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