Finally got the vt's - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

Fergal · 01-25-2018, 07:19 AM

they came yesterday, the box was fairly banged up. i later found the box made it from nz - fla in almost perfect shape and then got banged to hell coming up here. luckily no damage.

Fergal · 01-25-2018, 07:36 AM

hopefully not sideways

fail...

pbadad · 01-25-2018, 10:16 AM

Nice Drew. I recorded the serials number for warranty purposes.

Fergal · 01-25-2018, 08:11 PM

The pics don't do the blanks justice. They look sharp in the daylight but the reality is that they won't see much of that.

pbadad · 01-25-2018, 08:37 PM

I did a 2 piece last year and in the daylight it sparkled .
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Fergal · 01-27-2018, 11:59 AM

Fwiw - the spine lines up perfectly with the label for both. I only played with it quick tho. Also, again only a quick look but spine and straightest axis did NOT appear to be the same. Lately I have been building on the straightest line and not the spine. Either way I do not think that it matters.
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Fergal · 01-29-2018, 07:40 AM

Glued up, guides taped on. Handle tonight, test cast tomorrow (hopefully).

Fergal · 01-29-2018, 07:41 AM

Few more

Fergal · 01-29-2018, 07:42 AM

pbadad · 01-29-2018, 05:47 PM

Wheres ur choke at?. Those weights on total blank ? My VT 4-8 blank both spigot pieces is 9oz.
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Fergal · 01-29-2018, 08:57 PM

This one is the 3-6. The first KT is about 44.5" from the tip.

Fergal · 01-29-2018, 09:32 PM

I will try to weigh the 4-8 tomorrow.
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Fergal · 01-30-2018, 09:20 PM

I glued up the 4-8 tonight. I didn't get to test cast the 3-6 mainly due to the surprise snow. The tip is the 6oz section.

afterhours · 02-02-2018, 07:59 AM

That is my favorite all round rod throws 1-1/2oz to 3.5oz perfectly. Sweet spot on mine is 2.5oz.

Fergal · 02-04-2018, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by afterhours

That is my favorite all round rod throws 1-1/2oz to 3.5oz perfectly. Sweet spot on mine is 2.5oz.

I test casted both the 3-6 & 4-8. I didn't get as much time on the 4-8 between the cold and tape failing.

The 3-6 felt really nice. I have 2 other VTs - a 10' 1-3 and a 12' 2-4 with ~6" off the tip. A few years ago I was looking for some new rods. VTs were on the radar but I didn't go that way for several reason. With the benefit of hindsight - that's what I should have went with from the start.

I will probably letting go of some other stuff in the future.

Fergal · 02-07-2018, 07:41 AM

few pics

pbadad · 02-07-2018, 07:56 AM

Beautifully done. Inlay color? Did u cringe grinding ti knowingly the expense of the guide? Lol . At least they don't need to be coated to protect from rust.
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Fergal · 02-07-2018, 12:02 PM

Inlay is ncp white.

I hate grinding Ti. I have not been able to find a dremel stone that can do it well.
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pbadad · 02-07-2018, 02:56 PM

I have been using a bench grinder for tool sharpening or belt sander. Then hit with file and 400grit wet/dry. Slow speed grinder keeps from overheating the feet. One thing on any guide shapshaping, a set takes me 30 plus minutes to where i like them and still the bigger guides are still to " humpy". I shoot for a straight taper 2/3 of foot.
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beamie · 02-08-2018, 03:21 AM

Nice wrap. Simple not over complicated.

Is the blue regular nylon letting it get darker with finish? Size? How do you feel about the metallic as a full underwrap wrt the finish soaking thru enough for good blank adhesion?

I have never worked with the Ti guides sounds like abrasives stones don't work so good. Is a good file the best option.

IMO guide foot prep is so often overlooked. The finer the taper the easier it is to run the thread up, esp. if using size A.

I haven't wrapped a rod in about 2 years, what are you guys using for thread lately since Gudebrod is out.....Prowrap?

Fergal · 02-08-2018, 07:40 AM

The thread is size A gudebrod. I've never had any issues with a metallic underwrap.

Ti is a pain not matter what I think. imho, a file would take forever.

Thread choices are somewhat limited. I won't use prowrap anymore so it's either track down old Gudebrod or Fuji. Fuji is a bit pricey but I like its quality.

pbadad · 02-08-2018, 09:16 AM

Ditto on Fugi.i have a bunch of Gudebrod but in colors i very seldom use.
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Fergal · 02-08-2018, 12:42 PM

yes, my 'good' gudebrod stash is low. i still think that they made the best thread (before they started going out of business at least).

Guppy · 02-08-2018, 04:36 PM

Looks great Drew..
Question, looks like a coat of finish on the under wrap before the blue wrap, is that correct... ?
Is it a primer coat?

LOL, I can't see good enough to use A thread... Dah

Fergal · 02-08-2018, 05:30 PM

I put a coat of finish on my under wraps before I put the guides on. It’s generally neater. Also, it makes it easier to avoid build up of finish under/around the guide legs.
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beamie · 02-08-2018, 10:00 PM

I still have my stashes of Gudebrod. What is the issue with the Prowrap that you don't like?

Finish buildup around guide feet.....yeah, that is not always easy to avoid, esp. the next morning when you go to inspect.......errrrrr..

Guppy · 02-09-2018, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fergal

I put a coat of finish on my under wraps before I put the guides on. It’s generally neater. Also, it makes it easier to avoid build up of finish under/around the guide legs.
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Got it, thanks