In the last blog we started to talk about options. The next series of posts will deal with these options.
Options abound with anything custom, and this is certainly the case for fishing rods too. There is more to a custom rod than just wrapping guides onto the blank. Finding the spine or backbone of the blank begins the process, so the rod will track and hold within the built-in torque when fully loaded fighting a fish. The correct number and placement of guides is very important, so the rod performs to its maximum potential. Handle materials, shape and sizes are unlimited in scope, so that the handle is ergonomically fitted to your hand and arm like a glove. Full handles to split grips to no foregrip are available to lighten the finished weight of the outfit. The fishing experience should be comfortable without fatigue in your hand after a day on the water.
LakeLady Custom Fishing Rods
www.LakeLadyRods.com
(c) Copyright: LakeLady Rods
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Is It Time For A Custom Fishing Rod - Part 3 of a Series
In the last post we talked about the price of a custom rod, and determined that it "depends" on many variables. We'll visit here about options. Check back often for more thoughts....
When considering all the options available, the customer must determine what he wants the finished product to look like, and what he wants in terms of performance. These parameters must then be communicated to the professional builder. An interactive conversation between builder and customer is vital in regard to answering any questions, determining component parts, expectations of the completed rod, and finally the price and timeline for completion. The more one communicates with the builder, the better the final product will be.
What kinds of questions should be asked? Let’s start with what is the intended use of the rod? What would be the desirable length, action and power of the blank? What style and type of guides would be chosen? These can vary widely in style as well as quality. What handle grip materials would be desired? Should they be cork, composites, wood, foam, or combination of various materials? Reel seats and inserts come in many different styles and shapes. Only custom builders can really fashion something unique in this area. Thread colors and other embellishments add aesthetic choices beyond the wildest imagination. What reel will you be using on this new rod? What are your hand and arm measurements? The professional rod builder can be ergonomically correct! Or would you like some suggestions at this point? Answers to these questions are a necessary starting point before your builder can begin to craft your custom rod. A reputable custom builder will ask all of these and more. A custom fishing rod is not an impulse purchase but a planned expenditure.
LakeLady Custom Fishing Rods
www.lakeladyrods.com
copyright: LakeLady Rods 2009
When considering all the options available, the customer must determine what he wants the finished product to look like, and what he wants in terms of performance. These parameters must then be communicated to the professional builder. An interactive conversation between builder and customer is vital in regard to answering any questions, determining component parts, expectations of the completed rod, and finally the price and timeline for completion. The more one communicates with the builder, the better the final product will be.
What kinds of questions should be asked? Let’s start with what is the intended use of the rod? What would be the desirable length, action and power of the blank? What style and type of guides would be chosen? These can vary widely in style as well as quality. What handle grip materials would be desired? Should they be cork, composites, wood, foam, or combination of various materials? Reel seats and inserts come in many different styles and shapes. Only custom builders can really fashion something unique in this area. Thread colors and other embellishments add aesthetic choices beyond the wildest imagination. What reel will you be using on this new rod? What are your hand and arm measurements? The professional rod builder can be ergonomically correct! Or would you like some suggestions at this point? Answers to these questions are a necessary starting point before your builder can begin to craft your custom rod. A reputable custom builder will ask all of these and more. A custom fishing rod is not an impulse purchase but a planned expenditure.
LakeLady Custom Fishing Rods
www.lakeladyrods.com
copyright: LakeLady Rods 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Is It Time For A Custom Fishing Rod? Part 2 of a Series.
In the first segment we introduced some thought provoking questions... which fishing rod is best, which one will work, what makes this one different from another. Choices become a blur, and price enters the equation. Lets explore for a catch.
Going custom can be a daunting task for some, but it is not impossible and can be a very rewarding experience. The first question is, “How much?” The correct answer is, “It depends.” You see, there are many variables that weigh in on the final price. Components such as blanks and the materials in them, guides, handles and grip materials, guide placement configuration, and embellishments will have a great influence on the final price. Imagine trying to place an order for anything custom without a design and performance parameters regarding materials and construction. This would be an impossible task.
There is no question that a true custom fishing rod will likely cost more than an off-the-shelf factory rod. After all, it is going to be a custom rod for you, not just the average fisherman. A professional custom builder considers many available options, and the final price is determined by your choice of quality components, along with your desired specifications.
