1 reply to this topic

[bskizl]

I am looking at getting into building a few rods for myself. One quick question is on cost, what do you guys feel a guy would have in a rod that would be comparable to a 200.00 retail price rod?

[BobP]

I think it's impossible to be exact in figuring that out. I've built 15-20 rods on various rod blanks and think there's a break-even point somewhere around $100. If the components cost less, I can usually find a factory rod with similar components at the price I'd pay for the components alone. Above the break-even point, you save increasing amounts of money compared to the price of a factory rod - easily as much as $100 or more on high end rods. So, at the "mid-range" $200 price point, you will save some money. But having gone through the process myself, I would not build rods just to save the money. There can be other benefits besides cost but there are also possible pitfalls. And building a good rod is a skill set that takes some time, study, and effort to learn.