Rainshadow RX8+C865
 

Thought I'd share my latest build, I have quite a few more in the works, but this is the first one that was completely done and ready for pictures. :D

Mr. Batson of Batson Enterprises (Rainshadow) was extremely generous and agreed to sponsor my fishing partner and I on Baylor University's Collegiate bass fishing team.
One of the blanks he sent me was a Rainshadow RX8+C865, and without question, this is THE NICEST rod I own. I have quite a few high end rods, but they all pale in comparison. This rod is light as a feather and I'll have no problem casting this all day long in our tournaments.
Mr. Hansen with Batson Enterprises helped me with the choice of parts. I went with the Forcast micro guides and the carbon fiber split grip.
The carbon fiber split grip is the COOLEST handle I have ever seen on a bass rod. It is extremely light, and didn't take much longer than a normal cork handle to install. I used a Forcast drop shot hook keeper, and finished it off with the Texas state flag. I think it completes it, don't you? :D

I was trying to make the rod as light as possible, and therefore avoided doing any fancy cross wrap that would add to weight.

I also used Bullard's Diamond II finish on this rod, I am extremely impressed with it. It had a long pot life, and mixed up very easily. There were very few bubbles, and it went on smooth. The end result looks like glass.
I also used Bullard's gold metallic thread. This thread was so much easier to work with than the other metallics I have. The foil coating does not come off as easily or fray like the foil wrapped thread like Gudebrod.

Over all I am extremely happy with this rod, I can see that the quality of my rod building has improved drastically.


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