shakespear mirco lite rod

I may be on the wrong forum here, but here is my question or complaint. I bought a new ultra lite rod, a shakespear (spelling) micro lite to throw some of my small baits on. The rod handles the small baits very well, such as a H&H cutie spinner and small jig heads that I use for brim. The complaint that I have is that the rod is not very sensitive, it says it is an im6, but I can't really feel the fish, I pretty much have to wait on the rod to start loading up or feel the fish pulling on the rod. It handles the fish fine, even caught a 4 pound chopique on it, but I was expecting it to be more sensitive. I only paid $16 for it, and is a good rod. Am I just used to my bass rods and should not expect an ultra lite to be that sensitive or is there a rod that is ultra lite and sensitive?
I have a 10'B&M Sam's supersensitive for crappie, it is im6 and pretty sensitive, maybe I should try one of their spinning rods.
Any thoughts or ideas will be appreciated.
later...etex

Question is how much IM6 is in it? But will say you have to watch your line reguardless of brand. Hard to feel many of the bites and others are very easy to detect. But no doubt will feel less than a medium action with heavier line. Watch Todd Huckabee and his dippin rods are pretty stout and he says it makes it easier to detect lite bites.

I'm with "huntinslabs" on this one. Not all IM6's are created equal. I'm also in his camp when it comes to "feeling" the bite ... I try NOT TO !! I want to "SEE" the bite (line movement), not necessarily feel it ... especially when swimming a jig. Now, I do feel the bite on my ESP rod (IM6/very high modulus graphite) when the fish "thump it" fairly good. But, most of that "feeling" is due to the line movement, not the fish pulling the rod tip down.

Been using two 7 ft lights and one 7 ft 6 in ultra light, I cast 1/64 & 1/32 oz with ultra and 1/32 with lights. I really like them, but line make a bid difference in how they handle the light jigs. I use 4.4 lb Tectan and can cast as far as I need to. Like the rods and love the price. I have used a lot of different rods and a lot with higher price tags and these work as well for me as any I have had.

Thank you gentlemen. It went a lot better today, maybe I am getting used to it. I caught 8 brim all about hand sized. I am using 6 lb. test Mr. Crappie high viz line, but I am going to change it tomorrow and put on some viscous panfish line in 4 lb. test. I do watch the line but probably not as much as I need to. I will try to upload some pictures tomorrow of my fish and where I am fishing, it is very pretty down here in south Louisiana where I work.

later...etex

Glad to hear things got better. I have an older 4'6" Ugly Stik and I was missing fish left and right with it. I like to vertical jig with 1/8oz jig heads so my line is usually tight except on the fall. I bought two new set ups, one for using on the docks and another for in my kayak. The one for the docks is a 8ft BnM Jigging pole with a Mitchelle 308 reel and 6lb Trilene and the sensitivity is awesome, the slightest little hit can be felt. The other is Field and Stream 5'6" TEC LITE ultra light with a Shimano Sienna 1,000 series reel with 4lb Trilene and that is my most sensitive set up. I love using that TEC-LITE, it's so light and sensitive. I scored that whole set up at F&S for right around 65 bucks with the reel being on close out sale and a few rewards points used. Since using the new set ups I've taken more fish for sure, I still use the Ugly Stik but only as a secondary pole now.

I tried the ugly sticks but they seem to heavy to me. Where did you get the TEC-LITE? I may get a B&M since I like my 10' jigging pole so much. The B&M that I have is the Sams super sensitive. Thanks for the replies.

A couple of things to consider with commercial off the shelf rods (especially lower priced ones). Is the handle EVA foam or cork? That is one thing to consider. The other, and probably the culprit in this instance is what kind of arbor was used under the reel seat. Obviously, there would be no way for you to know without cutting the rod apart but... on lower end, or lower quality rods, the manufacturor doesn't utilize a carbon fiber or graphite arbor to take up the space between the blank and the reel seat. They utilize cheaper urethane or, more commonly utilized, they wrap masking tape around the rod until they take up the difference. This causes a "deadening" feeling between the blank and the reel seat. As a result, the feeling of the rod is not transfered into the reel seat. If you are holding the rod above the reel seat, EVA foam usually has less feel than cork. The feeling of the bite is not transfered very well from the blank through the foam to your hands.

