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Recently I broke a 1-6 11' ODM genesis I built, it was a great rod but I'm looking for better and the unimpressive 1.5 year lifespan left a bitter taste in my mouth with ODM. I'm strongly considering a CTS vapor trail but I'd like to hear how it stacks up against other top brands. The durability of a Lamiglas is also appealing but I've never liked the floppier action they have. Anyone experienced with these brands have any advice?

First build, kind of figuring it out as I go. 11 1/2 foot rod with spinning reel. Plan to use as surfcasting/any long distance cadting saltwater situations. SO I've made several rookie mistakes that cant be undone but I want to ask about one that could possibly be undone. I have every guide in place, wrapped and epoxied EXCEPT the very last guide before the tip top. I already epoxied the tip top with the 2 part Pro Paste. The problem is before it fully set, the tip top moved (rotated about 20 degrees or so when I was load testing to figure out guide placement). I didnt notice until after it fully set in its new position. Photos attached. Should I a) leave it and move forward as is. b) can I heat up the tip top and re-orient it or is it to late? c) cut off the tip and attach a new one. d) rotate that last guide a little in the same direction as the tip top. e) something else? Thanks guys

This is the first time I've ever used shrink tubing and I have a few questions. Prior to this build I've always used cork and winding checks. Below I'm adding a few pics of the build as it stands right now. Question #1 At the end of the foregrip should I 1 - have a transition wrap beginning on the shrink tube that continues onto the blank or 2 - should I begin and end the wrap solely on the blank and butted up next to end of the shrink tube and just let some of the thread finish overlap onto the tubing? Question #2 This concerns the winding check / collars on the grip. Should I have wraps coming away from them on the tubing? The tubing extends into/under the grips/collars both fore and aft by about 1/4". There is some spray adhesive under the tubing. Question #3 Last question - If wrapping on the tubing can you use colored thread or does the tubing effect the color and I should just use black thread. Any other thoughts or recommendations would be most welcome. Thanks y'all!

ISO of black perfection non fouling guides size 70 60 50 40 30 25 20

Hi Everyone, This may be a stupid question - can you strip the honey finish off the lami rods? Is it an actual finish or is the blank the honey color? Also, I was curious to see if anyone out there knew how to get a translucent rod blank - guessing it has to be fiberglass? Looking to build an all around boat/inshore rod 6'1/2-7' M Thanks for the input!