Don't get me wrong, I love fishing with the latest generation, super light but powerful tackle that is available to us today. Personally I have already dropped more dollars than I care to admit while keeping up, to a certain extent, with the trends. And, there is no doubt I enjoy fishing even more with a beautifully crafted and well balanced outfit.
Having said that I also have to agree with Rob, Togilator, that perhaps we are starting to overthink certain aspects of custom rod building/ownership. Maybe its because its almost winter and there isn't much left to occupy our minds but the finest details imaginable. Then again, I often say people participate in this sport at all different levels. If the smallest differences of an outfit floats your boat then go for it.
Those of you in my age bracket probably remember the old Fisherman articles written by Matt Ahearn where he described his beloved Cod stick, a converted hickory pool cue! Can't even imagine what that one weighed or if there was any flex at all to the tip. I think I even fished with a few rods like that when I was a kid!!
703 was not part of the sale they had going. I am covered with challenger bank 731m and 701l for the versatile stuff. I will build it for deepwater/heavy current tog and fluke. Worst case in 3-5 years I sell it for material cost... Still a sweet blank. Might be a while as I have some other projects ahead of it, but will try to keep you all posted.
