If you haven't gone down the road of the Japanese high end ultra lights I would give you the same warning Alphahawk gave me in our 1st conversation. Once you put your hands on one you'll never be satsified with anything American made. It's a magical expierance that's truly addictive. As for as custom builders I don't have any expierance with that but I'm pretty sure it's hard if not impossible to get your hands on the Japanese blanks. Always heard they are very secrative about there technology. Yes it's a hobby for the truly afflicated but It's that feeling of a 6 yr. old Christmas morning when the post man knocks on your door with the rod tube in his hand. Scott