Why Should I Buy A Custom Fly Rod?
A custom fly rod is made to be an extension of the angler. It is more precise, forgiving, and of a much higher quality than any factory rod could ever be. There will never be another rod like it, as it is built by a master craftsman and specifically designed for the fisherman who commissioned it. A custom rod is a work of art and only made from the best materials available with details unmatched by any rod manufacturer.
Will a custom rod help me catch more fish? Probably so! Everyone knows that fly fishing is mostly presentation. With a fly rod built specifically for you and your specific fishing situation, your casting and line control will be much better. This should result in higher catch rates.
How much does a custom fly rod cost? In many cases, a custom made rod will cost around the same price as a factory rod. Sometimes more, sometimes less. Of course, the price will go up with upgrades and added intricacies, but they are unnecessary to catch fish. Most people usually commission a custom rod for the extra details that cannot be found in a factory rod. Just remember, a custom fly rod is an heirloom quality piece of equipment made to be used, but with a quality that will last for many generations.
I have implemented the use of a number of testing systems which allow me to fine tune a given fly rod blank to far surpass the abilities of any factory rod. All blanks are positioned for spine and guide placement is determined through a test called static guide placement. The test ensures that each guide has the same angle of line entering and exiting so that they all share the exact same amount of stress allowing the entire guide set to function as one. Neither of these methods is used by any rod manufacturer due to the increase in time and labor. Unfortunately, the rod manufacturers would rather sacrifice performance in exchange for more fly rods.
I also employ the use of the CCS system to test the actual working characteristics of each rod. This system is used to determine the actual and exact specifications for the rod including its power rating (intrinsic power), Effective Rod Number (ERN) and Action Angle (AA). These ratings are combined to define a rod's Defined Bending Index (DBI). These ratings are the actual tested ratings for a particular fly rod. The ratings listed by all manufacturers are only subjective and are usually very far off of the actual tested ratings. For instance, the largest current rod manufacturer specifies that their particular rod is rated for a 4 weight line with a fast action taper. When the same rod is tested, it is actually a 7 weight rod with a moderate action. Rod companies do this in an attempt to increase their rod's distance and power ratings, but the fisherman is the one who suffers because he is not getting the highest level of performance the rod is capable of.
The CCS system actually places everything on a level playing field by using specific values such as AFTMA Arbitrary Line Weight Standards. AFTMA ensures that each fly line manufacturer must produce a given fly line with a given standard weight for that sized line. All ratings are produced using the same parameters such as all tests are taken using an aerialized fly line with a length of 30' from the rod tip. Since the exact weight of the line is a constant (AFTMA Standards), it is easier to define a rod's character.
I now use this system on every graphite rod I make to ensure that each one leaves my shop with the ultimate in performance. My client can now know and be confident that their rod will perform to their expectations. One could actually pre-order a custom rod to fit a desired performance rating. In a nut shell, no factory rod could ever come close to the performance of a custom rod when built under these specific guidelines. It means the difference in owning a good rod and owning one that never fails to amaze.
I shy away from building rods on blanks made by big manufacturers because of the simple reason of performance alone. The blanks I use will out perform their rods every time.
Rod Customizations
Keep in mind that a custom rod is exactly that, CUSTOM. You choose the blank, wraps, guides, hook keepers, winding checks, grips and seats. Most of the blanks I use are built by small companies under strict performance and quality standards. I have also implemented the use of a number of testing systems which allow me to fine tune a fly rod blank to far surpass the abilities of any factory rod. Most of the woods used in the making of my rods is sourced, stabilized and turned by me. The stabilization process ensures the woods resistance to wear for the lifetime of the rod. Component engraving, bluing, grip inlaying, hand lettering and feather inlaying are all options, as well. I will be more than happy to assist you in any choices you make, from from the choice in blank and action to any customization you require. Just let me know your particular fishing situation and we'll go from there.
Pryor Custom Fly Rods
Handcrafted Fly Rods For The Discriminating Angler
2642 South 11th Street
Philadelphia, PA., 19148
Tel: (215)280-6414
email: PryorRods@yahoo.com
www.pryorcustomflyrods.com
