The first step in designing your custom rod is an email or phone call.  During the design phase we will discuss fishing style, technique, species, etc. to determine what rod will suit your needs.  SMS Custom Rods is dedicated to selecting the best possible components to fit your specific needs.

Pricing Policy

• Pricing for all custom rods includes components, labor and any shipping and applicable taxes.  A basic build includes preformed grips, single color guide wraps with a single accent color and non-modified reelseats.  All other options carry additional labor charges outlined below.

• Custom Turned Grip labor charges are $10 for Cork, $20 for Flocked Grips and $30 for Carbon Fiber Laminated Grips.

• Decorative thread wraps are $20 for a Throop/Colby Tiger wrap, and $50 for either a chevron or diamond pattern.

• Marbling is priced at $20.

• Reelseat modifications including, split seat and fully exposes are currently offered at no additional charge.

  You will receive a written quote based on our discussions of components and grip/guide options.  This quote will include all applicable taxes and shipping.  Illinois residents are required to pay 8.25% sales tax.  To begin building your rod a deposit equal to 50% of the total cost is required. 

Warranty

  In the event your rod becomes damaged or broken, return it to SMS Custom Rods. I warranty my workmanship for life.  If the failure involves either the blank or a component the rod will be sent to that manufacturer for their inspection and adjustment according to their warranty.   Once the rod is received back from the manufacturer, appropriate repairs can then be made. Components needing to be replaced, will be at their usual cost. Labor to repair the rod will be performed at ONE-HALF of the original cost. This warranty will be in effect for the life of the rod or the rod builder.  Your satisfaction is guaranteed on both new rods and rod repairs, or your money back, for up to 30 days from time of delivery.  A copy of this warranty and any applicable blank/component warranties will be supplied with delivery of your rod.
 

	Blanks The selection of your blank may well be the most important choice we make in designing your custom rod.  Rod blanks are available from numerous companies at varying price points.  The most popular blanks that I build on are from ATC, St. Croix, GLoomis, Rogue, Batson and Seeker. Other brands are available on request.
This image represents 12lb. line in a size 3 Batson Micro Guide ring. Image courtesy of Mike Harris & Tom Kirkman	Guides Your guides will be selected based on several factors including the species of fish, lure, line and reel you will use.  In most cases we will choose the lightest, smallest guides that will work for the above factors mentioned.  Most rods we build utilize the new Batson "micro" guides which feature ring diameters that are much smaller than traditionally used.  The smaller size of these guides reduces weight making your rod more sensitive, while preserving casting distance and accuracy.  Other popular guide styles are  SIC, Alconite and REC Recoils.  All available options will be discussed thoroughly.  Spiral Wrap Most rods are built with a spiral wrap guide placement.  The spiral wrap features guides that start on top of the blank and rotate to the bottom.  The main benefit of the spiral wrap is reduced torque while fighting fish due to the line being on the bottom of the blank.  Other benefits are increased sensitivity by using smaller and fewer guides, while preserving sensitivity and casting distance.  Although a spiral wrap may look different it is definitely a top performer.
Flocked Grip	Reel Seats & Grips Custom Grips are another item that is unique to each build.  Grips can be made with Cork, Foam, Flocking and the new Custom Formed Graphite laminated grips.  Most casting style rods will benefit from a split grip design.  Conventional grips are available if desired.  I typically utilize Fuji and Batson reel seats.  Most casting rods are built with either a split seat or a Forhan RF Lite reelseat.  Both designs expose a greater portion of the rod blank than what is available off the shelf.  Painted reel seats are also available.