Ken Abrames flyrod question???? - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

titan · 02-04-2006, 03:53 PM

First Light Anglers had a bunch of the RLS saddle hackles at the Marlboro show. They had them marked down 20%. I bought a nice purple one. It looked like they had quite a few left. If I had known they were no longer available, I would have bought more.

Pete_G · 02-05-2006, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by titan

First Light Anglers had a bunch of the RLS saddle hackles at the Marlboro show. They had them marked down 20%. I bought a nice purple one. It looked like they had quite a few left. If I had known they were no longer available, I would have bought more.

Wow, I'm tempted to buy them for the SWE. I get at least a call a week for those feathers...

Salvy · 03-05-2006, 08:06 AM

I ran into a similar situation a few years ago.....the blank you are looking for is made by Rainshadow....one of the few that makes a 10'6" blank. I made one myself on the blank and it's a nice rod. I'm pretty sure it is who made them for Ken as well, as I posted this same information on another site, and recieved numerous email responses from the hords of KA storm troopers includein KA himself. I basically built the same rod he hocks for $650 for $150....I guess I touched a nerve.

steelhead · 03-05-2006, 08:46 AM

The Rainshadow is a great blank. You can make a great rod with. I know folks who have done so. It is not, however, the same blank as Kens. He went thru a great deal to develop the rod he now produces. It has a wonderful, long, progressive flex and is a delight to cast.

It is not like most of the fast action rods that are produced today. It has the feel and heft of the old classic bamboo and fiberglass rods. Not for everyone, but it has its place in the world of fly rods.

SAXATILUS · 03-05-2006, 08:58 AM

I have to disagree dude. I own both, and the rainshadow is nothing like the stick except it is the same lenght. Totally different actions, not to mention the backbone of the stick, the butt is much thicker. Have you ever cast one? St croix also makes a 10'6" rod, I own that too and at $400 it doesn't mach up with the quality of kens rod, just a cheap rip off. Get your facts straight man. Ken doesnt put a gun to anyones head to buy his rods in fact you will wait months to get it. $600 is about the going rate for a high-end rod and thats what the stick is.