|
|
Posts: 696
Location: Northern Illinois | Was wondering if anyone knew if they made these in split grip as well as full handle? My Dad is interested in getting one and wanted to see his options.
Thanks! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 993
| They'll make them any way you want, they're custom built |
|
| |
|
Posts: 696
Location: Northern Illinois | Ok...that's what I figured but on their website there wasn't a spot to specify between the 2. I guess if we do order it would probably be best to just call.
Thanks! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 109
Location: Pewaukee, WI | http://www.thornebros.com/shop/pc/Thorne-Bros-Custom-Predator-Muski...
3rd click down |
|
| |
|
Posts: 117
| Best thing to do is to call and ask for Lonnie, or Jason in the rod shop. Just figure out the spacing of how much of the blank you want showing on the handle for the split grip. Close your eyes and imagine what you want.....they can build it  |
|
| |
|
Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | Brett Carroll - 2/17/2014 12:55 PM
Was wondering if anyone knew if they made these in split grip as well as full handle? My Dad is interested in getting one and wanted to see his options.
Thanks!
Take a look at What Jeremy from Tuscarora Tackle can do for you on a Predator blank. He had some rods at the Milwaukee show that blew my mind. He is doing things I have never seen from any other rod builders. Great guy too.
http://tuscaroratackle.com/rods/
JMO,
James |
|
| |
|
Posts: 756
| I did not see he was was asking about rods other than Predators. Must have missed that post... |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | Thorne Brothers rods are top notch .its all I use tried a TI never again. talk to Lonnie he will build you a rod your dad will be proud to own |
|
| |
|
Posts: 750
Location: Minneapolis, MN | I did not see where anyone else mentioned something other than a Predator rod. Must have missed that post... |
|
| |
|
Posts: 87
| thats the best part about thorne rods! you can dream it they can build it! best in the buzz! love my predator! if only they weren't so spendy! lol. but it is an investment worth the price imo.. ill be picking up another one myself before the season just don't know which one yet! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI | Mojo1269 - 2/17/2014 6:24 PM
I did not see he was was asking about rods other than Predators. Must have missed that post...
And I did not see anybody talking about anything but... Just another option for somebody that can build on a Predator blank.
Winter is getting to be too long. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | Mojo1269 - 2/17/2014 6:24 PM
I did not see he was was asking about rods other than Predators. Must have missed that post...
It is a Predator rod, just built by Tuscarora Tackle. Guy was asking about Predator rods. Options are always good to have.
James |
|
| |
|
Posts: 993
| Tackle Industries - 2/18/2014 7:33 AM
Mojo1269 - 2/17/2014 6:24 PM
I did not see he was was asking about rods other than Predators. Must have missed that post...
It is a Predator rod, just built by Tuscarora Tackle. Guy was asking about Predator rods. Options are always good to have.
James
Jeremy built that 9'3 XH predator for me and it was a work of art, I'd recommend Jeremy as well for a predator build option. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 696
Location: Northern Illinois | Is there a spot on Tuscarora Tackle where you can look at all the options? I see where you view each picture of the specific rod or do you have to contact him to talk about all the options? The rods on there are pretty sweet but couldn't see each possible combo. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 910
Location: South-Central VA | Brett,
The rods on my website are examples of past builds and you can find a bunch more on my Facebook page. There are simply too many options out there for me to list them all. I don't make my customers pick from a certain number of options, I like them to be able to select whatever components they want for their rod- that's what makes it custom. You can either give me a call or shoot me an email to talk options. When I find out specifically what you are looking for, that will help me to guide you in the right direction as far as recommendations for the specifics of the build- blank, guides, grips, reel seat, etc.
