Xmas Jiggers

[NoExcuses]

http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/...ml#post1023070

[Sea Draggin]

Mike,
The question came up the other day about the differences in Riley blanks and Rainshadow blanks. I know they are not exactly the same, since that was one of the comparisons we did at the rod show last year. If I remember right, the RS are built are a pretty long mandrel. Can you explain the differences a little from a weight and action standpoint.
Thanks,
Jim

[NoExcuses]

Mike, The question came up the other day about the differences in Riley blanks and Rainshadow blanks. I know they are not exactly the same, since that was one of the comparisons we did at the rod show last year. If I remember right, the RS are built are a pretty long mandrel. Can you explain the differences a little from a weight and action standpoint. Thanks, Jim

The Rainshadow blanks you are referring too are a completely different animal. They are definitely rolled on much longer mandrels, have the Fast/NE type of action and are a different proprietary blend of materials.

Batson/Rainshadow started working on their deep/vertical jig blanks back in 2003 and developed a few models but then kind of sat on them as it wasn't their field of expertise. In early '07 they more or less let me pick them up where they left off. As you know Jim, prototype to production takes some time and money but at this point I am very pleased with our 11 blank line-up. Nothing fancy just a nice solid 24T carbon prepeg (not the NEW carbon but the same stuff that has been around forever and our entire existence is based on) with an e-glass scrim. Extremely strong, light (under 5oz.) and thin (under 1/2" butts). The tough Stealth Black finish is also proprietary.

I've been through too many 'parabolic' arguments so I'll just say the action is slow and progressive but a picture says a thousand words.

The Bends

[andrew whitman]

if i were to want to shorten the 6' rrtt2714 blank to 5'7 or 5'8 and cut a few inches off the bottom would that hurt its lifting power? in that case would it be better to use the 200g blank to keep the light action and still have some lifting power? im not sure if i have made my point clearly, but im not sure how else to explain it. thanks.

ANdrew

[Sea Draggin]

Thanks Mike!

[NoExcuses]

if i were to want to shorten the 6' rrtt2714 blank to 5'7 or 5'8 and cut a few inches off the bottom would that hurt its lifting power? in that case would it be better to use the 200g blank to keep the light action and still have some lifting power? im not sure if i have made my point clearly, but im not sure how else to explain it. thanks.

ANdrew

Although there is some bend through to the butt they mostly shut down around 16-18". I take up to 6" off the butt quite a bit. More than that will definitely change the rod. Not necessarily for the worse though. 9" off the TT7825 makes a real nice rod.

[KeepItReel]

Beautiful rods Mike. I need to give you a call to start working on my Christmas present.