Just a few things to consider. Obviously, verticle jigging would provide more feel and less need to watch the line however, like with most things, crappies tend to bite "up". As a result, line watching is sometimes key as you don't feel the hit. You might however feel the lack of weight.

I have several Bass Pro micro lite rods, for years been using them. One in particular is 9'6" long and I love it for crappie fishing and I have no problem with sensitivity feeling the hit. I paid $59 for that rod and have several others in the 7' to 8' range also and again have no problems with them, I think I paid $39 for those. Only paying $16 for the rod might be , you get what you pay for.

they are great entry level rods for crappie .....I have one I got 4 years ago ...it aint bad .....it aint like my Ticas
and it aint like some of them other brands that cost a bit , but it will lay the law down to them crappie for sure in the right hand
....my right hand that is ...:Rofl

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Originally Posted by etexbasser

I tried the ugly sticks but they seem to heavy to me. Where did you get the TEC-LITE? I may get a B&M since I like my 10' jigging pole so much. The B&M that I have is the Sams super sensitive. Thanks for the replies.

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I got the TEC-LITE at Field and Stream

I approach most of my fishing with the viewpoint that the folks specializing in technique specific equipment, are probably not going to steer you wrong. Otherwise, they wouldn't be leaders in that industry. That being said, I've never spent more than $80.00 for any of the rods that I have, including bass tackle. Am I missing out? Probably, but in all good consciousness, I couldn't go fishing with a $300.00 rod and not be scared to death that I might break it! Just how I am.

Folks like the B n' M company & Grizzly Jig have staked their reputations on the line for their products. They've been in business a very long time. I respect that and feel very confident in purchasing their tackle. For my money (<$50.00) you'd be hard pressed to find a better casting rod than the B n' M Sam Heaton's Super Sensitive in the 7' length. About as good as it gets in my opinion.

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Originally Posted by Crestliner08

I approach most of my fishing with the viewpoint that the folks specializing in technique specific equipment, are probably not going to steer you wrong. Otherwise, they wouldn't be leaders in that industry. That being said, I've never spent more than $80.00 for any of the rods that I have, including bass tackle. Am I missing out? Probably, but in all good consciousness, I couldn't go fishing with a $300.00 rod and not be scared to death that I might break it! Just how I am.

Folks like the B n' M company & Grizzly Jig have staked their reputations on the line for their products. They've been in business a very long time. I respect that and feel very confident in purchasing their tackle. For my money (<$50.00) you'd be hard pressed to find a better casting rod than the B n' M Sam Heaton's Super Sensitive in the 7' length. About as good as it gets in my opinion.

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300 dollar rod? If your using one of those than your either sponsored or just have enough disposable income than it doesn't matter. Any rod, even if it's a Huck/Fin stick will catch fish, some are better than others for sure, just have to weigh the price versus how much and serious you are about fishing. My Daughter caught a moster jumbo perch on a 20 dollar set up and my Son caught the biggest Large Mouth I've ever seen in person on a 30 dollar set up. There's hundreds of video's on people catching fish on 30-40 dollar WalMart set ups. Just comes out practice and experience. I personally think there's a big difference in my TEC-LITE that retails for 60 bucks versus my Ugly Stik I bought at WalMart for 19.99 years ago.

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Originally Posted by floaterguy

300 dollar rod? If your using one of those than your either sponsored or just have enough disposable income than it doesn't matter. Any rod, even if it's a Huck/Fin stick will catch fish, some are better than others for sure, just have to weigh the price versus how much and serious you are about fishing.

