The Complete Fisher Forum

[BlankDay]

I've been trying to get this information on the internet but either I asked the wrong question or it's unavailable.

Anybody got a rough number for global blank manufacturers?

The reason for the question is that I recently spoke to a guy I know who used to run a tackle shop. He bought in blanks and built his own rods for sale in the shop. He said that the number of blank manufacturers was very low and most rod manufacturers probably got their blanks from same or similar companies made to their specifications then added the knobbly bits to the sticks. Is this correct?
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The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers.

[barbus]

I think and thats about all from what ive heard, that most of the big names use asian manfacurers but to there own spec, Harrison which ive built on are good old english manufacturer. Bloke or Dave norwich are they guys to ask thyve been in the bisness for some time
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If in doubt,get the montys out

[smudger564]

Hi, The man who'll give you some good advice is Stevie Parkes of zenithflyrods.co.uk He'll put you in the picture. Ok

Regards

Smudger564

[fredaevans]

This web site suggests 196.

http://www.globalsources.com/gsol/GeneralManager?point_search=on&page=search%2FProductSearchResults&product_search=on&supplier_search=off&article_search=off&type=new&search_what=1&query=fishing+rods+manufacturers&point_id=3000000149681&catalog_id=2000000003844&from=&loc=t&AGG=N&action=GetPoint&action=DoFreeTextSearch
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Fred Evans
Darkest Southern Oregon
USA

[BlankDay]

Thanks Fred, but it says rod manufacturers, not blank manufacturers. And if it is rods, then that seems a wee bit low to me.
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The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers.

[fredaevans]

Sorry guy, wrong link: http://www.globalsources.com/gsol/GeneralManager?point_search=on&page=search%2FProductSearchResults&product_search=on&supplier_search=off&article_search=off&type=new&search_what=1&query=fishing+rod+blank+manufacturers&point_id=3000000149681&catalog_id=2000000003844&from=&loc=t&AGG=N&action=GetPoint&action=DoFreeTextSearch

That said, there still have to a lot more.

fae
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Fred Evans
Darkest Southern Oregon
USA

[barbus]

If you look at the names of the manufactures on the links, you will seee there aint many
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If in doubt,get the montys out

[BlankDay]

I e-mailed Steve Parkes at Zenith rods -


Dear Mr.Parkes,

I posted a question on a fly fishing forum some time ago regarding rod blanks and was given a link to your website as the reply suggested that you would know.

I was wondering how many blank manufacturers there were globally. I spoke to a chap I know who used to run a tackle shop and bought blanks to build his own rods for sale in the shop. He said that there were very few blank manufacturers and that most rod makers ordered blanks made to their own specifications from these manufacturers. Is this correct?

Hi John

This old chestnut. There are quite a few factories making blanks world wide. At least 2 in this country and dozens in china alone. Now the guy who used to run a tackle shop is talking out of his bottom. Maybe when carbon blanks first came out there were only a few, but not now.

Hope that helps

Kind Regards

Steve

Thanks Steve for your prompt reply. I can now toddle round the corner of my street and confront the tosser with this. Does this mean though (pardon my complete ignorance) that rod manufacturers specify their requirements to the blank builders and who does the research and development to give the requirements?

I will completely understand if you blank this. But, what is this 'old chestnut'?


Hi

The old chestnut referred to old gits who quote crap about just one or 2 all powerful blank building factories who make everything for everyone. Sounds like he uses some crap rod he claims is made on the same production line as a Sage. Enough of my ranting.

Normally the builders will give the blank factory an idea (or even something to copy!!!) and the factory will spit out a few different prototypes. Then its a case of test casting and making changes to each section's taper until the desired action is achieved. Real trial and error stuff.

Cheers

Steve
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The first thing we do, let's kill all the lawyers.

[fredaevans]

" ... Normally the builders will give the blank factory an idea (or even something to copy!!!) and the factory will spit out a few different prototypes. Then its a case of test casting and making changes to each section's taper until the desired action is achieved. Real trial and error stuff.

Cheers

Steve"

We have some of the very best rod designers/builders in the US here in Southern Oregon, or toss in Kerry Burkheimer just across the boarder in Washington State. Kerry has a full production facility so he designs/rolls/build his own blanks. The other two (R B Meizer/Gary Anderson aka ACR) design then have a factory turn out a few test rods (something reminds me it's a minimum of 20, but don't quote me on that), and they go from there. Build the 'rod,' have a lot of folks test/report back/tweak that/etc. And off you go.

fae
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Fred Evans
Darkest Southern Oregon
USA