Softhackle wrote:

No they just give the warrenty away for free.


No they assumed the cost of warranty in price of the product. Probably
creating a reserve that partially lowered their tax liability. Their
margins are obviously higher due to the nature of the product and the
market model. It was a marketing thing which allowed better competion
with Orvis at the time. And the higher priced assumption does not
explain how a TFO can offer the same.

Some, but not all, had ceramic guides, and I personally cannot
tell the difference in their action

You cant tell the diference between ceramic and wire you gotta be
kidding.

I did not say I could not tell the difference in their appearance, I
said I could tell a difference in their action.

If your rods are custom built you tell the guy what you want
and he shapes the grip to your specs.

I have not disagreed with that assertion, I think I supported your
argument there.

Please tell me how I should care for the epoxy that holds the reel
seat
in place. After time when the guide finish cracks there is no amount
of
care that will stop water from rotting the threads.

Water, plus other environmental factors and the resultant reaction over
time to things will often corrode and or loosen thing. I've never had
those things happen, and I have assembled a cross section of different
maker's rods. I've had rods break at the ferrulles but never had a grip
loosen or winding crack. In a sealed system that SHOULD NOT happen.


A good epoxy doenst come loose and good finish doesnt crack.


But a scratched wrap or a rod stored wet can absorb water and other
things which can allow these to happen over time. In the same manner a
knick in the rod can create a weak point which under certain stresses
in a particular time create breakage.

Nope 10 bucks tops

One more time, a little better worded. I did due diligence on a rod
company about 8 years ago. I have copies of their development and costs
to this day. I think you need a better understanding of costing methods
and cost recovery. The then owner of the company should still be
kicking himself, he turned down our offer but sold it two-three years
later for

Yup thats right

If you're as good as you say you are, i envy your skill, I've been
playing with making my own rods for several years, the result usually
suck. For some reason I can carve a quail or pheasant into a 20g
shotgun stock but I can't wrap silk worth a damn, go figure.

I am not in the business of selling rods

Which further proves my point. If you were in the business of selling
rods, yes you could make one for less than the fly shop's charge for a
new factory rod but you would mark them up so that your expected sales
would cover your fixed and variable costs, plus provide you additional
profit to cover personal expenses and the like, resulting in a cost
closer to the retail price of that rod. Whatever the blank you use.