Rainforest and forecast spey and switch blanks?

[CodyM]

Anyone built one of these? Any info would be much appreciated.

[Salmon Chaser]

Cody. I built a 11'6" 6/7 rainshadow last winter and it is a kick-ass little spey rod. My buddy Gr8LakesFlyer built the 12'6 version(i think) and he really spoke well of it too. (Search and you'll find some good info)The lighter models are talked about quite fondly but i think once you go beyond the magic 13' mark they all turn into pumpkins (with tips anyways). I have a 13' 8/9 that i use as my "loaner" for wayward wanna-be's who don't yet have a spey to try. Not sure if i'am doing them any favors by offering this stick to them.
Not sure as to the switch models, i didn't know they have any. Will have to have a little look i guess.
Good luck
Salmon Chaser

[GR8LAKES FLYER]

I found lot's of info here using the search function . Type in Forecast or Rainshadow and loads of info comes up . You can also contact All about the Fly (site sponsor) , they have both the spey and switch blanks . I believe Batson has come out with another series as well .

You're right Dwayne , I built the 12'6'' 7/8 :




It was my first two-hander .... still have it too . I use it here and there , but my daughter has claimed this one and another as her own . I .... we ... like the Hardy Mach I 10/11 on that stick , great match !! Another line and one that I cut my underhand casting teeth with is the Guideline DDC Connect 9/10 , cut at 10.6m @ 29grams (450grains) . I feel that this rod/line combination works extremely well ..... so does my daughter



Mike

[Anadromous]

Dwayne & Mike:

Do you recall what you spent on your setups? I have contemplated rod building for years and have never pulled the trigger.

[CodyM]

Thanks for the info. Beautiful rod Gr8 lakes.

Cody

[ssg steelhead]

I have been kicking it around for a few years and made the call this week to give building a try. Your rod is inspiration!

[GR8LAKES FLYER]

Originally Posted by Anadromous

Dwayne & Mike:

Do you recall what you spent on your setups? I have contemplated rod building for years and have never pulled the trigger.

This rod busted the bank at $120US
The reel I purchased from Irishangler (site sponsor) , it was a Heritage Titan 9/11 , $120US . Great reel for the money , good drag and compliments the rod nicely , I purchased extra spools too . I ..... my daughter .. ..... still uses it too , but she is saving her allowance for a SpeyCo. reel , like daddy's (5) !!
The Guideline DDC 9/10 line was $120US from Irishangler as well .

So for $360 , great set-up in my opinion . Just think of hooking a steelhead on a rod that you built , line that you tuned , leader you made and fly that you designed and tied ....... does it get any better than that ??

If you decide to build this particular blank (12'6'' 7/8) , I have some particulars on guide spacing and guide sizing that may help .

BTW , thanks to all for the compliments on the rod build !!



Mike

[Salmon Chaser]

Alonzo.
Same boat as Mike in that i paid $120 for the kit through Hook and Hackle.
Don't let a build intimidate,, its as easy as tying a fly.
I echo mike in that it is a GREAT rod for the money.
Salmon Chaser

[ssg steelhead]

discribe the action on this rod? For the money it looks like a great kit. Could you compare it to an Echo classic?
Thanks

[GR8LAKES FLYER]

Originally Posted by ssg steelhead

discribe the action on this rod? For the money it looks like a great kit. Could you compare it to an Echo classic?
Thanks

The 12'6'' 7/8 is a medium/medium-fast progressive . In my opinion , it's not a true full flexing rod , like say my CND Solstice . I can't compare it to the Echo Classic because I have never tried one .

Wow , just checked the pricing and it is the same . Just a note on the guides , I asked for "over-sized" guides and gave my prefered sizes and quantity of each ..... no extra charges . The build kits include quality components from Batson and REC .



Mike

[nkspey78]

I wrapped a 13' 8/9 and like it very much, but it is only my second spey, I also have the echo classic 13' 7/8, the forecast has a much faster action than the echo, shoots skagit lines very well i thought...good beginner rod i guess.

[Anadromous]

Hmmm...maybe a Skagit rod 13' 8/9...I need more intel...Might bounce some ideas on guide spacing from some of you, thanks for the info!

[Salmon Chaser]

My 13' 8/9 was and is a tired old dog with a skagit, a windcutter and tips or an SA Tri tip line
I did like it with a Midspey. Thats about the only line i've really liked on it. Even then it was just fair.
I don't have it with me as its on loan so i haven't had a chance to try any scandi heads.
Maybe the '08 or '09 batch is a bit faster and added some backbone
Salmon Chaser

[Anadromous]

Thanks SC...good to know.

[maxwell]

i have the 11'6" 6/7 and teh 12'6" 7/8 and love em both~! deadly skagit rods.. i can hit em as hard as i want with no worries! like others have mentioned great sticks for teh price!