Something that I think is very neat about several of the small shop builders of fiberglass fly rods is that they are never just satisfied with what they are doing and work hard to bring new fly rods to light. This includes new materials, new tapers, new ideas, and just keeps the fiberglass fly rod space fresh.
Recently, Yasuyuki Kabuto of Kabuto Rods announced a new 2-Weight Series which includes the Model 7323 and Model 7923, which are made from a new E-Glass material and I can only imagine how wonderfully they each cast. If I was choosing, the slower 7'9" 2-weight would be my choice (in dark yellow or brown color blank).
I asked Yasuyuki if he'd share some more information on this new series and he did so along with more that is certainly worth your reading. Scroll down and enjoy.
Yasuyuki wrote... "Since our establishment in 2010, we have been using E-Glass material for the blank's material. However, the production of this pre-preg sheets has been discontinued, resulting in the inability to manufacture several models (blanks).
Among them, we received many requests for a 2-weight rod, but we have been unable to find a satisfactory pre-preg sheet. Regardless of length or line weight, my blanks have received positive feedback for their smooth action.
This is not only my preference but also a sentiment shared by many. I believe that rods that stop their action in the midsection, even with tip action blanks, are not preferred. I personally prefer the feeling of the blank smoothly bending all the way to the grip with the load, and I believe that is the desired action people seek in fiberglass rods.
In fact, since 2010, we have sold and received great reviews for a significant number of finished rods and blanks. Users from approximately 60 countries, including the United States, have enjoyed my rods, and many have become repeat customers. The gratitude towards these users is what motivates me.
Therefore, I couldn't design alternative models with temporary materials as a stopgap solution. I believed that the new models should deliver the same feel as the previous Kabuto Rods' actions.
When designing my blanks, the taper is certainly important, but so is the thickness of the pre-preg used, considering factors such as the number of wraps around the mandrel, the material of the ferrule, and the length of the intrusion.
Fortunately, the pre-preg we used for the limited edition 733L model (7'3" 3-weight/3 pieces) in 2023 fulfilled all of my requirements, allowing us to proceed with the design of the highly requested 2-weight models. Additionally, the increased time I have for rod production due to my two daughters growing up.
I haven't shared many personal stories so far, but I am a single father raising two daughters. You can imagine the challenges of continuing rod production while raising young children on my own. However, thanks to the support of many people, I have come this far. But don't worry, they are now 18 and 14 years old, so they require less attention.
I will be able to continue production at a faster pace from now on.
The new 2-weight models are both 3-piece rods, with options of 7'3" and 7'9" lengths. The action is medium to medium-slow, with the 7'9" model being slower. While some users prefer heavier line weights for certain models, I recommend using a 2-weight line for the new models. Thanks to the rod action, it is also suitable for handling long leaders.
Due to the production of bamboo and other models, we have plans to produce approximately 10 of these new 2-weight models in 2023. We have already received orders for several of them, so if you wish to use them from 2024 onward, please place your order early. Like other models, blanks colors are also available for your selection.
Finally, I sincerely thank all users, colleagues who have supported me, and suppliers and you Cameron."
Visit the Kabuto Rods website for more information on these limited and special offerings. Follow along with the latest shop news on Facebook and Instagram.
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