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I think you might have to re-read my comment. I was not advocating the purchase of $300.00 rods. Quite the opposite. But I do know many of my bassin' friends that regularly buy Fenwick & GLoomis rods - and they start at about $275.00 & up! And you will see this in many bass clubs today. (Which is why I no longer belong to any of them.)

I stand by my statement that the 7' SHSS surpasses many rods in our chosen field of crappie fishing. Again, this is just my opinion! :)

I have 4 of the rods you speak of and like them all. Something not mentioned so far is the line used. With light jigs I feel that the lighter the line the better you will feel what's going on. That has been said somewhere. What hasn't been said is why. Mono has a memory and it is more pronounced in heavier line. Basically, the memory is like a pigs tail or spring, keeping the line from being straight and transmitting sensation, actually helping absorb sensation.When I pick up a rod that hasn't been used for a while I take some of the line off and try to stretch it a little as I do, thus taking out a lot of the coil and improving the contact with the jig. Pulling it through one hand held tight will do the trick. If you look in the fly section of any catalog that carries that stuff, you will find a straightener the consists of two leather tabs similar to a key ring tab, rough sides towards one another. It improves control and contact.

I'm sure that a high dollar rod has things that make them more sensitive, but I've never given more than $50 for a rod that I cam remember and some of mine absolutely jump in my hand. I think that once you learn to feel for the subtle instead of the pronounced and become a line watcher you'll be as pleased as I am with my "cheap" rods. A lift bite is never felt but seen as the line falling to the water before you know it has hit bottom. They hit it on the rise and hold it briefly before spitting it back out. I've had a few days when 60% or more of my bites were seen like this and never felt.

Good luck with the learning process and keep us posted, you'll be teaching someone yourself.

I build all of my own rods now days. There is NOT a ton of money in selling custom rods but there is a small following. Once people fish with one, they tend to never buy another COTS (commercial off the shelf) rod (if they can help it). There is a difference between a 10 dollar blank and a 200 dollar blank. There is a huge difference in the reel seat arbor that goes under the reel seat on a cheaper rod. When you purchase a custom rod, you get exactly what you want. Hard to walk in to the store and say "I want a 7 foot, Light weight fast action, two piece rod, with a six inch rear cork grip, a 4 inch fore grip, a graphite arbor, recoil guide eyes, and I want it to weigh less than 1.8lbs total!

I am very selective now days of who I make and sell rods to. Like I said, just not a ton of money in it. Plus, people get sticker shock. I have a current build going on right now and the out the door cost for this customer (one purpose) rod is $385.00. He only purchases custom rods and it is used for one purpose. He cannot purchase this rod off the shelf at any store. He is not a tournament angler.

Trust me, they are not for everyone and there are people that will always say... "you can catch just as many fish on this 10 dollar rod". Well, that is a hard statement to make if you have never used another one side by side to tell the difference or feel the bites that you are missing! Remember, it is one thing to be talking crappies and crappie fishing, completely different if we are talking bass, walleye, trout, salmon, steelhead, or the tons of other fish in the lakes and streams. Many applications now days are very specific and rods can be built and or manufactured to allow the bait to perform as advertised.

Two years ago I built a custom blank for a guy doing what is referred to as "hotshoting". It is salmon or steelhead fishing in a river where you anchor above the hole and drift a plug back into the hole and allow the current to work the rod. This rod was "specifically" designed to run lipped crank baits and get the most action as possible out of that bait. Sure, you might go through 100 rods off the shelf to get 1 that works best, or, you can save yourself and purchase one that is going to work flawlessly. We took a lipped crank and put it on one rod (off the shelf) and the same crank on this custom rod and put them in the water. The difference in action of the bait was a complete joke.

My point... In some instances, you get what you pay for. Sure, you can purchase IM6 graphite and it might work great (for your application) but.... Japanese Torey Graphite might be 10 to 20 times better. It might also cost you 10 to 20 times more.

