"Ken Fortenberry" wrote in message
t...
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers wrote:
snip Spending a lot of money doesn't necessarily equate to quality. I
discovered that long ago when I started upgrading my equipment. It is
also the primary reason why I got into rod building in the first place.
I'll take the same components and assemble a much better rod!

Buying a custom built may get you a better rod than the same
factory model but given what the manufacturers charge for blanks
it can't end up being all that much cheaper. And then there's the
warranty. If I break a G Loomis they'll send me a brand new one
via UPS for $50 and for $65 they'll get it to me in two days. If
I were to break a Huber custom built in a car door how much does
it cost to replace and how soon can you get it to me ? ;-)

Custom builts are great for fancy thread work or specialty grips
but almost all my fly rods are factory models *with* warranties.

I warranty any rod I build for life (mine! :-) against defects in
workmanship or materials. If it fails in the course of fishing, return the
pieces to me and I'll build you a new one for nothing more than the cost of
shipping.

Slam it in a car door and you're on your own! I don't warranty stupid.....
;-)

As far as turn around time, depending on what the blank was, and how fast I
can get it, probably less than two weeks.
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com