I'm thinking I might treat myself to a new rod this winter and am
considering building my own. I did this 30+ years ago and still have a
very servicable rod built with a Phillips (are they still in
business?) rod blank. I am considering a 4 piece 5wt 9ft Sage Z-Axis,
though I am open to persuasion on that matter. The cost of a kit at
Cabelas and other places is somewhere over $325 vs the cost of a
factory built rod, about $650. Cost is not really the object here.
I'm bit better fixed than I was 30 years ago! I think I would enjoy
the process and knowing I'm fishing with another rod I built
myself.
I'm asking for advice: is the final product going to look like the
factory made rod? Or is it likely to look home made? After all, my
experience is going to be very limited and there is not much room for
experimentation and improvement.

What do you recommend that I consider, besides the Z-Axis, in this
size rod?
What tips might you have for a beginner rod builder?

--Don