[mogandave]

Hey Guys,

Do the Calstar factory 700L, 700ML, 700MH and 700H all have the big HD Fugi guides or do the lighter rods have the lighter guides?

Any issues I should be aware of with the plastic reel seats?

I am thinking about getting a couple new rods this year, thanks.

Dave

 

[eli672]

I've noticed that you can get a much better rod if you just spend a
little extra $$$ and get a custom-made one.

I've never had an issue w/ the plastic reel seat. when i'm unsure if
they're strong enough, i just add the rod clamp.

I'm not really sure on the guides but i think only the rods rated for
heavier use have the big fuji guides. i have a 700m and its got regular
gides. my 765L rated for 30-80 has the big guides.

 

[Rhatical]

eli672 -
Can you please provide some specifics around the improvement you see in the custom vs. factory Calstars, and whether or not that is rod builder specific? I've always bought factory, but have been curious as to the noticable difference in quality you may be able to get going custom.

 

[MarkT]

The lighter rods aren't Turbo-style guides. I don't recall the specific guide models but rods like the 700L and M don't use Turbos.

 

[eli672]

In my opinion, most of the factory wrapped rods, at least the light line ones( 15- 40lb) have just the necessary components. Please don't get me wrong, a factory wrapped calstar grafighter will work great, but you must admit it doesn't have high-end guides, reel seat, etc. Its just not cost efficient for them to mass produce them that way.

I fished grafighter deckhand rods for my light stuff for a few years. Then i started talking to guys on the boats and i noticed that for a few dollars more they had way better guides and they were able to get the colors they wanted. For me, colors and thread detail is secondary, better quality guides were what got me. Keep in mind if you want a fancy rod w/ beautiful thread design its gonna cost you. After dealing w/ my rod wrapper a few times, he's given me a better deal on a custom wrapped rod w/ better components than what i was paying for a rod off the rack. Like i said, i keep it simple when it comes to my rods, simple wrap, basic and clean, that helps keep the cost down.

Many times rod wrappers can get better deals on blanks than the regular consumer looking to buy one or two at a time and they're willing to pass the savings on to you.

Like i said, just my opinion. I know there are a lot more knowledgeable guys on this site that can add to this topic.

 

[Rhatical]

Thanks, that's helpful perspective. Have you found with better guides that you avoid developing rust stains at their base? That's the one gripe I have about the factory Grafighters.

 

[eli672]

My custom made stuff is only 2 years old and i haven't gotten those rust stains. But if i'm not mistaken that's inevitable but i'm really not sure. I remember all my factory grafighters got those but it never interfered w/ the performance, it was only a visual thing. but i'm sure that w/ time the rust wweaken the guide footing.

My best bet is to ask a rod wrapper that question.

 

[puroagave]

Hey Guys,

Do the Calstar factory 700L, 700ML, 700MH and 700H all have the big HD Fugi guides or do the lighter rods have the lighter guides?

Any issues I should be aware of with the plastic reel seats?

I am thinking about getting a couple new rods this year, thanks.

Dave

calstar uses fuji alum. oxide bhnog and blrog guides - both proven with spectra on thousands of rods. you shouldnt worry about the hd fuji seats failing or coming apart, ive asked many who should know and no one has seen one fail.

re custom rod builders; they're not all created equal! the best charge more than a factory stick. you do get customizing but fundamentally it's not way better than a factory calstar, again imo.

 

[okie man]

you fish one of my rods with 316 stainless guides, aluminum reel seat and my guide placement and then tell me there's not much difference.i say have one made or learn to build your own.

 

[eli672]

i respect PUROAGAVE's opinion but i have to strongly disagree.

i still believe you get a much better rod when custom made.
like i said, a better guide, better reel seat, etc.

i do agree w/ what he says about rod wrappers, they're not all equal.
and you do get for what you pay for. but, like i said, a lot of money
is spent on design and decor. doing complex wrapping takes time it will cost you money, a significant amount can be saved by keeping it simple.
i say spend on what really matter: COMPONENTS!!!