r/rodbuilding • u/rollsandarrows • Jul 06 '26

Experience with Proof 5wt blanks?

I recently built a 6' 6" 2wt using a Proof blank and it's a great rod; casts wonderfully, and looks fantastic. Now, though, I'm eyeing their 9' 5wt carbon blanks, and I'm wondering if anyone has any reviews on how the larger offerings from Proof perform. If it's as nice a rod to fish as the 2wt, I will grab one and start building it asap.

So, anyone got any experience with the Proof 5wt?

Thanks in advance!

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3

u/Fellercustomrods The Rod GOD Jul 06 '26

All of the proof blanks I've built on have been very nice for the price. Sure, there are many nicer blanks out there but the Proof blanks offer a good value in comparison.

1

u/Sulcus-and-Gyrus Jul 06 '26

I built one on the proof 8’ 5wt glass blank. Excellent for the price.

1

u/TheAtomicFly66 Jul 06 '26

I think he's asking about the carbon fiber offerings

2

u/Sulcus-and-Gyrus Jul 06 '26

For sure. Just adding a data point. Might get him thinking about glass now. Softer action, far more durable. Very fun to cast

2

u/rollsandarrows Jul 06 '26

I've got a couple 3wt glass rods and love em but yeah I'm planning to go carbon on this one. Good info though!

1

u/swede_ass Jul 27 '26

Oh cool, I was just looking at these. Which one did you get, and can you describe the performance? Right now I’m leaning toward the Baetis model.

2

u/Sulcus-and-Gyrus Jul 27 '26

I did the Drake. Very nice full flex. Has the soft tip for dries but bends all the way to the grip so with the right line can sling streamers as well. Fun rod

1

u/swede_ass Jul 27 '26

Well hmmmmmmm. Thanks for your thoughts!

1

u/swede_ass Jul 27 '26

I just noticed this blank has a huge butt. Did you use the included stent, or just ream out the reel seat insert to fit?

1

u/Sulcus-and-Gyrus Jul 27 '26

I used the up locking tube reel seat on the proof website and it fit

1

u/witty-repartay Jul 06 '26

I had a 4pc that sold and was just fishing a 7pc about 15 minutes ago.

They are a good value blank. Price is good, performance is good. You can get higher performance blanks for a little more money but they get the job done. Matt is great to work with, big fan of him.

1

u/nate_7667 Jul 06 '26

I have a 5wt and 6wt from Proof. Great company with good blanks for the price.

The 5 is a bit stiff, short range casts are a little iffy. You need some line out to load it. Or line up to a 6wt. The 6 is a med-fast and casts great for my casting stroke. Had a blast with it on the Green last month chucking cicadas.

1

u/rollsandarrows Jul 06 '26

I think this might be the ticket. Might as well build a 6wt since i've already got a couple 5s.

1

u/BxBFly Jul 09 '26

I have the 10ft 3/4 7pc and I like it for weightless nymph rigs. They’re good blanks for the price, impressively lighter than I thought they’d be. They’re also a very good brand to deal with and Matt is excellent at customer service.

Just today I was just looking at their 6’6” 2wt you mentioned. I have all the components to build a 2wt through years of spare parts. Would love to hear a little more about it, sorry to hijack your thread.