Here's the link to my FB page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tuscarora-Tackle-by-Jeremy-Wagner/150...
jeremy |
|
| |
|
Posts: 149
| Tuscarora builds usable art. Thorn bros builds very nice custom rods. For the money IMO you will like the Tuscarora rods. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 427
Location: Planet Meltdown | My custom Green Tree Python Snake skin Legend Tournament built by Jeremy is a work of art and if I didn't like throwing glide and jerk baits so much it would be on display on my wall!! I also highly recommend him!!! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 697
Location: Minnetonka | +1 for Thorne Bros Predator. When ordering my custom rods, I chose the builder with the proven track record—coincidentally the rod builder that helped engineer the blank. |
|
| |
|
| There are rod builders and then there are custom rod builders, sounds like Jeremy is a custom rod builder. BR |
|
| |
|
Posts: 696
Location: Northern Illinois | I'm going to have my Dad check them all out before deciding. They all look like great rods and have numerous people backing them. Once he finds something he likes we will order.
Thanks for all the responses! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 750
Location: Minneapolis, MN | Make sure you check into their lead times. I ordered a Predator from Thorne Bros on December 30th and was told it would be 4-5 weeks. Called on January 31st and was told it would be another 2 weeks. Still haven’t heard anything. I’m not in a rush since I obviously can’t use it right now, but I appreciate it when people stick to the time table they gave me. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 833
| Thorne is notoriously busy this time of the year. (Lots of custom Ice work on top of the regular stuff.) I do all my building in the offseason and I basically tell them I want it before opener. I've yet to have a rod be late.
I would strongly encourage you to have your Dad call Lonnie and get some time with him at least on the phone if in person is not possible. There are a world of options and it helps to understand how you want to fish and what you want to do with the rod. From there you can set up the right build.
As an aside, I would strongly reccomend paying the extra cost for the Titanium Guides. They make a noticeable difference in the final weight of a rod which really pays off over a long day of casting. Also depending on how you like to grip the rod/reel I'd consider using the new "palming" reel seat from Fuji which St. Croix is using on it's LT rods. (this one doens't cost extra!) I did my last custom with these mods and I was tremendously pleased with the results. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 756
| Hammskie - 2/18/2014 12:18 PM
+1 for Thorne Bros Predator. When ordering my custom rods, I chose the builder with the proven track record—coincidentally the rod builder that helped engineer the blank.
WORD... (to use a very dated term) |
|
| |
|
Posts: 734
Location: Watertown, MN | Thorne brother and Lonnie is the smart choice, he stand behind his rods, they were a big part of developing this blank. In the past years seen many builders come and go, and thorne is still the standard that all other are judged. You will love the predator.
Troy |
|
| |
|
Posts: 148
| Tuscarora tackle does great work on a predator blank |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1084
Location: Aurora | As long as this thread has turned into a who's who of rod building i'd like to send a shout out to a coupla builders that live only minutes away from Thornes and are part of the tight-knit rod building community here in MN.
Randy Thompson - aka "randy t" on the boards here is a custom bait maker and impeccable rod builder with an extensive multi-species/saltwater fishing background.
Gary Wick - Custom rod builder of 32 years, also offering both rod & reel repair services.
These guys have solid connections with the staff at Thornes and can build on the St. Croix made predator blanks as well.
Gary also offers rod blanks that were made to his specifications and is a supplier of rod building materials and components. He offers classes on rod building too.
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 52
| Options are a wonderful thing. I have some of Jeremy's rods and they are fantastic, he is easy to work with and stands behind his builds. I have a thorne bros and it is fantastic. Had great experiences with both. The more quality options, the better off we all are. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 117
| The "Predator" rod is very exclusive rod. Lonnie, who is the head rod builder and has been there for many many years helped design this awesome blank. In my opinion, it is the best Muskie blank out there, weather you go with the H, XH, or XXH. Other smaller guys or companies buy the blanks from Lonnie at Thorne Brothers. Most "custom" rod builders actually will buy the blank from Lonnie at Thorne Brothers and then build on top of it. There is a reason that the Thorne Brothers Predators series is so popular amongst the top of the line Muskie fisherman all the way down to the guy who is just getting into the awesome sport. Its a blank that has extreme performance and I would put it next to any Muskie blank out there right now.
Lonnie's craftsmanship is second to none. He has been doing amazing designing, inventing, and implementing some of the best rods in the industry. The amount of different options you can get with a Thorne Brother custom rod is second to none. I would highly recommend to just go the top of the game and give Lonnie a call.
