I'm ready for a New Lighter Tog Set up

[HighHook4Hire]

This forum has had me wanting to dive in on a CTS, but cannot seem to justify a $200 blank (plus shipping).

 

[Leprechaun]

CTS blanks are as advertised, as good as it gets. Speaking from experience, as I own four gorgeous customs. Well worth the premium asked.

P.S.: A little birdie told me that CTS is currently running a sale, plus, get this: free shipping! Check into it as my birdies are usually right.

 

[Togilator]

This forum has had me wanting to dive in on a CTS, but cannot seem to justify a $200 blank (plus shipping).

Have to agree with Pete on this one.There are plenty of great blanks out there to choose from these days,but you will be hard pressed to find better then CTS.They are well worth there price.I own exactly four units also.

 

[Rodprof]

There is no debate that CTS makes top of the line blanks. I have four in my arsenal from ultralight spin and conventional for bucktailing fluke and small stripers in the back bays, a tog/bass boat rod and a 9 foot light surf spinning rod. However, their availability in the USA and price has been an issue the last few years. Since I primarily build boat rods for fishing Montauk and the Northfork, I have found other manufacturers that produce quality blanks for my needs. For a high end blackfish blank I would recommend Blackhole in either their Challenger Bank series or the Slow Pitch.

 

[Leprechaun]

CTS Factory Discount - O.K., here's the dealeo - in a post on another board, and directly from CTS:

"CTS is offering a show special for the next two weeks, of 20% discount and free shipping from the online store (excludes repair sections, sale items & wholesale). Use coupon: ICRBE2020"

That was dated Feb. 26, 2020, so count 2 weeks forward from that date and you have your limiting factor.

You will never get a better deal than this from CTS for a direct-to-end-user sale.

You can thank me later . . .

 

[Capt Richie]

CTS blanks are as advertised, as good as it gets. Speaking from experience, as I own four gorgeous customs. Well worth the premium asked.

P.S.: A little birdie told me that CTS is currently running a sale, plus, get this: free shipping! Check into it as my birdies are usually right.

Really free shipping just got hit for $80 on 8 blanks ..

 

[Capt Richie]

One thing you cant get from CTS is my CTS blackfish jigger.

Have them in stock

 

[Leprechaun]

I'd like to see one . . . I'm in the market.

 

[Capt Richie]

I'd like to see one . . . I'm in the market.

boys are over almost every weekend ..stop by..screwball took one home to sleep with..he needs to bond with the blank before he builds it

 

[HighHook4Hire]

Thanks for all of the info. I am going to pull the trigger on a BS704 for a heavy inshore/light pelagic spinner. $148 shipped using the coupon code and I have plenty of time to wait for it.

 

[Capt Richie]

Thanks for all of the info. I am going to pull the trigger on a BS704 for a heavy inshore/light pelagic spinner. $148 shipped using the coupon code and I have plenty of time to wait for it.

you also have to pay import aka duty tax..you will get a bill from the shipped UPS or FedEx...

I have not had good luck with the BS blanks...had a few blow up..
I did have something in the works with a redesign but I dont need too do it...Im good with the BJ line..

 

[HighHook4Hire]

you also have to pay import aka duty tax..you will get a bill from the shipped UPS or FedEx...

I have not had good luck with the BS blanks...had a few blow up..

Is there a different CTS blank that you would suggest instead of the BS704 for that application? I really would like to take advantage of the promotion and from their site, it looks like BS 702 and BS 704 are the only options. I do not see any BJ or ES or "CN" options.

 

[Capt Richie]

you cant buy any BJ on line that I redesigned...You can buy a BJ 702 , 703 or 704 I think ES are fresh water ultra lite & everyone I built broke...BSM aka CN I have had the same problems as the BS..there is a flaw in the design...Like I sad had a redesign in the works but didnt do it..

I do believe they are only giving a discount on the blanks on the site no custom orders aka BJ line..

I pay more than that with discount so I dont see you getting a BJ for less than 180 or 200 dollars the MSRP is 225 & up on the BJ line..

 

[Capt Richie]

If you want to build a really nice top notch rod ..IMO much better that what your fishing ..Go with a Phenix..

 

[HighHook4Hire]

you cant buy any BJ on line that I redesigned...You can buy a BJ 702 , 703 or 704 I think ES are fresh water ultra lite & everyone I built broke...BSM aka CN I have had the same problems as the BS..there is a flaw in the design...Like I sad had a redesign in the works but didnt do it..

I do believe they are only giving a discount on the blanks on the site no custom orders aka BJ line..

I pay more than that with discount so I dont see you getting a BJ for less than 180 or 200 dollars the MSRP is 225 & up on the BJ line..

Gotcha. Back to Black Hole I guess

 

[HighHook4Hire]

See now I have stayed away from Phenix because of the horror stories about their quality control and customer service. What line would you suggest?

Sorry for hijacking the thread George!

 

[Capt Richie]

I deal direct so no problem with Customer service as I do with CTS & UC..
QC some of their line are just bad blanks ..stick with Black Diamond not the hybrid , M1 & UMBX great great blanks..

also UC top quality blanks again much better than what your fishing...UC are second to none in the composite line & one of the best in the graphite line..CTS BJ are better but you pay,,,I would fish a UC graphite over a Smith or anything coming out of Japan or Korea..

 

[HighHook4Hire]

Thanks for the info. I will try to bend some at the Edison show.

 

[Flukinit]

See now I have stayed away from Phenix because of the horror stories about their quality control and customer service. What line would you suggest?

Sorry for hijacking the

See now I have stayed away from Phenix because of the horror stories about their quality control and customer service. What line would you suggest?

Sorry for hijacking the thread George!

High hook, if I can give .02 on the issue being I have several customs from Richie with 3 of the rod companies being discussed. I have 2 Phenix blanks UMBX the 8-17 and 10-20. I have UC AR700xl and UC 70xl and 2 Cts customs a Bj700 and 701. I also have a hydra mb876.
For fluke my preference are both Phenix blanks the Hydra then the CTS. The 8-17 up to 3 oz the 10-20 up to 5oz also the hydra up to 4oz I then go to the CTS I like the BJ701 over the 700 for jigging fluke and Cbass. I use that once I get over 5 oz which at that point is chicken rigs.
For Tog I go in order under 4/5oz the UC Ar700 then Cts 700 then the bj701 4-7 oz range then the 70xl fir heavier applications.
Overall for feel and performance I'd rate them in order
Fluke Umbx 8-17, Umbx 10-20, Hydra, cts 701 and cts 700.
Tog Uc ar700xl, uc 70xl, Bj701 and Bj700.
Again just my view on some of the blanks. Suggest you take a look like you plan do but if you decide on a custom make sure to check out Capt Richie work. Does excellent work at a fair price. Good luck

 

[HighHook4Hire]

Thanks for your personal preference and some more ideas, including a few other names I have seen before but never handled.

I just started a CTS thread and would love to hear more about your BJ 700 and 701 experiences.

I am sure that Richie's rods are much nicer than mine, but my time is already free.