Dang Mudhole

I’ve had a question wandering around in my head for a few weeks and it got answered today. I compared a 6’ Fenwick blank like I have side by side with a Phenix Mirage 6’1” blank. Big difference in weight and the action is pretty close but with a crisper recovery. Diameter is also smaller. It’s going to get some alconite guides I picked up and a grip similar to some of the JDM’s I’m seeing lately. Short and filling the hand. I think. Definitely a tiny knob on the butt. Looking forward to working on it but I got rooms to be painted so it’s on the shelf for a little bit.more when I get into it.m

Making me jealous. I need to slow down and build me some

The Fenwick blank had faster recovery VS Phenix Mirage?


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Not in my opinion Danny. The two blanks, one in either hand, felt completely different while having about the same specs to my barely educated understanding. I believe it’s going to come in a bit lighter and feel better. The word the three of us comparing the blanks came up with was it felt crisper. I think the weight of the Fenwick made the blank feel different. This one is thinner in the bottom of the blank too. I’ll get out there tomorrow and get the info off the blank, model number and such. I’m thinking of another minimal setup, slightly different, to keep the weight down. I’ll use a different minimal two piece seat this time with a little better ergonomics. Still just ideas though. Seems dumb to buy a real light blank and put a bulky grip on it with a nice reel. Thanks for all the input.

Update;

Rod is laid out and the grip and reelseat epoxied in place. Label is below the grip from the factory and the butt knob still loose. Trying to decide if I’m dressing it up any there. Guides are on in rubber bands and it feels really good. Changed out the high frame Fuji guides, just didn’t like the way they looked. Changed the colors I had in mind. My thought was garnet and silver metallic but it didn’t work overall and looked funny with the Presso being gold and black, even my wife thought so. Black and gold metallic got the nod, simplifying things some. The weight is remarkable to me, noticeably lighter. Now I’m excited but still have some painting to do in the house so it’ll be a slow process. Working in the freshly painted dining room by two big windows and air conditioning, not the carport in the heat. Anyway, here’s the first winding. Thanks for following along……..Skeet
Attachment 465587

Looks good. Black and gold is always good looking

:hesaid

Gold looks great. Gold writing would look good too if you personalize it with your signature. Looking forward to the bend pics!

Tim,
You went with phenix mirage?


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Attachment 466517
Thanks for asking. I did Danny, and this is about the best pic of the overall rod that I have so far. It’s a sweet rod and makes me think the fish are bigger than they are. What I noticed most is that casting is as good or better than any of my other rods unless I overpower the blank. Maybe it’s better said that I try to cast too fast and don’t let the rod properly load and unload. Not disappointed at all.

MCG, my handwriting looks bad to me. I’m wishing I had learned to write like draftsman or engineers. Uniform and proper spacing and even pressure on the pen. I don’t do any of that. A teacher once told me that my hand can’t keep up with my head, and I can’t argue that. The label was put on the blank by the maker and sits off the spline of the rod between the butt cap and grip.

Threw mostly a 1/43 with a mule fishing body. The moon wasn’t quite right but looks to be better this week. I caught less than half of the previous weekend but it was still fun. Noticeably lighter too. Tiny fish really make it jump. I’ll post more next time I get it out with some more pics. Was just enjoying the trip and didn’t take many.