Batson Enterprises makes a comprehensive assortment of fishing blanks ranging from two weight fly rods for chasing trout all the way to heavy saltwater rods for wrestling tarpon.  Batson Enterprises also carries a wide selection of rod building components.  It was founded in 2000 by Bob Batson with a simple vision: "Supply High Quality Rod Blanks and Rod Building Components at a fair price and back it up with Outstanding Customer Service."


With the increase of fishing pressure on local trout and steelhead rivers I have been turning at an increasing rate to fishing for warm water species.  I've always enjoyed tying spun hair poppers and painting foam bugs and there is something about the reckless take of a three pound bass to get your heart pumping.  For the last couple of years I have been using a medium action 5wt. rod for bass and it has proven time and again to be inadequate.  Fishing for bass typically involves long casts, large wind resistant flies, casting into wind, and the occasional sinking line (did I mention wind?).  For a long time I've heard great things about the Batson RX8 9' 6wt. so this year I decided to up my bass fishing game.  Here is what went with:

Blank: XF906-4  9' 4pc 6wt Fly RX8 Graphite
Stripping Guides: XTCLXNCG ALPS SS316-LXN Guide with Tich 'Z' ring -TiCH without chrome
Running Guides: XTCSFGP  SS316 Titanium Carbide Single Foot Fly Guide
Grip: Full Wells Seat Cutout "Super" Grade WITH CORK COMPOSITE


One of the things I like best about Batson Enterprises is how easy they make selecting components for a custom rod.  For each blank they sell they also offer a data sheet with suggested components.  The list includes all the necessary hardware ranging from the appropriate size tip top to the right size winding check.  You do not have to wait until the blank comes into properly size the hardware!  Now, to customize the rod all you have to do is change out the style of guides, or the grip, or even the reel seat to arrive at exactly the look you are going for.  For this review I decided to go with the recommendations listed on the data sheet with the exception of the reel seat.  The data sheets for their entire selection of rod blanks can be found here: Blank Data Sheets.  The data sheets also provides guide placement measurements.



Throwing large bugs into the wind requires a fast rod.  It does not require a 9' long un-flexing poker!  I've cast far too many rods that are so fast that you can't feel the rod load and often times you have to overline the rod just to put a bend in it.  When fishing large flies that are wind resistant letting your back cast straighten out becomes crucial.  It really doesn't matter how much power you can generate in a forward cast (with an ultra-fast rod) if your back cast can't be felt.  Batson rates the XF906-4 as "ultra-fast."  The blank is fast and able to throw 70' casts but its not so fast that you can't feel whats going on.  


This is my second RX8 blank from Batson and they are quickly becoming my favorite!  The blank itself comes in a clear matte finish, which opens up thread color possibilities and the quality of the blanks are outstanding.  The ferrules fit tight and the rod sections are perfectly cut.  Tight fitting ferrules and clean finished sections might seem common place, but with the number of inexpensive blanks on the market I really appreciate the quality of the RX8 blanks and the consistency.  I was fishing with a friend the other day I took his 6wt.  and he fished my RX8.  Earlier in the day I had been casting in the 60' range with poppers and really pushed the RX8 to see what it could do.  The friends rod did a nice job, but when I had about 50' of line out and started a long forward cast the butt section right below the ferrule completely blew out!  The RX8 is one tough blank.  I fish a heavy bass taper sometimes with a 10' T14 sink tip and a weighted fly and the rod handled it with no problems.  




With the price of gas this summer I have been fishing a local "inner-city" river for carp.  The river is only 30' at the widest point and has extensive structure both in and around the water which include an old rusted out car, a stunning array of household appliances, uprooted trees, and overpasses.  The RX8's fast action provides plenty of tight loops for technical casting and offers enough heft to turn a carp heading for cover. 




In Sum  I have been nothing but pleased with the RX8 blanks.  With so many junk blanks on the market, which have brittle walls, poor fitting ferrules, bends, slow reaction times etc...  Its nice to have a "go to" company where I do not have to wonder about the quality of the product.  Additionally, the data sheets that Batson provides makes building a custom rod a simple matter of selecting components and not guessing or over ordering parts to ensure a good fit.  Finding a true fast action rod that has some feel to it is becoming increasingly difficult.  The RX8 by Batson does a great job in splitting the difference between the need to cover distance and the ability to feel the rod load for increased accuracy.