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Design & Construction
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
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Pricing for all rods is retail cost of
materials plus $80 labor and Federal excise tax.
Illinois residents add 8.25% sales tax. This is for a basic
rod with preformed cork grips, single thread color with one
accent color.
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Custom Turned Grip labor charges are $15 for
Cork, $25 for Flocked Grips and $35 for Graphite Laminated
Grips.
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Decorative thread wraps are $20 for a
Throop/Colby Tiger wrap, and $50 for either a chevron or
diamond pattern.
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Marbling is priced at $20.
You will receive a written
estimate with a breakdown of parts and labor once we have
selected your components. 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.
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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.
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Flocked Grip
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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. |
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