CTS Tech Talk

Hi guys.
We were chatting to Stephen Pratt of CTS in New Zealand the other day about some technical aspects of a new blank concept we had for something in the future when our chat began to focus on the construction aspects of the Affinity series. It dawned on us that CTS have already been doing for many years what some of the bigger guys OS have only recently started to promote.

As we came to realise, being a blank manufacturer, marketing is not as fervent as it is with finished rods - so effectively, many of the good things about a great product never come to light.
We asked Stephen to pen a few words about the Affinity series of blanks for us to include here. We've also taken a few snap shots off the CTS website to save you nicking off to a new browser page.

Any other info, just drop us a line. Both Tony & myself are only to happy to chat... We love talking rod building!

The Affinity Series blanks represent the forefront of blank design - utilizing all the features of the CTS blank technology program. 
  
 The Affinity Series boasts CTS's 'Vero Core', variable weight helical core. Born from the desire to create lighter more efficiently engineered blanks, this new helical technology starts with a super light weight helical reinforcement at the tip and progresses to a more powerful helical that delivers the cross sectional stiffness renowned in the Affinity heritage. 
  
 All CTS blanks use our bespoke super low resin systems. Utilising materials with resin contents up to 30% less than standard materials, CTS's latest blank line ups are lighter, stronger and narrower. Increasing bending limits, response and improved casting. 
  
 Multi Modulus Construction is standard in all Affinity Series Blanks. Every blank starts with our high strength carbon tip area. Through the middle part of the blank we introduce a carbon type with a slightly stiffer, more responsive specification, yet still retaining good durability. Finally through the butt area we use our super high stiffness carbon to give maximum power. 
  
 Thanks to our constant taper system, the Affinity Series load beautifully to deliver the punch needed for distance and accuracy

HYPER SPEC 3/4 9FT 4PC

HYPER SPEC 3/4 9FT 4PC

A groovy little powerhouse of an all water fly rod for the light stuff!
The Hyper Spec blanks are made for us specially by CTS of New Zealand and as stated in a previous post, are sensational performers. We firmly believe these are the best dual weight fly rods in the world today. And we do not say things like that lightly. Enjoy!

special client custom: 6 piece 6wt 9' NZ back country

This is a specially commissioned 6pc that will see it travel back to New Zealand to be used on seriously big back country trout.
It is based on a 9' CTS Affinity X 6wt blank in the bare graphite finish.
The client brief was to keep it light and  crisp so we opted for titanium guides and a nice light Struble seat.
He also wanted the look to be stealthy and low key... A beaut 6pc thet feels and behaves like a 4pc. Works great close and if you find yourself on a lake, throwing a full line would not be  an issue. Amazing blanks.

This image is special... See the white dots? See how they get closer to the tip as the section diameters get smaller? 

That is because CTS engineer the blank so that ferrule sections gradually decrease in size to keep the action as true & natural to the blank action/taper as possible. And it works! This 6pc casts just like a 4pc.