Freshwater rod build advise

[Glenn W]

I've built trolling rods, but that's it. My sons want me to help them build a few freshwater bass casting rods. I've been out of the bass thing so long I don't know what the latest fads are for rods (although I can imagine).
Anyway, for a first project I'm not going to start them off with $200 blanks but want good quality sticks for the foundation.
The first project will be Carolina Rig rods-- I'm not going with 7' but shorter 6 1/2' sticks for transportation reasons.
So what are good value (quality) blanks to consider?-- I'd like to stay in the $70 range. I've looked at (on the internet only) the new Mudhole MHX, Castaway, St Croix (SCIII), and Lamiglass. suggestions?
I guess I should use size B thread?
Any tricks to balancing the rod?--- I was thinking of using the St Croix cork handle kit, but want to keep the overall rod light with good balance, When I was into this freshwater stuff, I liked split handles (like on the old Berkley Series 1 or Team Diawa rods of years gone by).
Guides?--- I have no idea, but won't be spending the $$$ on SIC--- are the FUJI Concept series a good place to start looking?
I assume that since we want to keep the weight down and being just a bass rod, that an under wrap is not desired?
I never liked the "lite" build finishes for boat rods, but maybe this is a good idea for these light rods?
Thanks

[FLATLINER]

Glenn,
If it were me, I would look at the Midhole MHX blank or anything that American Tackle has. I would do wither a split grip configuration or even the Vetri handle that American Tackle makes. It is available in 10" or 14" and is composite graphite tubing which will keep the handle weight to a minimum. It is available in hunter green or black and is designed so that the reelseat is built into it. For guides, you can pay the money for Fuji's, but the American Tackle guides are more than adequate for the job. If spinning, they have about a dozen or more guides and styles available, and conventional, I can't say enough about the virtus guides. They are more than able to handle the application that you describe.

If you have any questions, please feel free to PM me, or call me.

Kevin Knox