Shoot me a PM if you want some more info, wont try to "sell" you on anything, just will give you a avid Muskie Fisherman's opinion.
|
|
| |
|
| Lots of marketing and fanboys in these threads for sure:-) Popular doesn't make it better, do yourself a favor if you can and actually look at different builders rods, see if they form their own cork and don't order the cork handles out, see if the guides are on spine. Look at the craftsmanship of the build. It is a personal thing, typically a costly investment so take the time see them in person if possible. Also look at different blanks, no reason to limit yourself. BR |
|
| |
|
Posts: 697
Location: Minnetonka | You can get a Chevy Suburban with aftermarket rims, pinstripes and ground effects or you can drive your Cadillac Escalade home from the rod shop and start crushing muskies with it. |
|
| |
|
| Hammskie - 2/19/2014 3:49 PM
You can get a Chevy Suburban with aftermarket rims, pinstripes and ground effects or you can drive your Cadillac Escalade home from the rod shop and start crushing muskies with it.
Why limit yourself to GM when there are plenty of other high end options out there? Especially since GM was a part of a huge government bailout:) Since you are making odd analogies. BR |
|
| |
|
Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek | A little foresight can go a long way. Is the builder in your area? Shipping a 9 footer out of Speedee territory will cost someone, likely the consumer.
Service: s**t happens. will the builder take care of you in a TIMELY fashion if it gets stepped on, or are you SOL? And again, where will you be shipping it if it does need service?
Reel seat shims, is polyurethane used or cardboard or tape? If the builder claims tape or cardboard is just as good then take your business elsewhere.
Underwraps are nice but not necessary, spining is a little more important. Overbuilt rods get heavy. Massive ALPS reel seats look cool and indestructable but are overkill. So are massive guides.
Some guys build works of art, some build terrific tools that are quite plain looking. Some make terrific tools that are works of art and cost 6 month rent.
Research before you choose. There are some great builders out there, there's also some lousy ones.
One last piece of advice, if the builder wants less for a custom than what you can get a similar factory rod for, look elsewhere. I've seen some cheap customs. You'll pay more for them in the long run.
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 127
| Flambeauski - 2/19/2014 4:26 PM
Overbuilt rods get heavy. Massive ALPS reel seats look cool and indestructable but are overkill. So are massive guides.
Great points all around Flambeauski! The point above is one of my pet peeves of customs! An ideal rod would have the smallest guides possible, made out of the lightest material, with the minimal amount of wrap (without sacrificing durability). The less weight on the blank, the better the blanks properties shine through!
One other thing to check out on a casting rod is spiral wrapped guides - only way to have a truly stable rod under load! |
|
| |
|
| The new super light small guides are awesome, really takes weight off the rods. Worth the investment:)
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 45
| That is the great thing about custom rods. If you want micro guides with sic rings and a skeleton real seat, order it that way. Cookie cutter rods are not custom. A true custom is made to your specifications. As comparing to the drive off the showroom suv, might as well buy a LT St Croix off the shelf. Lots of good blanks and rod builders around. Don't get hung up on what is the trend this week. Once you fish with a well built custom rod built for the proper application you will never go back. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 696
Location: Northern Illinois | Financials is not an issue so I'm not too concnerned about shipping costs. We live in Northern Illinois and have a cabin on Kentuck Lake so we can get it shipped either place. We've had numerous customs before but nothing we cared for much-which I will not name names. We've had numerous LTs and GLoomis rods and liked them but wanted some differences that you can get with customs. I like some of the crazy designs but they might not be what my Dad wants. I definitely want him to get a Predator but as from who; that is up in the air still. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek | RStien321 - 2/19/2014 4:45 PM
Flambeauski - 2/19/2014 4:26 PM
Overbuilt rods get heavy. Massive ALPS reel seats look cool and indestructable but are overkill. So are massive guides.
Great points all around Flambeauski! The point above is one of my pet peeves of customs! An ideal rod would have the smallest guides possible, made out of the lightest material, with the minimal amount of wrap (without sacrificing durability ). The less weight on the blank, the better the blanks properties shine through!
