There's been a couple of threads lately that talked about building your own rod. Claims were made that a person could save as much as 50% by building one's own versus buying direct.

Always one to save a buck I investigated the possibility of building a nice float rod using either a Lamiglas or Rainshadow blank. I was pretty much sold on the 10 or 10 1/2 foot model in a medium action. My research concludes that I could build a nice looking rod for about $160 including shipping, equipment, supplies, etc. Not too bad I figure.

So I go to Sportco to look for a book on building rods. While I'm there I figure I go look at some rods to further rationalize on how much money I'll be saving. Imagine my surprise when I find that the Dave Vedder signature model is selling for $155. The Herzog model even cheaper.

How can this be? How can Sportco sell completed rods cheaper than someone like Angler's Workshop, TH, or the Mudhole sell in kit form? I don't understand; can someone clear it up for me?

Sure it would be cool to catch fish on a rod I built, but I'm not going to spend an additional $20-$30 just to realize that.