LakeLady Custom Fishing Rods
www.lakeladyrods.com
copyright: LakeLady Rods 2009
Going custom can be a daunting task for some, but it is not impossible and can be a very rewarding experience. The first question is, “How much?” The correct answer is, “It depends.” You see, there are many variables that weigh in on the final price. Components such as blanks and the materials in them, guides, handles and grip materials, guide placement configuration, and embellishments will have a great influence on the final price. Imagine trying to place an order for anything custom without a design and performance parameters regarding materials and construction. This would be an impossible task.
There is no question that a true custom fishing rod will likely cost more than an off-the-shelf factory rod. After all, it is going to be a custom rod for you, not just the average fisherman. A professional custom builder considers many available options, and the final price is determined by your choice of quality components, along with your desired specifications.
LakeLady Custom Fishing Rods
www.lakeladyrods.com
copyright: LakeLady Rods 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Is It Time For A Custom Fishing Rod?
In the next series of blogs, we will talk about Custom Fishing Rods, the why, when and how.
There are choices beyond one’s wildest imagination when looking and testing all the rods on the rack at a sporting good store. Which one is the best? Which one will work for me? What makes that one different from all the others? These are questions we should ask. The manufacturers of fishing rods are aware of these questions too and thus the mass display of merchandise to get us excited.
Every fishing rod built will catch fish, provided it is equipped with the terminal tackle to hook the fish. When I was a kid we used willow branches with line and a hook, stuck the branch into the creek bank, baited the hook and waited for Mr. Catfish to take the stink bait. It worked. My son and daughter started fishing with a Snoopy pole, simply because it was cheap and if dropped into the water, not a big loss. They caught buckets and buckets of panfish off the dock, and then dad would clean them for fish and chips.
As we gain in fishing experience, becoming technique-specific in our attack on the species of choice, the choices seem to blur. Short rods for jigging, longer ones for live bait, swim baits, crankbaits, bouncer, trolling, and the list goes on. Fifteen years ago, one rod did it all. I still have mine and use it on occasion, as it was my favorite for a long time. I think I paid about $50, plus the reel for the outfit. Today we can still purchase rods in the $50 range. Many are available but will these rods do everything we want today? Likely not. Is it time to think custom?
LakeLady Custom Fishing Rods
www.lakeladyrods.com
copyright: LakeLadyRods 2009
There are choices beyond one’s wildest imagination when looking and testing all the rods on the rack at a sporting good store. Which one is the best? Which one will work for me? What makes that one different from all the others? These are questions we should ask. The manufacturers of fishing rods are aware of these questions too and thus the mass display of merchandise to get us excited.
Every fishing rod built will catch fish, provided it is equipped with the terminal tackle to hook the fish. When I was a kid we used willow branches with line and a hook, stuck the branch into the creek bank, baited the hook and waited for Mr. Catfish to take the stink bait. It worked. My son and daughter started fishing with a Snoopy pole, simply because it was cheap and if dropped into the water, not a big loss. They caught buckets and buckets of panfish off the dock, and then dad would clean them for fish and chips.
As we gain in fishing experience, becoming technique-specific in our attack on the species of choice, the choices seem to blur. Short rods for jigging, longer ones for live bait, swim baits, crankbaits, bouncer, trolling, and the list goes on. Fifteen years ago, one rod did it all. I still have mine and use it on occasion, as it was my favorite for a long time. I think I paid about $50, plus the reel for the outfit. Today we can still purchase rods in the $50 range. Many are available but will these rods do everything we want today? Likely not. Is it time to think custom?
LakeLady Custom Fishing Rods
www.lakeladyrods.com
copyright: LakeLadyRods 2009
New LakeLady Blog
This is the first day for our new blog on the LakeLady Custom Fishing Rod web page. We plan to up-date regularly with subjects of interest to our clients, prospects, suppliers and others who are interested in what we do.
Please join in the fun. Be respectful of others, no foul language, no personal attacks, otherwise use common sense when posting or the post will be removed by the administrator and you will be banned from future posts.
Please join in the fun. Be respectful of others, no foul language, no personal attacks, otherwise use common sense when posting or the post will be removed by the administrator and you will be banned from future posts.
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