Brandon, I can do the work but am about 4 hours from you. I don't have a web site, all my customers are referrals

Texas Sidewinder Rods are made in the USA I know that for sure just take a ride to Big Sam Rayburn and give Kit a call he will be more than happy to show you how his rods are made at his shop but beware his rods are awesome and you can't leave with out ordering one LOl.

Bassin

Have you done these type of alterations before, or maybee have some pictures? How much would something like this cost? How long might it take? Look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks, Brandon.

Kistler rods are assembled here using components made overseas. Batson makes the blanks for Kistler rods, and Batson blanks are made in China (as well as Batson components). The old Helium blanks ('04) were built with Rogue blanks- a blank with a more parabolic action. This stuff is pretty common knowledge on WMI.org, where a lot of custom rod builders hang out. Anyway, I'm a Loomis guy, and I say fish with what works for you. I try not to dog anyone's brand, just state the facts. I'm not a big fan of Trey Kistler for some comments I've heard him make over on the BPS forums.

2-14-2005

"Unlike Loomis, Kistler Rods sales its rod for what it is and not just a warranty. If Loomis didn't sale their warranty so hard, I'm sure everyone would think twice about purchasing one of their overpriced rods."

That's a pretty hypocritical statement when Loomis refuses to outsource their blanks and have them made in china, or pinch pennies by using batson guides and seats.

Hello fisher people! What great feedback for a rod builder like myself. First I would like to thank everyone for their kind words in this forum. I am the owner of Fisher Mike's in Fort Worth. I think you all make a good point. It takes all kinds of people to make a buisness run if I depended on one group of people to suport my rods I would be in trouble. I love to fish! I care about the sport, and the people so much I would like to give something back. The only thing I really have is building rods, and repairing reels. I hope to build rods that do the job for the people at a reasonable price if I accomplish this goal satisfaction will follow. I build rods form both the USA, and overseas it is the only way I can help everyone. If you request one or the other we will accomidate you. The Custom Rod companies out there are needed we are in the middle trying our best to provide a service you can't get off the shelf. I spoke with G-Loomis yesterday they said "We will no longer advertise made in the USA, because some componets are from overseas" I hope there is a balance for everyone. I thank all the rod builders fighting for their place in the market it is hard to depend on money to keep art alive. If I can help someone have a better fishing trip I am happy. Thanks again for your kind words Fisher Mike Good Fishing! www.fishermike.com for Hendrix Rods

Glad to see you aboard fishermike.

They have used Fuji components for years, and they are indeed made overseas, but are widely known as the best components available. It is having the rods assembled overseas or having your blanks outsourced that concerns people with receiving an inferior product. If anyone is concerned with where their product is made, just check for a sticker or label upon purchase of the country it is made in. This isn't something that corporations do to educate you, it is mandated that any product sold in the united states be labeled with the country in which it is produced or assembled. From t-shirts, to mardi-gras beads, to fishing rods- it must list where it is made.

[/QUOTE]It is having the rods assembled overseas or having your blanks outsourced that concerns people with receiving an inferior product.[/QUOTE]


Not me. I for one think they make a better rod in China. More bang for the buck. How much is a domestic rod with a hand laid, six color butt wrap and all Fuji components? It's hard to compete with 30 cent an hour wages and the Chinese have been master craftsmen for centuries. They're just a little green at building bass rods. Give 'em time.

A few random thoughts...

Dale Clemens, whom no one can say is not a knowledgeable maven of rod building, allows as how Fuji undoubtedly revolutionized and improved rod components with their ingenuity in materials and design.

A Lexus is not an indigenous American product, and neither is a BMW or a Mercedes. But no one can say that any of these is an "inferior product."

I'm a country musician by profession and I wear Wrangler shirts and jeans. Great cowboy clothes. They are without exception made in China, Indonesia, and Vietnam... yes, Vietnam.

Though I have a bunch of Falcons and Kistlers, I have a few of the Academy All Stars and Castaways from China and they're not bad rods at all, a lot of bang for the buck at 49.95 or less.

On the hobbyist level, I also build my own rods. I use Fuji components with All Star and Loomis blanks and I consider my fishin' poles to be "assembled in Austin TX."

The wife and I drive Fords, and I'm considering a GMC for my next vehicle. But I can't deny the obvious. I might get tricked into a Toyota Tundra if the right deal presented itself.

Fish'Steeler , I read and own Dale Clemens book . His knowledge of rod building is 2nd to none but his book is a bit dated . In my opinion Pacific Bay International line guides has surpassed Fuji in quality and value . Fuji still has the best trigger reel seats .
American made rod blanks are the best but cost much more than imports . The cheaper imports quality seem to improve every year .
I will continue to roll my own rods with the best componants avalible reguardless of who makes them .

JBELOW
I've used a couple Pacific Bay reel seats for some spinning rods and was *underwhelmed* when compared to Fuji, but I will try their line guides upon your recommendation.

Are they available through Jann's Netcraft? Which guides compare to or exceed the Fuji Hardaloy guides?

I wasn't referring to any product made overseas, just products made in China. There is large difference in products mass assembled in chinese factories and those made in Japan and Europe. Most Japanese (or German) products are considered superior than there American counterparts, such as Honda, Toyota (Lexus), Daiwa Japan, Shimano Japan, Megabass rods, ect. I honestly don't think that you can get a good bang for your buck unless you buy something made/assembled in China- and that doesn't make it a bad product either. I simply was stating people's concern is generally with products made in china, because some products made/assembled there are done as cheaply as possible. It's all in the factory chosen and how much is paid to outsource them. Powell rods (Chinese made and assembled) were recently reviewed on Tackle Tour and got a very high rating- far from the junk of All Star.

[/QUOTE]I wasn't referring to any product made overseas, just products made in China. There is large difference in products mass assembled in chinese factories and those made in Japan and Europe[/QUOTE]


That's where you're wrong! You obviously have't looked at Chinese made rods in a long time. They have surpassed their counterparts in my opinion in everything but the price.

the last team all star rod i purchased has fuji on the reel seat, and coincidently this particular reel seat does not hold my quantum energy reels in place securely. e.g. when pressure is applied to the reel from the butt of the rod, the reel actually pops out of place. the other team all star rods i have do not say fuji, but rather "all star" across the reel seat. is the make of the reel seat responsible for my problem? should note that this rod says: made in Houston, Texas. any responses would be greatlly appriciated.

I'll quote myself there, manasota. You need to read my posts a little better before responding. Powell rods would be an example of a good product that is built in a chinese factory, and All Star and Bandit crankbaits would represent what can happen when you outsource your product to a chinese factory and quality declines. If Lowrance announced they were moving production to china, do you think it would produce a 7-page thread on this forum? I think so, and I think the concern would be justified.