I decided to build another Batson RX6 7'6" 3wt. 2pc. rod, and this time I had two goals in mind:

1. Build the rod cost effectively;
2. Use quality components.

The Batson RX6 7'6" 3wt. 2pc. was one of the first rods I ever built, and even after building dozens of other high end rods, I still think back to the Batson 3wt. as one of the smoothest casting ultralights. Unlike many graphite 3wts., I would say this particular rod is on the slow side of the 3wt. spectrum. It actually reminds me of a 2wt. rod that prefers to be overlined with a 3wt. line. It offers plenty of fish on fun, with just enough power to turn over just about any bluegill fly.



Here are my costs:

Blank: Batson RX6 7'6" 2pc. for $25 with free shipping at Hook & Hackle (on sale);
Guildes: Hook & Hackle TiCh light wire guides $.99 ea. (on sale);
Stripping Guide: American Tackle Titanium Titan #8 $4.50 at Hook & Hackle;
Cork Rings: Flor grade on ebay for $1.50 per ring;
Hook Keeper: Hook & Hackle chrome $0.50;
Thread: YLI Silk $4.00 for 100yds.;
Tip Top: Hook & Hackle TiCh light wire $.99 (on sale);
Epoxy: 1 pack of PacBay finish and 1 pack of PacBay 5 min. $.99 ea.;
Reel Seat: Lemke Hardware and insert $25.00 (I provided the wood for the insert);

TOTAL: $87.00




This is a really fun rod to build and fish and the hardware upgrades are much nicer than other factory rods that are in the sub $100 price range. In fact, a sub $100 rod with TiCh guides and a titanium stripping guide and a nice Lemke reel seat is not something I have previously seen. So for those of you out there who might be budget minded or might be looking for an inxpensive rod build, I would highly recommend this one.




Colt

Joe,

A buddy of mine is a pastor in Morrison, IL. He performed the marital ceremony for my wife and I in Lake Geneva. I've owed him ever since, and he recently contacted me to see if I could make him a rod. He is only about 2 hrs. south of the Driftless area, and this one is going to him.

Sorry,
Colt

Nice build! I like the color blue

I'm collecting next week the parts for a 9 ft #2, I post the building proces here as well

Bart

That looks very nice.

in my opinion the RX-6 in the 7'6" 3 weight is the best little ul rodblank on the market; I've built a bunch of them-p-

Nice build ... I really like that piece of timber for the reel to sit on.

Great looking insert.