New to rod building

[sam10basefish]

Hi all. I made my first ice rod a few weeks ago. It came out okay and I had a great time working on it. I have a LOTW trip planned for my spring break and am planning on making at least one more. My question is about blanks. I want to emulate pretty closely the thorne bros walleye sweat heart or something along those lines. Thorn is selling the blank for around 35bucks. I have been looking a little and have found a few other solid carbon blanks for less then ten bucks. Part off the reason I am trying to build my own is to save some cash seeing how I am a poor college student and all. Any suggestions on what I should do? Spend the 35 and know I am getting quality or try out a no name less expensive one. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks Fellas

[upnorth]

I am more after the action of the blank than I am about the name on the blank, especially if it is for me. Never paid more than $8 for an ice blank myself.

[Jmeyers]

I tend to agree with upnorth... It's more about the action of the blank and what you'll be using it for. Sure the Thorne blanks are good, but a cheaper blank doesn't mean you'll catch less fish. If your trying to save money and don't care so much for craftsmanship there are a few local dealers you can try (just google search them) or mud hole is always a safe bet.

[bemidjibasser]

If there is a Cabelas close by they sometimes have broken rods in the bargain cave for a dollar or two... Find one that has the action you are looking for and use that, or at least use the guides from one... It's a great way to save some cash.

[sam10basefish]

Sounds great guys I think I will order a couple of the less expensive blanks and give them a try. Probably a good idea to get some more practice in before I step up to the big leagues anyway. I will keep updated with my results

[c0untryf1sh3r]

I picked up a blank a solid carbon blank a couple years ago for an ice rod and I think I only paid around 10 bucks for it. Its wasnt a name brand blank but after I threw everything together I really liked the action and the feel of it.

[uffdapete]

Sent you a PM upnorth.