comming soon to a dealer near you.

[mikecc]

American Tackle has contracted All-Star to build their new series of blanks called Patriot Blanks. They are a USA Made Blank and have copied the same actions as the Batson Rain Shadow series.

Link is below

http://www.americantackle.us/docs/blank5.htm

[Fishaddict]

Mike, when will the new American Style Guides and Patriot Blanks be available? Have you seen the new American Guides yet? Have read a few things about them, but it has all been Amtak promotional stuff. Would like to hear a non-bias opinion.
Thanks
Bob

[mikecc]

Fuji has filed a copy right suit on their frames that is why American Tackle, Pac Bay , Forcast & others are coming out with a new style frame.
If Fuji looses the suit more than likely the new frames by American Tackle will not be made. American Tackle started advertising them last summer because the verdict was due in July 2002 but got pushed back till June,03
I am not wild about most of the new frames buy American Tackle.but large Rod companies that use brands other than Fuji will have no choice but to use them.
When I say I am not wild about them I mean that I do not like the looks. I am just use to the Fuji Style Fframes.

If Fuji wins the suit there will be a mad scramble to get all the guides possible because there will be major shortages
Fuji could not keep up for a couple years till new machinery is added. and then an artificial supply and demand game will start.

As far as the Patriot Blanks they will be available in about 2 weeks.

[Fishaddict]

It will be interesting to see how things play out....
Thanks again
Bob

[mikecc]

I got some of the Patriot blanks in today

ASW 1208
ASW 1089
ASW 1087
ASWS 70MH
ASWS 70M

WELL SEE HOW LONG IT TAKES FOR THE OTHERS.

[fishing bum wannabe]

Mike,

In your first wiggle, poke the ceiling tests, how do these compare to equivalent Batson or All Star blanks. I am looking for a canal big plug/jig stick. Was thinking of the All Star 1209 but am curious how these Patriot blanks will compare. How about pricing?

Thanks

[chris L]

Im interested in the 1089 . Hows it feel ? pricing ? I want a 9' rod for the ditch throwin 3,4 or 5oz . As far as guides go I use,like and trust fuji unless I have no choice fuji gets my nod .
thanks

[mikecc]

Avg. cost seems to be about $3-4 cheeper than the 9' Batson's

[PNG]

I went with Mike to check out the new product line from Amtak.
In response to the Patriot blanks - I was impressed with the finish how they held up to the "wiggle and poke the ceiling test" meaning they felt like an Allstar action or darn close to it.
Nice stuff, I got my name on one of'm
Another thing I like about these blanks is the matt finish and how it holds thread when you start wrapping.
Can't wait to, as my daughter calls it, "decorate one" cause I need another rod
Chris