One other thing to check out on a casting rod is spiral wrapped guides - only way to have a truly stable rod under load!
Spiral wraps are a pet peeve of mine!
I don't disagree that it adds stabilty and reduces torque, IF you're jigging or fighting a fish tip up (lifting). If you're burning a double ten with the rod tip close to the water then the guides are on the wrong side of the blank.
JMO- When guys are using muskie blanks to jig for grouper or rockfish or use Bondy's or Fuzzys I'll recommend spirals all day long.
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek | Brett Carroll - 2/20/2014 8:28 AM
Financials is not an issue so I'm not too concnerned about shipping costs. We live in Northern Illinois and have a cabin on Kentuck Lake so we can get it shipped either place. We've had numerous customs before but nothing we cared for much-which I will not name names. We've had numerous LTs and GLoomis rods and liked them but wanted some differences that you can get with customs. I like some of the crazy designs but they might not be what my Dad wants. I definitely want him to get a Predator but as from who; that is up in the air still.
My first choices would be:
Frank's (IL)
Lake Lady (MN)
B&B (WI)
Thornes (MN)
Not to take anything away from Jeremy @ Tuscarora, his rods look very nice, just don't have any experience with them. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 127
| Flambeauski - 2/20/2014 10:26 AM
Spiral wraps are a pet peeve of mine!
I don't disagree that it adds stabilty and reduces torque, IF you're jigging or fighting a fish tip up (lifting). If you're burning a double ten with the rod tip close to the water then the guides are on the wrong side of the blank.
JMO- When guys are using muskie blanks to jig for grouper or rockfish or use Bondy's or Fuzzys I'll recommend spirals all day long.
Not quite following what you mean by "wrong side of the blank." Two of my custom muskie rods are spiral wrapped, and even when I am burning double 10's with them, they are a pleasure to fish with. Plus, I find that I don't have to use as strong of a grip on the foregrip (I am a foregrip guy) when using it either as the rod doesn't tend to rotate around. From my point of view there are literally no disadvantages (aside from looking different and possible difficulty with storage) to spiral wraps.
Gary Loomis (probably the single most respected individual in the fishing rod world) mentioned that the first year he offered finished rods for sale, all the casting models featured a spiral wrap. He said that there were no disadvantages, except that fishermen were slow to accept them and thus sales were not what they had hoped. He went to the standard guides-on-top style after that and sales went up.
At the end of the day - that is the beauty of a custom though. Allows everyone to get what they want! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek | LOL! You had to get me started...
Gary's idea stemmed from the type of fishing he did, and market he was reaching (salmon and bass) where there is little load from the retrieval of lure and the tip is typically sky high. The idea is that when the blank is loaded, the guides should be on the same side the load is coming from, or underneath, like a spinning rod. When you are throwing double tens the torque you deal with isn't from fighting a fish, but from fighting the lure. Now if the rod tip is up, that's fine. But with tip down, often in the water, the load is on the opposite side of the guides.
That's the theory anyway. Results obviously will vary:) |
|
| |
|
Posts: 696
Location: Northern Illinois | So I've seen numerous rod builders that offer regular cork and some that offer syn-cork. What is the differences/advantages to having one over the other? Does syn-cork only come in black or is there other colors as well? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 357
Location: Duluth, MN | Syncork is a lot harder than regular cork. Probably more durable and will last longer. Not sure if there was a discernable weight difference or not though. Maybe someone else can chime in there.
That being said, as the owner of a custom predator with split grip syncork hande, id never do it again haha!
