Rod Building...who does it?

I saw some nice blanks at the fred hall show in long beach. The blanks were $$$$ though. And on a yak I'd like cheep rods. My friend broke his rod last time out when yak flipped.

Oops, I should correct myself... it was Acidrod that had - and still has - a nice selection of kits. Good place to start in my opinion. Both Acidrod and Get Bit Outdoors have treated me well. Good luck!

I build a lot of Rainshadow / Batson Enterprises blanks and they are among the best value out there... Not cheap necessarily but they challenge the performance of the premium brands without the brand name premium.  I usually get them from Angler's Workshop... They are right across the street from the Rainshadow factory and will get any blank they amake even if not listed in Angler's Workshop catalog.  There are some Pacific Bay blanks that are an outstanding value as well.

I build a lot of Rainshadow / Batson Enterprises blanks and they are among the best value out there... Not cheap necessarily but they challenge the performance of the premium brands without the brand name premium.  I usually get them from Angler's Workshop... They are right across the street from the Rainshadow factory and will get any blank they amake even if not listed in Angler's Workshop catalog.  There are some Pacific Bay blanks that are an outstanding value as well.

+ 1, one of my favorite rods is a rainshadow blank

+ 1, one of my favorite rods is a rainshadow blank
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Made in China though, if that matters to you, at least that is what I understand. MHX are made in America.

+ 1, one of my favorite rods is a rainshadow blank

Made in China though, if that matters to you, at least that is what I understand. MHX are made in America.
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True... I think they might still make some + series blanks in USA but not positive.  I guess I should use the word "factory" loosly... More like " distribution center".  Still a solid product though.

For USA made blanks, Seeker, Calstar, Talon, Rogue, Lamiglas, & St. Croix have the most to offer... Though I believe Lamiglas produces some models overseas.



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do they make pre-cut longer eva butt/grip for easy leverage when reeling in the catch or do you just buy a stock grip and cut to desired lenght.  i like  to have a good part of the butt under my armpit when reeling in.  do I make sense?

You can buy pre shaped EVA grips in many different dimensions, or buy straight stock and cut / shape to your preferences.  Doing extensive shaping is quite a bit of work without a lathe or power wrapper (or similar homespun contraption).

+ 1, one of my favorite rods is a rainshadow blank

Made in China though, if that matters to you, at least that is what I understand. MHX are made in America.
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After doing some research I found out that MHX blanks are rolled in China. Interesting that when they first came out they were billed as an American made product. It is a fine product as are the Batson Rainshadow blanks. Some of the lower cost Lamiglas production rods are rolled in China.

Do it Andy,
It's not hard at all. I just saw some freshwater kits on sale at Cabelas that contain everything, start to finish, instructions included-$19.99 to 29.99. Great way to get started on the cheap.
But beware, it's another addiction  . Hope to see some of your creations soon. My new fav is a RF/Ling stick built on a Batson blank