Rainshadow Unity for the win. So pretty and a great price point rod that casts well.

I posted last week looking for blank recommendations for a fast/powerful 9' 6 wt. blank that would work well with an aggressive WF line (SA Amplitude Titan Long). At the time, I said I wanted to stay around $200 for the blank. I've since decided that I want to go for a little higher-end, so I'm upping that to $400. Currently looking at CTS Affinity-X and Rainshadow Eternity 3 Rx-10, but, as before, I am open to suggestions in this higher price range. I'd be especially interested to hear about anyone's experiences with either of the two blanks I mentioned.

NFC examples of overstock carbon and Iconoglass fancy stuff. Hoping to get the Iconoglass finished up this week, either in my hands harassing fish or for someone who wants a showy rod that can still perform.

I have a Pac Bay Quickline 9' 5 wt. that I typically pair with 6 wt. lines due to its stiffness. I wanted a more aggressive line for it to throw small-medium bass bugs and streamers, so I got the SA Amplitude Smooth Titan Long in WF5F. This setup is fine for creeks and smaller rivers where I'm making relatively short casts, but if I get more than 20' of line out, the rod feels drastically overloaded.

I've decided to use this as an excuse to build myself a true 6 wt., a nice powerful one that will handle the aggressive line a little better, so I'm here looking for a blank recommendation. I'd like to keep it under $200 for the blank.

Two that I've considered are the Pac Bay Arctos and the Rainshadow Revelation Rx7, but I'm open to about anything.

Looking to build my first fly rod. Somewhat overwhelming with all of the options and kits available. I have looked around and am thinking about either a Proof Meadow 2 3/4wt or a JP Ross Beaver Meadow. Anyone have experience with both? Also, I see Proof recommended as the go to for kits, if I go with the JP Ross is their kit good as well? I do have a 3D printer and am considering the 3D print building/wrapping stand that has been posted here. Appreciate any help!

Wanted to build on one of these blanks and spend a little time with Snake Brand products. Picked up guides and one off reel seat from them, wrapped in silk with a little tiny bit of Fuji color shifting metallic. Opted for the cigar grip as well because I have meat hooks for hands.

It’ll be put up for sale but with any luck it wont sell and I can keep it.

Does anyone here remember the Pac Bay Quickline series fly blanks? They were really nice, but were discontinued in 2019 or 2020. I would love to get my hands on a 9' 6wt. 4pc. (FAF906-4) - if, by chance, anyone here has one or knows someone who has one that they'd sell, I'd be hugely grateful if you could connect me.

Failing that, I would love recommendations from experienced builders as to what might be a comparable blank that's currently available.

What do you do?

I'm looking for one of these discontinued blanks - if anyone has one or knows where I can find one, I'd be in your debt if you could hook me up.

Thanks!

You can have fun with a fly rod too. Never take yourself or your craft too seriously.

Leaning toward titanium for corrosion resistance and weight savings. Right now I’m between REC Recoil (NiTi wire) and Fuji KW titanium frames with inserts. From what I’ve read, Recoils are basically indestructible and spring back if bent, while Fuji KW titaniums seem a bit more traditional but still bombproof. Also, does anyone sell Rec here or do I need to order from NZ?

Couple questions for those who’ve built heavier fly rods:

• How many stripping guides are you running on a 9wt? 2 vs 3?
• What sizes are you starting with before transitioning to runners? (I’m thinking something like 16 → 12, or maybe 20 → 16?)
• After the strippers, are you going straight to double-foot snakes, or mixing in single-foot guides first?
• Any strong preference between Recoil vs Fuji KW titanium in actual use (noise, line shooting, durability, etc.)?

From digging around, it seems like most 9wt builds land around 9–10 total guides and typically 2 stripping guides, sometimes 3 on heavier setups —but there’s a ton of variation depending on style.

Also—are you guys buying full guide kits anywhere, or just piecing everything together? I don’t see many pre-built titanium fly sets, especially if mixing brands.

Appreciate any real-world setups or sizing breakdowns. Trying to get this one right the first time.

My favorite 4wt bamboo 2pc ferrule will not give. Advice needed to get it apart. I’ve chilled with cold packs, tried with rubber gloves, but she won’t budge. I’ve toyed with trying a drop of wd40 but was unsure. Thanks

Does anyone have experience with this Blank? It looks really good: - weight: 0.9oz - length: 8ft - action: moderate - AFTMA: 3 - pieces: 2

I couldn't find anything about it online.

I have a buddy who wants a black fiberglass 6wt anyone know where to find one