Custom rod guys...

I posted this in the Rod section, but it has limited views and only 1 reply so far and there are other rod type questions in the Bass section so here it is....

Have any of you built any rods on the MHX blank "MB873-MHX"? It is 7'3", MH Fast

How did it turn out?

Do you like the MHX blanks?


Im thinking about buying this blank for my first rod build. I figured its a pretty versatile rod for plastics.

Any other blanks that you like better? Again, this will be my first rod build so im not really sure what to expect.

I'll chime in... I used to have a side business building custom rods, I've slowed down with it lately. But I've bent a few of the MHX blanks at a fishing show one time and wasn't that impressed.
Personally, all of my personal rods that I wrapped in green and gold are all North Fork Composite banks, or Rainshadow balnks. Both made in the USA and made from very good quality graphite and carbon fiber. My advice though, is to try out some blanks in person, bend them against the ground, see if you like them. But keep in mind the action of it is going to be significantly different after it has been wrapped. Thread, epoxy, guides, etc ad a lot of weight.

Not a bad blank. Tackle unlimited in Houston would be worth the drive. Their house brand 873 is the same blank as mudhole. I have a few rods built on it or the 874. Can't exactly remember.

I've been building custom rods for about 12 years now. I have used the MHX blanks a lot and do like them, for specific things. I find that they work great for top waters and spinner baits/crank baits. In my opinion you want a sensitive rod for worming, the MHX rods are OK but I think the Matrix blanks are more sensitive. A great way to test sensitivity is to hold the rod like normal and place the rod tip on your partners throat, them have them speak, if you can feel the vibration then its a good rod...BTW you would be surprised how many great rods out there can not transmit this vibration. Remember when you build your rod, the more weight you put on it...eyes, trim, thread, epoxy...the less sensitive it will be. Good luck, I personally use the 6.9 foot white MHX rod blanks for my top water and spinner baits and love them.

Have not built on the 7' 3" blank but have on the 7footer. I think they are good blanks, but Northfork are way better! For your first few builds I would not shell out the cash for Northfork composites, stick with something cheaper.

Phoenix M1 are really good blanks also!

American tackle bushido line are good as well.

Anywhere in the Dallas area that sells blanks or rod building supplies?

Not sure about Dallas.

Barlows is off 75 in Dallas, not certain if they carry blanks or not though, just checked website and shows rod building supplies though... thought they did but not 100% certain, never been to physical store

afaik most everyone orders everything. No clue how they figure out which blanks to start building on other than trial and error or word of mouth. I deeply regret not making the expo in February to do a rod building seminar though and am intent on going this next year when it comes back to Dallas

When I first started building I would by buy the max kits because I didn't actually know what parts I needed.. So I have built several. I have never had any issue with them.. Top water action is great with the blanks.. Believe what you want, but there is only a few blank suppliers around.. So most are built in the same factory's. just my opinion...

Mudhole is a great site that can get you started on building a rod.

I have ordered stuff from them and their customer service is topnotch.

FTU would def be worth the drive they have a big selection of blanks to look at in store

I have a custom built on that exact blank. Although it's supposed to be an IMX copy, it's not the most sensitive rod.
If you like graphite for topwaters and spinnerbaits, it'd be a good rod, but for jigs and worms I'd look at some other options.
I like the action and the weight is average, but my customs built on Phenix UMBX blanks are better in every regard for use with bottom contact baits.
I'd really be curious about their MHX HM series though.

I had a hm mhx, was a great worm rod

I have built on numerous MHX blanks and have found them to be light weight and crisp. With that said I still prefer Batson Rainshadow. Its a preference thing since the MHX and Rainshadow blanks are similar in price and quality.

We have built on them , they are ok but not the most sensitive blank . The MHX would be a good starter rod . I wouldn't suggest any models below the mb 873. Just remember there is more to building a rod and putting it togeather , the spline and guide spacing can make or break a rod . I would suggest you research before you start your build .

[quote=VSB]I've been building custom rods for about 12 years now. A great way to test sensitivity is to hold the rod like normal and place the rod tip on your partners throat, them have them speak, if you can feel the vibration then its a good rod...BTW you would be surprised how many great rods out there can not transmit this vibration.


I have held an actual broom handle to a buddy of mines throat and could feel the vibrations when he spoke.

I get my blanks from Fishing Tackle Unlimited in Houston. FTU-IMX8 or 10.