[Huronfly]

Hi, first time poster here, also pretty green to the spey world... I was hoping I could get some help with line advice in regards to the MHX 711-4 switch. The recommended grain window for this rod(for skagit) is 375 - 450grains, I already have the airflo 480 grain skagit switch from my last switch rod and it worked well with my last 7 weight switch from a different manufacturer so would this work fine with the MXH blank? or should I step it down so I am within the recommended window? Its cold and snowy as hell here so I cant really test it out until spring, but I want to be ready to go once the snow melts. Also If I step it down could I still throw the medium MOW tips which is recommended by rio for skagit lines between 475-575 grains? Sorry for all the questions, any help would be appreciated

 

[wrx_canoe]

Welcome to the board. If the upper range of that blank is 450 I would think a 480 head would heavily load the rod and not have the rod load and unload at its optimum.

That said, sometimes the recommended grain windws are incorrect.

If you're close to the Bighead or other GBay river mouth there might be some open/moving water to test it out?

re: tips. Casting those medium MOWs on a 450 is doable if you have a very good cast. Best thing to do would be to try before you went off and purchased the lighter set.

 

[Huronfly]

Thanks for your insight canoe, Ive tried looking all over for more information on these blanks but its as if no one has ever used one!

I found some interesting information quoted by Scott O’Donnell, his recommendation was for T-11 tips: 425 to 625 grain heads(a much bigger window), but also states that it is definately dependant on the casters abilities which makes sense.

I guess all I can do is try, and if my 480 is too heavy Ill have to downsize and improve my casting. At the moment I am too cheap to buy another set of MOW tips so hopefully it works out.

As for the Bighead/Gbay rivers I am about an hour away, Im not so sure it will be worth checking out, but I am getting antsy to try out the new stick.

 

[9140greenie]

Mhx

Hi,
If you get an MHX be careful. I've seen a lot of their blanks. Depending on who's doing the quality control, the tip sections can get pretty squirrely. I've seen some pretty crooked tips and tips with rough finishes. I've also talked to someone who had the butt section collapse (Hoop defect), but that was a one time occurance and MHX replaced the blank.
I'm pretty sure you can use heavier MOWs with 450 grns. But I would use the short version of a company's skagit head: Airflo Skagit Switch, Rio Skagit Max Short. Remember, you're taking 450 grains and condensing it into a shorter head which means more mass for the given head. I'm casting a T&T 11ft. 7 wt. with a 450 Skagit Switch and am able to easily cast 12ft. of T14 with standard speys and dees. Have fun.

 

[Huronfly]

I will definitely be giving steve a call to help clear some things up.

That's a shame some of the blanks were messed up in the past. Looks like the one I got has no issues yet, everything is true, straight, and smooth.

I also plan on sticking with the Skagit switch which seemed to be a perfect length of head for my previous rod.

Thanks gents for your help.

 

[NVswitch]

Hi Dan, Wow, I was once starting out in the spey world like you are now. Unfortunately, I have no advice or experience with the blank you are talking about but i hope to have a couple recommendations for you:
1. Talk to Steve Godshall. That is where I started. He has so much knowledge about spey rods and lines. He will forget more than I will ever learn. And he can be so helpful with recommendations.
2, I also really started following the advice and recommendations of what is posted on spey pages here. There is so much info here that is good. I mostly went with tried and true rod, reel and line combinations that members were recommending. Also started looking at line recommendations for various rods listed at Rio and Airflo sites. They are very helpful.
3. It takes time and rod time to start developing your particular casting style and preferences for what you like and do not like. Some rods and lines that I got at the start made the cut over time while others were really mismatched and did not work for me. Thats why I believe some basic set ups are great to start with and then one can venture out into new and experimental setups.
Hope this helps some and enjoy the experience with spey.
Mike D.

 

[Huronfly]

I've been lurking on here for some time now and it absolutely has a ton of information and knowledge! I had originally order the tfo deer creek switch-which sounds like it was an awesome rod, but being on back order for the last 6 months I was beginning to lose my patience. I hope I don't get bit in the ass for building on a blank that I can't seem to find any information on...

 

[mykissrodman]

Dan,

Check your PM's

Dave.

 

[fredaevans]

Absolutly agree.

My humble advice to anyone that has a question about a line and I saying any type of question phone Steve Godshall that works with Bob Meiser. He is the man to contact about any kind of a line question-there is no one better to assist you. His phone number is 1-541-840-2594- I hope that this information is a aid to you.

I haven't purchased a commercial line in years. I just tell Steve what rod, he already knows where I fish- casting style; pick it up/line it. The beauty of his lines are he knows 'One size does not fit all.'

You and I could have exactly the same rod,, not likely we will get the same line. :smokin: His lines won't cost you a penny more than something off the shelf.