Tony: Is there any indication of availability of these blanks? And price range? I am very interested. Does Dorber deal through retailers, on-line, wholesale, etc.? Thanks in advance...
Larry Johnson Springville, Utah >>> [EMAIL PROTECTED] 9/27/2005 2:39 PM >>> With Byard's permission I will post this, Byard might be carrying these rods at Line's end. I wrote this post before I went on my trip four weeks ago. Byard was also gone at that time so I waited till I could talk to him about posting. I do some rod casting for a local rod company that makes their own blanks. Dorber has been mentioned on this list at times by list members that have purchased rods and blanks from them. I was so enthused, I just have to tell someone about these rods. These rods are made from a special woven graphite that is very strong and has a checkerboard pattern They are beautiful. I picked up the 4 wt and could not believe how light it was, Just made a flip to get some line out and it shot all the line I had pulled off the reel. This was into a brisk wind. When I finally got to really casting it I was astounded, with a good flip, I shot out over 60' of line. No effort at all . Casting this rod was a total pleasure. I have not cast another rod like it. It cast like bamboo, with a feel of graphite. I really don't know any other way to say how it feels. It is one of the lightest 4 wt rods I have ever cast. Then I picked up the 2 wt. On the 2 wt, the guides were just taped on as was the grip and reel seat. The rod was almost nothing in my hand as to weight. When I made the first flip, I knew they had another winner. A person has to cast this rod to believe what it will do. I personally think these rods will cast a 1 wt lower and a 1 wt higher lines with no problem at all. I did not have time to check this out, Ray will do it while I am gone. I will try it after I get back next month. I will also cast the 3 and 5 wt versions. These rods are still in the experimental stage and none are for sale at this time. I have over 50 rods and some blanks sitting around to be wrapped but I will be buying one of the first 4 wt blanks when they start selling them. Then I will get a 2 wt. I still can not believe how light these rods are and how effortless they cast. Tony Since I wrote the above I was back yesterday and today doing some more casting on some new prototypes A 7' 3 wt and a 7.5' 2 wt that might be a 3/2 wt. My casting style works better with a 3 wt on the 7'.6" and 2 wt on the 7'. We weighed the rods today, the 7' 6" weighed 1.8 oz and the 7' weighed 1.6 oz. That is with the plastic wrap on the grip and reel seat that weighs 1 oz. These rods are made with a new graphite that is called Ultra Weave. These rods are about as crush proof as you can get. I put all my weight standing on the blank rolling it under my feet and no damage. I am still amazed at these rods. I have no financial connection other they give me a break on rod stuff I buy. The big thrill came yesterday when Ray said he had a 4 wt blank for me. I can't wait till I can fish it. More on that after I get on the river with it. These rods are not for sale yet, they should be soon. There is a good chance you will be able to get them at Line's End. Tony
