I've got to build an extremely nice 9 wt rod for my nephew. I typically use Lamiglas or St. Croix for my blanks, but this one needs to be "extra special". I talked with reps from Sage, St. Croix, Thomas & Thomas and Lamiglas at the Puyallup Sportmen's show and all I could get was sales pitch. Please, if you can make some recommendations as to your opinions on the best overall 9' 9 wt rod out there[img][/img] I'd love to hear them.

No takers? Really?? I'm just looking for some opinions from knowledgable people.

Have you thought of the independents ? Tl Johnson make a great blank - a Norwich perhaps, one of the fiberglass makers, Kabuto and Paddock make some beautiful blanks.

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"Please God, don't let me die at the hands of the Swiss". English, J, Sir

Aint that anybody has no advice, is just that nearly every blank manufacturer is now eastern based!
Harrisons blanks maybe, well respected in coarse and game situations, or maybe be old school and source a good cane blank!
as to the upper end names you mentioned, most sage blanks are top notch, as are david norwich, as mentioned by another poster.
all the major internet advertisers post prices for made up rod or blanks and kit, do a bit of googling to find what you really want.
regards
bert

Thank you both, advice I can use. I was hoping people would toss some names out there I'm not familiar with (and you have). I appreciate the feedack.

I appreciate the feedack too

Gatti is another one that makes rods and blanks, and blanks just for rod makers

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"Please God, don't let me die at the hands of the Swiss". English, J, Sir

Contacted Mr. Norwich, very nice gentleman. He declined to build me a blank because he's not familiar with our fish. Gotta appreciate the honesty in that.

Try CTS of New Zealand. Their Affinity X or Revo Salt sound like what looking for. I'm about to start a project with AX 9' #8. Highly regarded in the rod building community. I believe they 'roll' for Bob Meiser.
I'm on my mobile so not accomplished enough to attach link. But should be easy enough to google.

I think you are correct on the Meiser call. Bob does all the designing, they do/did the rolls.

But as this is a single hander question Google Angler's Workshop in Woodland, Washington. If it has to do with rod building they have it in stock .... and have since the 70's. As to a single choice ..... easy call for me: the Sage XP. Thousands of these were built over the (approx) 10 year production run for very good reason.

If 'you go there' build it up with a short 2 - 3 inch extension handle below the reel seat (perm or removable). The XP makes a great short spey 'switch rod' even with single hander WF lines.

fae

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