I tried to order a Loomis ST 1082 blank today and learned that Loomis is having problems and will not deliver 2 piece blanks until July. I have heard some of you speak highly of Rainshadow blanks. Before I order the blank I thought I might as well ask how ya'll thought it would compare with the Loomis. Or there something better that I don't know about?

I think the XST line of rainshadow blanks are wonderful products. Strong, sensitive, and durable, in my opinion they represent a better value than G. Loomis. I would compare the XST graphite to GL2 in strength, and somewhere between GL3 and IMX in sensitivity. Probably a touch closer to the GL3 end of the spectrum, but for quite a bit less.

That being said, it's been my opinion that they are slightly underpowered for their ratings.... Not a criticism, just an observation. I'd look at an XST 1083, but then again it might be easier to make a recommendation if the intended purpose was known.....

rainshadow doesn't make a 1082 or 1083 in the XST(someone said it was because they would snap lighter lines, but i think that's BS because they make an 1141...).

lamiglas a 9'0" blank comparable to a GL2 1082(GSH1082L), st. croix makes a nice one as well for a little more coin(3SC90MLF2).

my bad, i've only fished w/ the xst1084, and just assumed they made 2's & 3's. my experience that the power comment was based on had to do with 1141's, 1021's, and 1264's.

now that you mention it, he didn't even say xst........

and you're right about the light line gig. I've seen quite a few 20 lb. class steelhead to the boat on xst1141's and 8 lb. leaders....

RAINSHADOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Peace
Fly

Thanks fellas. I am looking for a good all around steelhead rod for drifitng corkies/eggs on medium/large rivers from a DB. Does that help to recommend a rod? I will be using a graphite handle. If you have never used a graphite handle you are missing out. It is like playing in a different league. The sensitivity is amazing. They do cost alot though. The 1141 rods I have used seemed like a noodle. Do they really have the power to handle larger fish?

We have lots of pro Rainshadow users on this site. I personally have a RX-7 (1 step below XST) 1082 made up as a spinning rod & whould rate it close to a Loomis Gl-3.

Let us know how/what your going to fish with it, & we can make a recommendation.......


c/22

I will put a Curado bait caster on it and will be fishing pencil lead, cheaters, double 4 hooks, and eggs. Anything else?

Oh, you slipped that while I was posting. I'm not a fan of the 1141 rods, thou some guys love that action & take big fish on them as well.

As your looking for a fast action rod....I whould go for a 9' XST 1084 rated for 8-12 lb., if you want more power the 10-17 lb. XST 1085 blank will be out in July/Aug....




c/22

a 1141 is a great "boat" side drifting rod. but to soft as a good bank rod. the 1143 is my chosen weapon from shore. rainshadow for sure.

yep, 1084 or 1143 in xst.

Rod Blank Model # Rainshadow XST1084
Butt cap: EVABC20
Front Cap:
Rear Grip: WHGRY-12 use with WBBC WHKA x 3 and WBTC Rear Carbon Handle set up
Handle Arbor:
Reel Seat: GTBTG16C-11.5-TC Forecast Textured blank exposed seat
Reel Seat Shim
Foregrip: WFG2.5 , WFGFC , WFGRC ,Wfgpb Tapered Woved for grip
Winding Check: LTCWC425
Hookeeper: TCHKS
Tip Top XTCPPZT06R05.0 Tich ss316 Alps tip top
1st guide from tip top XPTCFZG06 Tich ss316 recessed ring singles foot with Zirconium ring
2nd guide from tip top XPTCFZG06
3rd guide from tip top XPTCFZG06
4th guide from tip top XPTCFZG06
5th guide from tip top: XPTCFZG07
6th guide from tip top: XPTCFZG08
7th guide from tip top: XTCLXNZG08 SS316 Tich Light XN Alps with Zircoinum ring
8th guide from tip top: XTCLXNZG10
9th guide from tip top: XTCLXNZG10
10th guide from tip top: XTCLXNZG12
11th guide from tip top:
12th guide from tip top:
13th guide from tip top:
14th guide from tip top:
15th guide from tip top:
16th guide from tip top:
Guide spacing Specs(inches from tip, center ring over mark) 3.75-7.75-12.25-17.25-23.5-31-39-48-58.5-70.5

Rod Blank Model # XST1143F-TC
Butt cap: evabc20
Front Cap:
Rear Grip: WHGRY-12 use with WBEC, WHKA X 3 , WBTC
Handle Arbor:
Reel Seat: gtbtg16c-115-tc
Reel Seat Shim
Foregrip: WFG2.5 USE WITH WFGFC, WFGRC, AND WFGPB
Winding Check: bwc10
Hookeeper: tchks
Tip Top XTCPPZT06r04.5
1st guide from tip top XPTCFZG06
2nd guide from tip top XPTCFZG06
3rd guide from tip top XPTCFZG06
4th guide from tip top XPTCFZG06
5th guide from tip top: XPTCFZG07
6th guide from tip top: XPTCFZG07
7th guide from tip top: XTCLXNZG08
8th guide from tip top: XTCLXNZG10
9th guide from tip top: XTCLXNZG10
10th guide from tip top: XTCLXNZG12
11th guide from tip top:
12th guide from tip top:
13th guide from tip top:
14th guide from tip top:
15th guide from tip top:
16th guide from tip top:
Guide spacing Specs(inches from tip, center ring over mark) 3.5-7.5-12-17-22.5-28.5-38-49-62-76

I have 2 custom Rainshadow 1142's for side drifting out of the boat & love them. Caught an 18 lb Skagit native on mine & it handled it fine. A little more backbone that the 1141"s (too noodly for me) but plenty sensitive & great action for fighting fish.

Man, now I'm thinking about ordring one, Stop it!

I have xst 1141's, ist1142's, and some xst1143's. The "noodly" issue usually stems from overweighting the rod.

For side-drifting with light slinkies the xst1141 is amazing. it doesn't feel "noodly" at all when it's loaded to the cork on a nice fish. my boat saw at least 2 steelhead over 20 lbs this year, bested via 1141's. Right Jake?

i like the 1142 but it's not as sensitive since it's in rx7.

the xst1143 is, in my opinion, one of the most versatile side-drifting rods available. it handles the heavier slinkies way better than the 1141, but due to excellent sensitivity it can still more than adequately fish lighter weights.

all the above are best suited for side-drifting, which as i'm sure b.lade you're probably aware is drift-fishing from a moving platform. if you're more into the anchor up and pound it scene i'd go w/ the xst1084, but that's just personal preference, i'm not sure it's really any better suited for it than the 1143. You won't be disappointed in either of them, and the best move might just be building them both for further comparison....

Since everyone else seems to have strayed from b. lade's 1082 comparison question... I'll twentieth the recommendation for an XST 1143.

i just love the 9'6" rods. i have them in sevearal brands. i love them all, when my RS 1141 snaped i went back to the 1143. i'm a banky and have put several upper 30# kings and one 48# king on the rocks with my loomis gl3 1143... i have yet to feel under powered in using this size. i am very interested in the 1142 but have not seen of felt on yet.

I appreciate all of the advise. I wish the 1141 was made in a 9' blank. I fish from a DB and find a 9'6'' rod a bit too long in a small boat. I am also 6'4'' tall with arms like Inspector Gadget which helps. Is the Rainshadow IST1082 not sensitive enough for you or was it just that the 1141 is longer? Can ya'll recommend a good rod to float jiggs from a DB for me as well? I have begun building rods and would like to replace the crap I have been fishing with. Thanks in advance B. Lade

they do make a 1081 in the RX7 flavor, 9'0", 4-8lb