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Originally Posted by Crestliner08

I approach most of my fishing with the viewpoint that the folks specializing in technique specific equipment, are probably not going to steer you wrong. Otherwise, they wouldn't be leaders in that industry. That being said, I've never spent more than $80.00 for any of the rods that I have, including bass tackle. Am I missing out? Probably, but in all good consciousness, I couldn't go fishing with a $300.00 rod and not be scared to death that I might break it! Just how I am.

Folks like the B n' M company & Grizzly Jig have staked their reputations on the line for their products. They've been in business a very long time. I respect that and feel very confident in purchasing their tackle. For my money (<$50.00) you'd be hard pressed to find a better casting rod than the B n' M Sam Heaton's Super Sensitive in the 7' length. About as good as it gets in my opinion.

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Don't be scared to fish with a $300 dollar rod. Most of them carry a no questions asked, lifetime warrenty. At least the blanks I purchase and sell to customers. One company I use even pays for the shipping to and from their factory. Of course, I've yet to have one returned to my shop to be sent back either.

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Originally Posted by wicklundrh

I build all of my own rods now days. There is NOT a ton of money in selling custom rods but there is a small following. Once people fish with one, they tend to never buy another COTS (commercial off the shelf) rod (if they can help it). There is a difference between a 10 dollar blank and a 200 dollar blank. There is a huge difference in the reel seat arbor that goes under the reel seat on a cheaper rod. When you purchase a custom rod, you get exactly what you want. Hard to walk in to the store and say "I want a 7 foot, Light weight fast action, two piece rod, with a six inch rear cork grip, a 4 inch fore grip, a graphite arbor, recoil guide eyes, and I want it to weigh less than 1.8lbs total!

I am very selective now days of who I make and sell rods to. Like I said, just not a ton of money in it. Plus, people get sticker shock. I have a current build going on right now and the out the door cost for this customer (one purpose) rod is $385.00. He only purchases custom rods and it is used for one purpose. He cannot purchase this rod off the shelf at any store. He is not a tournament angler.

Trust me, they are not for everyone and there are people that will always say... "you can catch just as many fish on this 10 dollar rod". Well, that is a hard statement to make if you have never used another one side by side to tell the difference or feel the bites that you are missing! Remember, it is one thing to be talking crappies and crappie fishing, completely different if we are talking bass, walleye, trout, salmon, steelhead, or the tons of other fish in the lakes and streams. Many applications now days are very specific and rods can be built and or manufactured to allow the bait to perform as advertised.

Two years ago I built a custom blank for a guy doing what is referred to as "hotshoting". It is salmon or steelhead fishing in a river where you anchor above the hole and drift a plug back into the hole and allow the current to work the rod. This rod was "specifically" designed to run lipped crank baits and get the most action as possible out of that bait. Sure, you might go through 100 rods off the shelf to get 1 that works best, or, you can save yourself and purchase one that is going to work flawlessly. We took a lipped crank and put it on one rod (off the shelf) and the same crank on this custom rod and put them in the water. The difference in action of the bait was a complete joke.

My point... In some instances, you get what you pay for. Sure, you can purchase IM6 graphite and it might work great (for your application) but.... Japanese Torey Graphite might be 10 to 20 times better. It might also cost you 10 to 20 times more.

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I have two rods I had made for me by a local rod builder who happens to be a good friend. I ordered the material I wanted used, both are salmon- steelhead rods, 8'6" long and one is med. lite action with microwave guides and the other is med. action.
I have caught salmon on both and the med. lite action rod I also use for crappie and it works fantastic. the other med action I also use for bass and saugeye . I've never had GOOD rods my whole life until these two and I spent well over $200 on each but you most certainly can tell the difference when fishing with them compared to a less expensive rod.
Now most of my fishing is done with rods I have spent no more than $50 - $60 for , for good reason , because I kind of throw my stuff around . But of course with the other two I handle much differently :).

