Composite blank for light surf

[mikeyh]

Hi all,
not so many sniffing around this site any more but wanted to ask a question anyway. I did a search for light surf blank and found one from 2013 but I’m not sure about the availability of some of the blanks these days Exel /PAC composite surf blanks. I’ve checked on MOT and done a general search but can’t seem to find much information.

I’m after a high quality light composite blank around 3.6m, 1 or 2 piece 4-6kg mono to use with new super light graphite Alvey….bream, dart etc and maybe also be able to throw on unweighted pilly for bait spinning. Realistically that may have to be another build. I’ve built numerous heavier surf with FSU 4&5120 and have old glass MT4144 but I’d really like to get a nice light strong composite blank. I see now on MOT that there are graphite versions of numerous MTs, so was thinking maybe a GMT4144 & 6144 but out of the loop now in terms of Livefibres and others. Lots of good tech these days although Australia has often had a pretty meagre selection of quality surf blanks to choose from.

I can also see there are obviously major supply issues across many manufacturers & retailers resulting from Covid, overseas conflicts etc.Very frustrating

thanks all for your input, Mike

[Corry]

Ya right Mike, not that many here anymore, I can't help you with your questions, but I do miss the older days when there was a lot of 'chat' here about building personalised rods, was enough that I got keen to get in to it at one stage but moving around for work made it difficult then, now I've got a bit more time have contemplated having a shot.
I remember Roz made a pearler once, had an image of a marlin on it if I recall correctly, was some time ago now. Keen to follow your progress if you do start a build.

[mikeyh]

Hi Corry, thanks so much for your reply. You’re right, I remember when I first joined about 15 years ago and this site was humming. I remember Roz well, she was a keen builder but used to love Stuart's comments the most, he used to really crack me up with his probably unintentional but hilarious replies. His knowledge about all aspects of blank design and manufacture was unmatched. I remember one guy was talking about building an SU9177 with a huge Alvey for a beach stick and in Stuart's first comment, was you better get down to the gym because that rod will be like carrying a Besser block.