Its hard a rough on your ribs, certainly the split grip doesnt help either. I would entertain doing a full grip with it. Now I have filled the split grip gap with tennis raquet tape....makes my $600 stick look less desirable lol |
|
| |
|
Posts: 756
| So I have 5 Pred's and all but one have split Grip with Syncork. The other is a full length Syncork. I love the stuff. It wieghs a little less, last alot longer and is 10X's grippier when wet than standard cork. I have some trolling customs with Syncork Full Well's front grips and cork rear section too. That is an option if you do not like the feel but want the advantages of syncork up front when casting/setting hooks. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 209
| I am going to order a 9 ' x hvy from them I do see there not cheap but I found it better to buy one good one than 3 crappy ones and every time I fish be thinking "what would the Thorne Predator be like"
LOL!!!!!!!!!!! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 209
| I am just going to have to buy one and try it
Bill |
|
| |
|
Posts: 993
| eightweight - 2/20/2014 5:26 PM
I am going to order a 9 ' x hvy from them I do see there not cheap but I found it better to buy one good one than 3 crappy ones and every time I fish be thinking "what would the Thorne Predator be like"
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!
good choice, predator XH > all other rods (big nasty close second) IMO. you'll be extremely pleased |
|
| |
|
Posts: 209
| That made it for me I will be ordering a Predator Saturday at Madison
T_Peterzen55 - 2/19/2014 3:32 PM
The "Predator" rod is very exclusive rod. Lonnie, who is the head rod builder and has been there for many many years helped design this awesome blank. In my opinion, it is the best Muskie blank out there, weather you go with the H, XH, or XXH. Other smaller guys or companies buy the blanks from Lonnie at Thorne Brothers. Most "custom" rod builders actually will buy the blank from Lonnie at Thorne Brothers and then build on top of it. There is a reason that the Thorne Brothers Predators series is so popular amongst the top of the line Muskie fisherman all the way down to the guy who is just getting into the awesome sport. Its a blank that has extreme performance and I would put it next to any Muskie blank out there right now.
Lonnie's craftsmanship is second to none. He has been doing amazing designing, inventing, and implementing some of the best rods in the industry. The amount of different options you can get with a Thorne Brother custom rod is second to none. I would highly recommend to just go the top of the game and give Lonnie a call.
Shoot me a PM if you want some more info, wont try to "sell" you on anything, just will give you a avid Muskie Fisherman's opinion.
:) |
|
| |
|
Posts: 696
Location: Northern Illinois | How about some pictures of some customs you've had done. Not sure what color schemes I like and want to see some of the stuff you guys have had. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 109
Location: Pewaukee, WI | On the Gray colored Predator blank the main wrap looks nice black and the ascent wraps can be whatever and it seems to look good. I like red, gold, silver. The "Big Nasty" they did for me a few years back looks nice with blue and powder blue.
My buddy had one made to match his boat colors.
Personally I like the Simcork over the regular cork. All my Simcork handles look the same as when I picked them up. You had mentioned that you where looking into a split grip rear handle. I had them flare the butt end out and that’s how the handle on the rod there doing for me this winter. When casting, its comfortable.
That's the nice thing about a custom made rod, you can have whatever looks good TO YOU!
Attachments
----------------
 100_1596.JPG (146KB - 817 downloads)
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 696
Location: Northern Illinois | Do you think crazy colors will matter during a figure-8 at all?...I thought about doing a bright color as the main wrap but didn't know if that would affect anything. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 209
| I went to a show at Madison and when I saw one in person it sold itself, ordered a 9'3" with titanium guides . could not be happier paid for it and not looking back
now the wait to get it
Bill |
|
| |
|
Posts: 696
Location: Northern Illinois | Did you get a Predator and what Power did you get? Right now I'm looking into the XH Predator but not sure what size I want to go on the rod yet. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 750
Location: Minneapolis, MN | Just got the call, my rod is finally done!!!!! Now if only June 7th would hurry up and get here I could actually use it... That and deciding what reel to put on it, at this point I'm tempted to just put my 400B on it instead of spending the money on a 400D or Tranx and then feeling I made a mistake. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 209
| Congratulations !!!!
what was the over all time from order to when it was done ?
Bill
dami0101 - 3/4/2014 2:04 PM
Just got the call, my rod is finally done!!!!! Now if only June 7th would hurry up and get here I could actually use it... That and deciding what reel to put on it, at this point I'm tempted to just put my 400B on it instead of spending the money on a 400D or Tranx and then feeling I made a mistake. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 750
Location: Minneapolis, MN | eightweight - 3/4/2014 2:32 PM
Congratulations !!!!
what was the over all time from order to when it was done ?
