They wanted a CTS 39g competition rod.
We started by talking to the club casters, getting their take on components and set up. We then compared their expectations to our thoughts on how to get the best performance.
It was a tricky build as not only was it to be used for distance casting but accuracy events as well.
We used what we learned from our own SCC event 'Comp Spec' rods and applied that with our running line management experience.
We wanted to manage the running run as efficiently as possible and choose our guide sizings accordingly. We used Fuji's: titanium framed and SiC inserts.
This SHD rod use a different butt configuration that presented it's own challenges. It had to cater for casters competing in both SHD distance & accuracy events. Talking to the casters, some liked to grip low, some high. The brief was that it had to be 350mm long. The next little challenge was how to construct it so that the base cap could be fitted later - again a small, slim-line fighting butt was mentioned rather than a cap. It would tuck into the forearm for leverage. This would also stop the custom CNC'd sliding bands from falling off! So, it was shaped by us to meet the expectations of both styles of casting.
Each cork section was hand reamed in sequence to ensure a good fit, rather than using a one big long reamer. The gluing was then done sequentially, using both epoxy glue to adhere the inner cord to the blank and wood glue on the faces of the cork sections. It was then clamped down for a couple of days, rested for another couple, then turned. The flor grade cork was left unfilled, as it was pretty good anyway and we felt the natural state would make for better grip.
Each cork section was hand reamed in sequence to ensure a good fit, rather than using a one big long reamer. The gluing was then done sequentially, using both epoxy glue to adhere the inner cord to the blank and wood glue on the faces of the cork sections. It was then clamped down for a couple of days, rested for another couple, then turned. The flor grade cork was left unfilled, as it was pretty good anyway and we felt the natural state would make for better grip.
Finally, after the tuning was completed, we bound the rod in the clubs casting team colors. Just enough thread with just enough epoxy. Light & crisp is the result!
As for feedback... Some times simple says enough... Champion of Champions from the 26th of May 2012, John Kruska had this to say: "Thanks HCE your rod was flawless.Every body loves it."
We're just glad you all like it. Was a fun project!
