :

On 1/31/2018 at 11:16 AM, spoonplugger1 said:

The blank is stiff like many St. Croix, works great at the bottom end 3/8 oz. rating, but not much under it, however it does well in the top end, easily exceeding the 1 oz. rating on some large cranks and swimbaits we threw. You can drop down one power if need better light gear performance, the 5/8 oz. upper limit can be extended to 3/4 oz., or maybe a bit more.

The Fenwick World Class rods I tried weren't in the same league as the Bass X rods.

Have you tried any Mojo bass rods?

NHBull reply :

I have often thought about have a custom or 2 built, I simply just don't know what I want.

I suspect it would be for bottom or deep technique with a single hook and full cork, but my glx's do a fine job, less the full cork.

My question would be, what type of rods do most folk have built?

68camaro reply :

On 1/31/2018 at 7:33 PM, NHBull said:

I have often thought about have a custom or 2 built, I simply just don't know what I want.

I suspect it would be for bottom or deep technique with a single hook and full cork, but my glx's do a fine job, less the full cork.

My question would be, what type of rods do most folk have built?

My first custom was built for chatter/spinnerbaits. I chose this use because it was my least productive, I had no confidence in vibrating baits even though I knew how good they could be. since receiving rod these are now one of my favorite and productive techniques.

I am having second built and like you having trouble deciding on use. I asked builder for help and he asked very good question, "If you were fishing a one day tournament on your local lake and had to fish the same way all day long, what wold it be?" The answer immediately popped into my head and this will now dictate build.

I think sometimes we over think things but above question for me made decision easy.

S Hovanec reply :

On 1/31/2018 at 7:33 PM, NHBull said:

My question would be, what type of rods do most folk have built?

It's not so much the type of rod, but to get something in a rod that isn't available OTC. For me, it started with a 7' crankbait rod with a 8" rear grip. At the time, all rods of that length had grips that we're too long for my liking. Now Im on a Tennessee grip kick. I love them on my DS rods.

spoonplugger1 reply :

If I remember right, the Mojos are built on the same SCII blank, components are different.

WRB reply :

Tennessee handle was a spinning rod cork handle without rings to hold the reel on, you used tape. So what is this version of a Tennessee grip?

Tom

Delaware Valley Tackle reply :

A TN grip is all grip with no seat. You can use rings, tape, even thread wraps to secure the reel in place.

S Hovanec reply :

On 2/1/2018 at 9:56 AM, WRB said:

Tennessee handle was a spinning rod cork handle without rings to hold the reel on, you used tape. So what is this version of a Tennessee grip?

Tom

I prefer rings on my TN grips. I know many don't, and they cite the reason being the rings slip and the reel falls off. This doesn't happen if the grip is turned to the proper diameter. The rings on my grips don't move without imparting some significant force.

I also like making a split grip for my DS rods. It gives a nice place to install the weight clip. This is the only type of rod I like with split grips. All of my others have full cork.

MickD reply :

Great looking rod. But I don't understand the advantage of a Tennessee grip on a cork platform so short that you cannot move the reel fore and aft for balance much at all. Comfort from the thin securing rings? I would think an up-locking 17 seat with a small ramp off the front would be as comfortable, and if the ramp were made of rigid polyurethane, it would be equivalent to having your fingers on the blank.

S Hovanec reply :

On 2/2/2018 at 6:13 AM, MickD said:

Great looking rod. But I don't understand the advantage of a Tennessee grip on a cork platform so short that you cannot move the reel fore and aft for balance much at all. Comfort from the thin securing rings? I would think an up-locking 17 seat with a small ramp off the front would be as comfortable, and if the ramp were made of rigid polyurethane, it would be equivalent to having your fingers on the blank.

I don't need to move the reel, the grip is built to place it exactly where I want it on the rod. I hold with three fingers in front of the stem, so my fingers are on the blank. The cork is turned to 24mm, a 17 seat is nowhere the diameter of this grip. To achieve something of similar diameter, I'd have to use a 20 or 22 seat, and I prefer the feel of cork.

TylerT123 reply :

On 2/2/2018 at 12:43 AM, S Hovanec said:

I prefer rings on my TN grips. I know many don't, and they cite the reason being the rings slip and the reel falls off. This doesn't happen if the grip is turned to the proper diameter. The rings on my grips don't move without imparting some significant force.

I also like making a split grip for my DS rods. It gives a nice place to install the weight clip. This is the only type of rod I like with split grips. All of my others have full cork.

Never even heard of TN grips, any real advantage over reel seats? I’d be interested in trying them on my spinning gear, that’s where I put my hand.

S Hovanec reply :

On 2/2/2018 at 6:21 AM, TylerT123 said:

Never even heard of TN grips, any real advantage over reel seats? I’d be interested in trying them on my spinning gear, that’s where I put my hand.

On a traditional TN grip, the cork is much longer, allowing you to position the reel anywhere along it. I know where I want my reel to sit, so I make mine shorter. I probably could have left one more ring off of that one, but I wanted it to be symmetrical and centered around the checkerboard in the middle

TylerT123 reply :

On 2/2/2018 at 6:25 AM, S Hovanec said:

On a traditional TN grip, the cork is much longer, allowing you to position the reel anywhere along it. I know where I want my reel to sit, so I make mine shorter. I probably could have left one more ring off of that one, but I wanted it to be symmetrical and centered around the checkerboard in the middle

Oh ok, I saw your cork grips that you made and they look absolutely amazing!

MickD reply :

Thanks! Got it. Beautiful rod, I'll have to try one like that.