Bill
dami0101 - 3/4/2014 2:04 PM
Just got the call, my rod is finally done!!!!! Now if only June 7th would hurry up and get here I could actually use it... That and deciding what reel to put on it, at this point I'm tempted to just put my 400B on it instead of spending the money on a 400D or Tranx and then feeling I made a mistake.
Took 9 weeks. I stopped in this weekend to see what was going on as I had originally been told it would be 4-5 weeks, was told that when the order was placed the sales rep didn't put down a due date so that's why it hadn't been done in the quoted timeframe. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 209
| WOW
they also told me 4-5 weeks 2 weeks ago. glad I ordered when I did
Thanks
Bill
dami0101 - 3/4/2014 3:17 PM
eightweight - 3/4/2014 2:32 PM
Congratulations !!!!
what was the over all time from order to when it was done ?
Bill
dami0101 - 3/4/2014 2:04 PM
Just got the call, my rod is finally done!!!!! Now if only June 7th would hurry up and get here I could actually use it... That and deciding what reel to put on it, at this point I'm tempted to just put my 400B on it instead of spending the money on a 400D or Tranx and then feeling I made a mistake.
Took 9 weeks. I stopped in this weekend to see what was going on as I had originally been told it would be 4-5 weeks, was told that when the order was placed the sales rep didn't put down a due date so that's why it had been done in the quoted timeframe.  |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | Just order my X Heavy Predator . needed one for a Tranx PG that was just sitting in a box. Went with a 9'8" (extended) 18" Handel Gold Titanium guides. I have many of Thorne Bros custom rods so I have each rod a new color this one went main wrap Yellow accent Black look like a bee.LOL |
|
| |
|
Posts: 35
| If I were to buy one thorne bros predator rod to throw cowgirls mag dawgs, and pounders, is the the 9'6" XH the best option. How about one rod for cowgirls only (9'6" H? or would it still be a XH). |
|
| |
|
Posts: 357
Location: Duluth, MN | bcram555 - 3/4/2014 7:59 PM
If I were to buy one thorne bros predator rod to throw cowgirls mag dawgs, and pounders, is the the 9'6" XH the best option. How about one rod for cowgirls only (9'6" H? or would it still be a XH).
I have a XH extended to 9'6" and i use it for all of those baits, handles them beautifully in my opinion. I really like the stiffness for those fast figure 8's with blades. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 750
Location: Minneapolis, MN | bcram555 - 3/4/2014 7:59 PM
If I were to buy one thorne bros predator rod to throw cowgirls mag dawgs, and pounders, is the the 9'6" XH the best option. How about one rod for cowgirls only (9'6" H? or would it still be a XH).
That’s 90% of what I’ll be throwing with my new predator, I went 9’, and TB recommended the XH. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 756
| Strictly Cowgirls I would do an H with 2 off the tip and some inches added onthe back side. I have this exact rod for strictly bucktails (10's & 13's). |
|
| |
|
Posts: 750
Location: Minneapolis, MN | muskyhunter47 - 3/4/2014 6:47 PM
Just order my X Heavy Predator . needed one for a Tranx PG that was just sitting in a box. Went with a 9'8" (extended) 18" Handel Gold Titanium guides. I have many of Thorne Bros custom rods so I have each rod a new color this one went main wrap Yellow accent Black look like a bee.LOL
must be a rough problem to have, a Tranx just laying around. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 696
Location: Northern Illinois | Do you think bright wraps on the rod tips will hurt my chances of having a fish hit on a figure-8? I asked Lonnie and he said he has heard of this but didn't know too well. I was thinking like a bright orange or chartreuse color wrap with silver trim. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 117
| Brett Carroll - 3/5/2014 12:58 PM
Do you think bright wraps on the rod tips will hurt my chances of having a fish hit on a figure-8? I asked Lonnie and he said he has heard of this but didn't know too well. I was thinking like a bright orange or chartreuse color wrap with silver trim.
