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Author Topic: 11'6" Spey to Float Conversion  (Read 10826 times)

typhoon

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11'6" Spey to Float Conversion
« on: December 30, 2011, 08:36:27 PM »
Finished it just in time for steelhead season  ;D
Started with a Batson 11'6" 6/7wt 4pc Spey blank (ERN=10.2, AA=68) and built it for use with a levelwind.
The other unique feature is that it is spiral wrapped - the first stripper guide is on the top of the blank - the next two guides transition the line to the bottom of the blank.
Spirals are generally used on heavy saltwater jigging rods to prevent the blank from twisting under heavy load, but the same principles apply to lighter rods as well.
The spiral allows the use of short, light, single foot guides in the top two sections making the rod more senstivie and faster action. It also prevents the line from going below the blank under deep flex like on a normal baitcaster rod.

I took it out to the Stave today for some test casting and I like it a lot. The blank flexes very nicely while casting and distance is not impacted by the spiral. No bites today but enjoyable nonetheless.















« Last Edit: January 02, 2012, 11:29:45 AM by typhoon »
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Zach Sanchioni

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Re: 11'6" Spey to Float Conversion
« Reply #1 on: December 30, 2011, 10:22:35 PM »
Nice work! Great to see some west coasters getting on the conversion train. TONS of really cool options out there... I really gotta get into tying rods soon. Cheers.
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Valley Custom Rods

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Re: 11'6" Spey to Float Conversion
« Reply #2 on: December 31, 2011, 10:34:40 PM »
Fantastic job!!!! I have a couple spiral wraps myself and its a great choice. I suspect we will see more of that type of build out here in the future. Great job on the custom lable work as well. From great thread work to an amazing handle your a true craftsman, well done Sir.
Regards,
Mark
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Bushman512

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Re: 11'6" Spey to Float Conversion
« Reply #3 on: June 21, 2012, 10:32:33 PM »
this is exactly what im after..............for both a spinning reel and a baitcaster set up....

how much for this whole setup? ie, what did it cost you?
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typhoon

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Re: 11'6" Spey to Float Conversion
« Reply #4 on: June 22, 2012, 07:05:11 AM »
I didn't tally it but Mark at Valley Custom Rods gave me a great deal on the blank so all in was probably under $150.
Other than the blank, the cork cost dominates.

I assume you are talking about two different rods for spinning and casting. A single rod would be great for neither because of incompatible guide heights. With the spiral wrapped casting configuration you "could" build it with spinning guides on one side and casting guides on the other, but it would add weight and the backside guides would catch on everything.
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