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Originally Posted by Crestliner08

I think you might have to re-read my comment. I was not advocating the purchase of $300.00 rods. Quite the opposite. But I do know many of my bassin' friends that regularly buy Fenwick & GLoomis rods - and they start at about $275.00 & up! And you will see this in many bass clubs today. (Which is why I no longer belong to any of them.)

I stand by my statement that the 7' SHSS surpasses many rods in our chosen field of crappie fishing. Again, this is just my opinion! :)

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Oh no, I'm agreeing. I don't think you need a big dollar rod to be successful, my point was (in a very round about way lol) was I do think there's a difference in a very cheap rod versus a 50 dollar and up rod. I'm sure in those clubs there's a "keep up with the Jones" thing going on too.

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Originally Posted by floaterguy

Oh no, I'm agreeing. I don't think you need a big dollar rod to be successful, my point was (in a very round about way lol) was I do think there's a difference in a very cheap rod versus a 50 dollar and up rod. I'm sure in those clubs there's a "keep up with the Jones" thing going on too.

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sure there is when you have real nice equipment at least you'll look like you know what your doing even when you're not catching fish :Rofl

Kid brother just spent 150+ on a new St.Croix rod , I thought he was NUTS. Then he let me try it. I'll never be able to afford one , but I now know the difference above my Ugly Sticks.

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Originally Posted by hugastump

Kid brother just spent 150+ on a new St.Croix rod , I thought he was NUTS. Then he let me try it. I'll never be able to afford one , but I now know the difference above my Ugly Sticks.

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You buy the parts and come over to my house and I'll teach you how to make one. I garuntee it will be 10 times better than your brothers and won't cost as much as he paid!!!

I have been on Mudholes site many times with my pointer hovering over the class schedules. Just know it would cost me a pile of money in the long run.

I reccomend the series on you tube put out by Captain Kevin Brotz from get bit outdoors. Each video will cover every step needed. In my opinion, the best course out there. He runs classes too but I've recommended his series to several people and all of them are now seasoned rod builders. Do it, you won't be dissapointed

I build fishing rods and have several that I have built for myself, that being said I still like the micro lights that Shakespeare produces. Light weight handles line well, priced right (if you break one you will not cry), and fun to fish with. I have caught bluegill, crappie, bass up to 4 pounds and cats up to 9 lbs on these rods. For my 2 cents they are a good rod at a excellent price.

as a hobbie I can see making rods, and also the satisfaction of making your own if you fish but I have not the patience to do this nor the desire . I love to fish and fish with good rods, so I paid to have the rods made like I wanted and am very glad I did so. I bought the supplies from Mudhole and did look at some of the equip. needed to build ones own rod, just does not seem to be worth the money spent unless it was a hobby and or I was to build for others. either way I dont have the patience or desire so I know I would not build a quality rod.

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Originally Posted by glasseyes

as a hobbie I can see making rods, and also the satisfaction of making your own if you fish but I have not the patience to do this nor the desire . I love to fish and fish with good rods, so I paid to have the rods made like I wanted and am very glad I did so. I bought the supplies from Mudhole and did look at some of the equip. needed to build ones own rod, just does not seem to be worth the money spent unless it was a hobby and or I was to build for others. either way I dont have the patience or desire so I know I would not build a quality rod.

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I agree, I tie most of my own flies for steelhead because I got sick of loosing flies and paying up to 2 dollars to replace them when I can tie most of them for pennies but building a rod is a different story. It looks like it would be fun to make a few and I'm sure there's a difference in quality with a high dollar rod but honestly, I don't fish enough to tell the difference between a 100.00 rod or a 100.00+ rod. My 60.00 F&S TEC-LITE felt just as nice as a 130.00 St. Croix rod in the same isle. Like I said earlier, I think there's a difference between my older Ugly Stlik and this new tec-lite and my new Fenwick HMG and another older Ugly Stik

A lot of the pricey stuff isn't all that yawl .....except for price ......held a many many Rod in my time that cost ridiculous money and wasn't much . Hold one and give it a work out before you look at the price would be my suggestion . You might be surprised by what you find . Lews has a nice line that are priced pretty fairly in my opinion .