S Hovanec reply :

If I were to do one for a customer, it would be something like this, or even longer. I don't remember the length. I'm sure @Lucky Craft Man can interject that bit of info.

archeryman20 reply :

Give Temple Fork Outfitters a shot. They use blanks made by Gary Loomis (THE Gary Loomis; the guy who started it all in terms of graphite/carbon fiber rods). They're an outstanding value ($100-$189).

With that said, I have over a dozen rods, ranging in value from $10 to $600. They all have a purpose, and all catch fish. Get a rod that fits the job, and makes you smile every time you see it. If not, you'll only think about the rod you "should have got instead," and will spend more when you do eventually buy it.

Have fun, and fish often!

TylerT123 reply :

On 2/7/2018 at 2:32 AM, archeryman20 said:

Give Temple Fork Outfitters a shot. They use blanks made by Gary Loomis (THE Gary Loomis; the guy who started it all in terms of graphite/carbon fiber rods). They're an outstanding value ($100-$189).

With that said, I have over a dozen rods, ranging in value from $10 to $600. They all have a purpose, and all catch fish. Get a rod that fits the job, and makes you smile every time you see it. If not, you'll only think about the rod you "should have got instead," and will spend more when you do eventually buy it.

Have fun, and fish often!

I heard that TFO blanks were designed with the help of Gary Loomis and they weren’t the same quality of a G. Loomis.

Dwight Hottle reply :

On 2/7/2018 at 5:58 AM, TylerT123 said:

I heard that TFO blanks were designed with the help of Gary Loomis and they weren’t the same quality of a G. Loomis.

That is what I have heard also. The blanks do not come from Gary's shop. Gary does supply his current blanks to Trey Kistler for Kistler Rods.

S Hovanec reply :

On 2/7/2018 at 5:58 AM, TylerT123 said:

I heard that TFO blanks were designed with the help of Gary Loomis and they weren’t the same quality of a G. Loomis.

Exactly. He was consulted in their design and allowed his name to be affixed to them.

TylerT123 reply :

On 2/7/2018 at 11:28 AM, S Hovanec said:

Exactly. He was consulted in their design and allowed his name to be affixed to them.

I haven’t heard great things either, I think that there are better rods at this price range and they just wanted Gary’s name on their rods.

S Hovanec reply :

On 2/7/2018 at 12:46 PM, TylerT123 said:

I haven’t heard great things either, I think that there are better rods at this price range and they just wanted Gary’s name on their rods.

I wasn't gonna go there.

archeryman20 reply :

To each his own. You won't know until you've tried it yourself.

WRB reply :

You all realize nearly every spinning rod had anodized aluminum rings on full cork handles for decades and handles without rings were called Tennessee handles. Reel seat rods followed the ring handles and then split grip handles followed. So today Tennessee handles are the original spinning rod handles, revising history to fit your needs.

Tom

EvanT123 reply :

On 2/7/2018 at 11:47 PM, WRB said:

You all realize nearly every spinning rod had anodized aluminum rings on full cork handles for decades and handles without rings were called Tennessee handles. Reel seat rods followed the ring handles and then split grip handles followed. So today Tennessee handles are the original spinning rod handles, revising history to fit your needs.

Tom

I’m confused. What is the revising of history? Rods with slip rings being called Tennessee grips when they should be called?

crypt reply :

I buid my own because I like a shorter butt section. my flipping sticks all have short burr sections,about the length of a 6' trigger stick.

not burr sections,butt sections. gotta slow down my typing...............

TylerT123 reply :

On 2/8/2018 at 3:55 AM, EvanT123 said:

I’m confused. What is the revising of history? Rods with slip rings being called Tennessee grips when they should be called?

Spinning rod handles

EvanT123 reply :

On 2/8/2018 at 4:16 AM, TylerT123 said:

Spinning rod handles

I think it would be ring handles rods, Tennessee grip rods and reel seat rods right ?

S Hovanec reply :

On 2/8/2018 at 5:13 AM, EvanT123 said:

I think it would be ring handles rods, Tennessee grip rods and reel seat rods right ?

To me, they're Tennessee with rings or without rings.

TylerT123 reply :

On 2/8/2018 at 5:13 AM, EvanT123 said:

I think it would be ring handles rods, Tennessee grip rods and reel seat rods right ?

I don’t know anymore :lol:

Angry John reply :

On 2/8/2018 at 5:55 AM, TylerT123 said:

I don’t know anymore

See what ya started no running now.

TylerT123 reply :

On 2/8/2018 at 6:29 AM, Angry John said:

See what ya started no running now.

I’ll just hide then

uncustered reply :

I build all my own rods. The mist expensive was a limited production carbon fiber surf heaver, and I've got less then $400 in it , and all components are top shelf.

One of my favorites is a 6'6" 3 power spinning rod built exclusively for skipping whacky rigs to the back of any dock. I have less the $90 in that rod and the blank comes with a lifetime warranty.

There are several comments about 4 or even $500 customs. Yes, that can happen but IMHO, that's way expensive since most builders buy blanks in quantity and aren't paying retail for the blank or components.

I do it so I have the rod I want, not what's available. After you've fished enough you'll see where you wished the butt was longer (or shorter), or you wished the cork was thicker (or thinner). All otc rods are overbuilt and underrated. The last thing xyz rods wants is to hear their breaking.

Just as this site, the interwebs have more videos and how-to's on rod building then you have time to watch. It doesn't require Harry Potter's wand to build a rod it ain't magic.

Plus, I refuse to pay someone to do what I can do for myself.

As much as painting your own cranks, or skirting your own jigs, or pouring your own plastic. Catching a pig on something you built is, well, priceless.

13260

Custom/Built Rods vs Manufactured Rods 2024

related Rod Building and Custom Rods topic

previous topic

next topic

most viewed Rod Building and Custom Rods topic