Agree, building rods is really fun. I have built 3 fly rods(Hi Salmo), 1 float rod for steelhead, and done a bunch of repairs on a buddies rods. I used rainshadow blank on all but one which was a Sage. I was surprised at how expensive it is, however, you can save $ If done properly and not on high-end blanks. It takes alot of practice, and I know my stuff isn't pro grade, but it's fun and they catch fish. My steelhead float rod has over 250 fish on it, so I must be doing something right.