No |
|
| |
|
Posts: 87
| I have a 9' XH. it throws just about everything. |
|
| |
|
| eightweight - 2/20/2014 4:41 PM
I am just going to have to buy one and try it
Bill
If you fly fish, you know if you get a rod that can do everything, it is not great at anything. Nice thing about Muskie rods are they Are much cheaper than fly rods and you can pick up a few:-) |
|
| |
|
Posts: 209
| Great point but just bought my first its a Thorne Predator with all options and titanium guides so @ $500 its not that cheap!!!!
LOL!!!!
BenR - 3/6/2014 6:49 PM
eightweight - 2/20/2014 4:41 PM
I am just going to have to buy one and try it
Bill
If you fly fish, you know if you get a rod that can do everything, it is not great at anything. Nice thing about Muskie rods are they Are much cheaper than fly rods and you can pick up a few:- ) |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1084
Location: Aurora | Always wanted to try Ti guides on a 9 footer but rod builders tell me it's like putting lipstick on a pig. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 696
Location: Northern Illinois | Ok...so what do you think is necessary? Fuji Hardloy for no extra costs, $10 more Fuji Alconite, $60 more Fuji SIC (Silicone Carbide), or the $120 more Fuji Titanium? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 750
Location: Minneapolis, MN | I put the titanium guides on mine because I figured it's the rod I'm going to use 90-95% of the time so I might as well make it as good as I can. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 910
Location: South-Central VA | Sidejack - 3/7/2014 10:35 AM
Always wanted to try Ti guides on a 9 footer but rod builders tell me it's like putting lipstick on a pig.
That's pretty much how I'd describe it. Using any double-foot guide is going to be heavy regardless of the frame material. You still have twice the thread and epoxy weight of a single foot guide.
Have your rod builder use Fuji's LDB guides- a heavy duty single foot. I use these on most of my personal rods and most customers want them when they feel a rod that is built with them. They weigh a fraction of what a double foot guide weighs and they only require one wrap so you cut the thread/epoxy weight in half. They come in titanium or stainless steel frames. These guides are used on tarpon rods so they'll easily handle any musky that swims. Make sure your builder uses Forhan locking wraps on them. Any single foot guides used in a heavier application should be wrapped with a Forhan. It takes a single foot guide from "it popped right out when my line wrapped around it and I set the hook" to "it won't come out when I rip on it with pliers!"
Switching to LDB's from double foot guides will make the most difference in the 'feel' of a rod being lightweight- even more than going from a full grip to split grip.
jeremy |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1084
Location: Aurora | Yeah, he makes his with a couple double footers near the handle and the rest single footers.
Step on one by accident, bend it back & yer fishin again.
I think he said they're cheaper too and easier to replace. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 209
| Obviolsly we do not agree
Bill
Sidejack - 3/7/2014 9:35 AM
Always wanted to try Ti guides on a 9 footer but rod builders tell me it's like putting lipstick on a pig. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 177
Location: ON | Brett Carroll - 3/5/2014 1:58 PM
Do you think bright wraps on the rod tips will hurt my chances of having a fish hit on a figure-8? I asked Lonnie and he said he has heard of this but didn't know too well. I was thinking like a bright orange or chartreuse color wrap with silver trim.
If they don't notice a 6-12" piece of black graphite twirling around in a circle, i doubt a little thread will matter. When they want to eat, it doesn't matter. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 910
Location: South-Central VA | eightweight - 3/7/2014 12:53 PM
Obviolsly we do not agree
Bill
Sidejack - 3/7/2014 9:35 AM
Always wanted to try Ti guides on a 9 footer but rod builders tell me it's like putting lipstick on a pig.
Bill,
If you like the titanium guides, I'd encourage you to have your next rod built with the titanium LDB's. I think you'd be blown away by the weight savings.
Oh, and it's okay if we don't agree- we can still be friends. Personal preference is what custom rods are all about. It should be built exactly the way you want.
jeremy |
|
| |
|
Posts: 209
| Jeramy
I could not agree more and apologize if you took offense as it was not intended
That is the difference in these LBD guides
Thank you
Bill
bowhunter29 - 3/7/2014 12:24 PM
eightweight - 3/7/2014 12:53 PM
Obviolsly we do not agree
Bill
Sidejack - 3/7/2014 9:35 AM
Always wanted to try Ti guides on a 9 footer but rod builders tell me it's like putting lipstick on a pig.
