BFS blank suggestions

[NorCoMike]

Good afternoon,

I finally pulled the trigger on a BFS reel. So while I wait for it to get here I need to build a rod. Im wanting something that can throw 1/16th to 1/8th oz jerkbaits and crankbaits mainly. I have one suggestion for the phenix mirage so far. I have been looking at the MHX 7'3" UL mod action. What other blanks would you recommend?

Also what does everyone use for a guide train for BFS rods? I have only built one casting rod before and it was for a spincast reel most of my building has been spinning rods.

[Hogsticker2]

If you want a shorter blank, I'd highly recommend the Point Blank 661lf. Doesn't get much better than that. If you want a longer, less expensive blank, I'd recommend the Phenix Feather 7'1" light. You would need to order this blank direct from Phenix.
My personal preference on guides for this type of blank - Fuji, your choice of material. I'd use one doubt foot stripper guide only, size 5.5. The rest would be size 4.5 belly / running guides up to the tip top. If you plan to use a leader often, I'd bump them up to a size 5. How much do you want to spend on the blank and guide train?

[NorCoMike]

Longer is better as I will mainly be fishing lakes and ponds for trout and panfish with the occasional outing to medium sized rivers. 250 for blank and guides would be a good budget. I have only built one casting rod before and it was for a spincaster but I did do a spiral and like the way that rod fishes just a little to soft for what I want to cast with this setup. I will look into the point blank as well!

[Hogsticker2]

I also own the NFC X Ray SJ732. It would also work. I haven't even had a chance to fish it yet . You would need to catch one of the 50% off sales without going over your budget. Unfortunately, Point Blank doesn't make any finesse type blanks in longer lengths.

[hoohoorjoo]

I have a custom built on the Batson Immortal blank, 7' popping action, ultralight moderate. I throw as low as 2 gram cranks with it. The SS Air makes easy work of very light cranks. My guide train consists of spiral-wrapped Fuji Ti/SiC micros, since I use 8# Sufix Nanobraid exclusively on it. First guide is a reverse KR stipper guide, then a #5, a #4.5 and the remainder are #4, with a #4.5 tip. I had mine built on a Matagi tube handle, so it could have went out in length had I chosen to do so. It's a strong blank, too, as this 6-13 bass put it to the test.

[NorCoMike]

Man if that immortal blank came in a two piece that would be perfect! Kinda limited to a two piece for storage and transport reasons. Any one tried the batson revelation 7'2" UL fast blank?

[rh_916]

Phenix elixir blanks

[hoohoorjoo]

Man if that immortal blank came in a two piece that would be perfect! Kinda limited to a two piece for storage and transport reasons. Any one tried the batson revelation 7'2" UL fast blank?

Pic of the rod itself. Btw, I caught the fish in that pic and several other small ones on the Saturday after Christmas.
We have been warmer than average lately.

[NorCoMike]

Looks like a great combo! our weather has been strange here to most lakes have skim ice but no where to get out and throw a few.

[Hogsticker2]

Immortal popping blanks are great. I didn't realize you were after 2 piece. Rainshadow makes some 2 piece blanks in their Revelation line. Never used one before though. I'd probably stick with Phenix for a 2 piece.

[hoohoorjoo]

I'm with Mark. Stick with Phenix for the 2 pc blanks. Just fyi, the Elixir blanks are very soft, not like a BFS blank at all.

[NorCoMike]

Ok guys I have narrowed it down to three choices. Does anyone have any input on these blanks.

Revelation REVS72UL-2SB 7'2" 1/32-3/16 Fast
MHX S871-2MHX 7'3" 1/32-3/16 mod
Phenix FX701-2-B 7'0" 1/32-1/4 Fast

So for throwing rapala ultralight series baits and other 1/16th oz cranks and jerks what would you pick? What action do you prefer for those baits?

Thanks for all of the help so far!