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Originally Posted by floaterguy

I agree, I tie most of my own flies for steelhead because I got sick of loosing flies and paying up to 2 dollars to replace them when I can tie most of them for pennies but building a rod is a different story. It looks like it would be fun to make a few and I'm sure there's a difference in quality with a high dollar rod but honestly, I don't fish enough to tell the difference between a 100.00 rod or a 100.00+ rod. My 60.00 F&S TEC-LITE felt just as nice as a 130.00 St. Croix rod in the same isle. Like I said earlier, I think there's a difference between my older Ugly Stlik and this new tec-lite and my new Fenwick HMG and another older Ugly Stik

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yes I should have mentioned that also, I started making my own lead heads and hair jigs years ago for same reason but the cost of the things I needed to do that does not even compare to rod building and again doesn't take much time or finness to make lead head jigs, a little more talent for the hair jigs but if you just want to catch fish its not that hard. Now if you really get into that its more of an art than anything .

I built my own tying jig. Didn't cost anything. A turning motor for the rod finish will set you back 50 bucks. A set of cork remers is another 50 bucks. Most everything else can be gotten at a quality craft store for pretty cheap.

I know I do hear all the time from people... "Buy American", "Buy American"... Well, guess what, you kind of pay for it. Shakspeare rods (for the most part) are made in China! G-Loomis rods are no longer owned by Gary Loomis. They are owned by Shakespeare... so guess where they are made? Shakespeare actually sued Gary because, when he left, he had another company and was using his name on those rods. Shakespear said "it confused the customers". Gary was ticked off because Shakespear no longer made rod blanks for the hand tie customer and he started his business as such. His company "North Fork Composits" only sells blanks. And, when all was said and done, Shakespeare couldn't hold him from using his own personal name. Not to mention he owned North Fork (and started it) BEFORE he started G-Loomis rods.

St. Croix used to be built all in America HOWEVER, like with other companies, they moved production of a lot of their SCIV and SCV blanks (and rods) to Mexico. Besides, the industry standard (benchmark) of today is Japanese Torey Graphite.

That being said, Ketchn is right. IF there is one thing I can tell anybody is NEVER order one sight unseen. Always feel it, touch it, and hold it. I recommend the "blind" test. Have someone else hand you two rods, one in each hand. With your eyes closed, feel the weight, the balance, the feel of the rod and so on. Then open your eyes and look at the brand and finally the price. You might be surprised and you might be disapointed. There are many "species or technique" specific rods out there that are great rods for fractions of higher end rods. Then again, there are junkers out there too.

Building is a Hobby. Do you save money... NO. But you get exactly what you want. I grew up with customs as my dad built them years ago. Got out of them when I got out of the Marines because it was easy to find a rod I liked at the store. Eventually, I got into it because I couldn't find exactly what I wanted anymore. Key word was "exactly" what I wanted. I got good at it, a few people tried some of my personal rods, and the next thing you know, everybody wanted one. Some had sticker shock and some didn't. I don't do as many customs as I used to simply because I don't make a lot of money at it. Besides, the itch to build comes and goes. Some days I can sit and build them for 10 hours, other times I find it a chore to say "man, I have another eye to put on, another handle to do, another tip to glue on".

If you are OCD (like many former military guys) or you really love detailed work, it is a great hobby. Plus, it is cool to build a rod and give away to family or friends as a gift. I will say that you can buy some pretty cheap blanks and when finished, the rod is more than likely better than one you can buy for the same price in materials. I've seen kits for as low as 19 dollars before and that blank was better than most 100 dollar store bought rods.

In fact, the first one I ever built cost me 49.00. To this day it remains my dads favorite fishing rod. If I had to guess, that rod would have been a 150 store purchased rod.