Bill,
If you like the titanium guides, I'd encourage you to have your next rod built with the titanium LDB's. I think you'd be blown away by the weight savings.
Oh, and it's okay if we don't agree- we can still be friends. Personal preference is what custom rods are all about. It should be built exactly the way you want.
jeremy |
|
| |
|
Posts: 209
| I would try them but they only go a size 6 to small for the 9 footer I'm making
I appreciate the information and may try them on a small spinner |
|
| |
|
Posts: 910
Location: South-Central VA | Bill,
No apologies necessary, I didn't take any offense at all. I'm sorry if I came across that way.
The small size of the guides is what keeps their weight down, they add quite a bit of performance vs the larger, double foot guides. I usually use the size 5 guides on musy rods.
Jeremy |
|
| |
|
Posts: 209
| Jeremy
Thanks for the information on the guides will try them .
Bill |
|
| |
|
Posts: 750
Location: Minneapolis, MN | Just picked up my predator and it's a thing of beauty. Looks like they changed the color of the blank this year. The ones I've seen in the past had a black blank but this one has more of a gunmetal grey coloring. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 696
Location: Northern Illinois | How about a picture of that new rod? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 209
| Would love to see it !!!!
dami0101 - 3/15/2014 4:52 PM
Just picked up my predator and it's a thing of beauty. Looks like they changed the color of the blank this year. The ones I've seen in the past had a black blank but this one has more of a gunmetal grey coloring. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 750
Location: Minneapolis, MN | Here you go.
9' XH
18" handle with a small flare
4" syncork foregrip
Titanium guides
Blue and silver wrappings.
Attachments
----------------
handle.jpg (160KB - 484 downloads)
rod.jpg (171KB - 430 downloads)
guides.jpg (185KB - 648 downloads)
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 696
Location: Northern Illinois | So I got the 4 rods in the mail. One for me and 3 for family. When I originally purchased these rods I made the mistake and bought 4 Heavy Predators. I called right away realizing I made a mistake and wanted all X-Heavy. I paid what I thought was the right amount over the phone but when I got the rods yesterday 3 were changed to X-Heavy and of course my rod was Heavy. Normally, I wouldn't care and would just stay with the rod but I already have a Thorne Heavy. The receipt only charged me for 3 X-Heavy and 1 Heavy which I'm guessing the person I talked to misheard me.
My question is, is Thorne's pretty good about switching a custom rod? I understand that the rod is specific to what I want and has my name on it. Do they have a way of taking the name off of it? I'm obviously willing to pay the shipping and the extra charge for the $20 difference but just don't want to be stuck with a rod I already have.
Thanks! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 833
| I think you should direct this question to Thorne. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 696
Location: Northern Illinois | I called yesterday and they said to talk to Lonnie but he wouldn't be in til Monday. Was wondering if anyone had anything similar to this. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 696
Location: Northern Illinois | Jason just called me this morning and told me they will take care of everything. This just shows how great Thorne's customer service is! I highly recommend them to anyone looking to order a custom rod! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 87
| when i bought my predator they spelt my name wrong on it and the took it back the same day no problem and i had in back in a couple days. so yes they can take your name off. I'm sure they can work something out with you, thrones customer service is top notch. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 404
| I have 2 Predator rods built by Thorne. In both cases the experience was fantastic. They are very helpful in identifying exactly how you want the rod to perform. They delivered within a week on the time frame. By the way even though the titanium guides are pricey I highly recommend them ... put them on the rod I use for jerk baits and it makes a big difference. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | Thorne bros are the best great guys . 95 percent of all my gear is from Thorne bros all ways great service and if there its a problem they fix it. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | New Predator
Attachments
----------------
IMG_0010 (Copy).JPG (75KB - 417 downloads)
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 209
| they are custom built as noted so you can get anything you like.
I just got mine and its a fantastic rod, there also on the high side but I like mine!!
Bill |
|
| |