One tip: Do NOT purchase a commercial blank from a company that produces off the shelf rods. You will be dissapointed. The reason is simple. The same blank you can buy, they build and sell. Example: a St. Croix SCV blank, cork, reel arbor and seat, hook keeper, guide eyes, and tip with run you around $300.00. Then you have to build it (takes time) pay for the thread, cork glue, finish, and so on. You are into that rod for $350 before labor. The EXACT same rod can be purchased in the store for $289.00 completely finished.

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Originally Posted by wicklundrh

G-Loomis rods are no longer owned by Gary Loomis. They are owned by Shakespeare...

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I think you mean Shimano. ;)

off hand I do not know and never thought about it when I bought my blanks from Mudhole, do you know where MHX blanks are made ?

I have the Shakespeare Micro Series spinning, under cast and spin cast reels. Like the under cast better. All were bought as combos with 4.5 to 12' rods. The 9, 10 and 12 foot rods work better for me than the shorter ones. Can't use a bobber stopper with the tiny guides. At an auction I bought 4 Shakespeare 10' crappie hunter under cast combos for $35. One 12' crappie hunter spinning combo for $10. One 9' crappie hunter spinning combo with broke foot for $2.

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Originally Posted by deathb4disco

I think you mean Shimano. ;)

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Thanks!!! Had a head cold the last couple of days and can't think straight. Although I feel like I have a marching band playing the national anthem in my head, I'm still standing for it!!!!

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Originally Posted by glasseyes

off hand I do not know and never thought about it when I bought my blanks from Mudhole, do you know where MHX blanks are made ?

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I've done some digging and this is what I've been able to come up with:

"If Toray is the manufacture I believe they make them in the states... found this on their site. Japanese company but made here (like Toyota)???

Toray Carbon Fibers America, Inc. began producing TORAYCA carbon fibers in Decatur, Alabama in 1999, at a site established expressly for that purpose. The Decatur facility houses the world's largest single carbon fiber production line, with a nominal capacity of 4 million pounds per year (1,800 tons per year), which will be expanded to 8 million pounds per year (3,600 tons per year) "

And from another source:
"MHX blanks are completely designed (including mandrels, graphitepattern selection, graphite fiber alignment, graphite pre-preg selection (resin& fibers), tested (field, failure, fatigue, deflection, action angle, power),quality controlled and packaged in the USA by the MHX staff. That staff represents over 50 people, their spouses and hundreds of family members in the USA that rely on the sales of the MHXblank line for financial survival."

The long and short of it. Just like with others, I think some are built here, others are built elsewhere.

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Originally Posted by wicklundrh

Thanks!!! Had a head cold the last couple of days and can't think straight. Although I feel like I have a marching band playing the national anthem in my head, I'm still standing for it!!!!

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They're both two huge tackle companies that start with "Sh". It's an honest mistake. ;)

"I feel like I have a marching band playing the national anthem in my head, I'm still standing for it!"
I'm standing with you.

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Originally Posted by wicklundrh

I've done some digging and this is what I've been able to come up with:

"If Toray is the manufacture I believe they make them in the states... found this on their site. Japanese company but made here (like Toyota)???

Toray Carbon Fibers America, Inc. began producing TORAYCA carbon fibers in Decatur, Alabama in 1999, at a site established expressly for that purpose. The Decatur facility houses the world's largest single carbon fiber production line, with a nominal capacity of 4 million pounds per year (1,800 tons per year), which will be expanded to 8 million pounds per year (3,600 tons per year) "

And from another source:
"MHX blanks are completely designed (including mandrels, graphitepattern selection, graphite fiber alignment, graphite pre-preg selection (resin& fibers), tested (field, failure, fatigue, deflection, action angle, power),quality controlled and packaged in the USA by the MHX staff. That staff represents over 50 people, their spouses and hundreds of family members in the USA that rely on the sales of the MHXblank line for financial survival."

The long and short of it. Just like with others, I think some are built here, others are built elsewhere.

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WOW thanks, thats a lot of information.