JimP
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JimP |
Impregnated Rods |
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My first really nice rod was a T&T Classic 7 1/2', 2/2, 5wt. impregnated rod. I loved it and still do. Were I the advertising guy for some Bamboo
Rod Maker I would charge MORE for impregnated rods siting how vanish sooner or later cracks or can come off exposing the cane to water which can ruin the rod.
An impregnated rod, on the other hand, does not have that shortcoming. But, in reality, impreganated rods are often treated lkike the "Red-Headed
Stepchild". What are your thoughts?
JimP |
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Rolf Jacobsen |
#1 | |||
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Jim we currently have two. I say "we" because two are fished by my wife. One is a 7-1/2' Leonard Duracane and the other an 8' Orvis. The fact that they are impregnated for us is a blessing. Nancy is VERY hard on equipment and though not planned that way, it could not have worked out any better. Still, the bottom line is how they cast/fish. Both are exceptional rods. There are some current makers who impregnate as their norm. Mike Brooks comes to mind. Once again, I think the bottom line here is whether or not you are happy with the rod. Brook Trout are God's way of reminding us everything is going to be alright. |
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Eric Peper |
#2 | |||
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I've always believed that once you've "signed on" for bamboo rods, you've confessed that you are a "tinkerer" at heart to one
degree or another. Thus, the maintenance factor of varnished versus impregnated is not really an issue. I have five varnished rods and three impregnated rods
(and God knows how many plastic from my "dark" period), and I fuss with them all both during the season and after. As Rolf said, It's how they
perform rather than how they are made that determines their relative value.
EP |
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quashnet.clarksclassicfl... |
#3 | |||
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I don't know if everyone would call his rods "impregnated," but Paul Young said that he used a Bakelite dip that entered the bamboo cells to at
least some degree below the surface: "We dip our wrapped sections bodily into this dissolved bakalite solution, get all the penetration desired, and do
not spoil the sweet action..." After treatment, it seems that the rods could be either varnished or oil finished. The photo shows a Summers-built oil
finished Para 15 (above) and a Young-built varnished Para 17 (below). On the
Para 15, the section of cane forward of the grip is varnished to protect the inked lettering; the rest is not varnished. Admittedly the Para 15 has been waxed
in preparation for this season's fishing, which makes it glow, but in any season it's hard not to like its looks.
Quashnet's Paul H. Young Rod Database has photos and descriptions of over
450 PHY Co. rods, plus catalogs, accessories, etc. Thank you to all
who continue to send me PHY rod photos and info.
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JimP |
#4 | |||
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Those Paul Youngs rods are indeed gorgeous, both of them, although the Para 15 is exceptiuonally nice! I did not know that about Paul Young rods. Thanks for
the info!
I agree with all that has been posted. It is how the rod performs that counts. JimP |
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SnooKen.clarksclassicfl... |
#5 | |||
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Mike Brooks has made 2 rods for me and both are a delight to cast & fish(and look at). According to testing he has done his Permacane process actually
results in about a 10% reduction in weight from a nontreated blank due to displacement of all moisture in the cane and total blockage of any moisture re-entry.
He feels that the action of any given taper is actually speeded up a bit when txed. with Permacane. Although unneccesary Mike varnishes all his rods to meet
the cosmetic expectations of the buyer. Having had a number of old production rods fail by breaking at the ferrule and in every instance noting degraded cane
due to water entry at the break point I'm pretty sold on the benefits of impregnation and believe things have come a long way from the old Bakelite
saturation approach.
And, yes! Nice nice nice PHYs there Mr. Quash. If Mistakes are the Wellspring of Wisdom how come I ain't Solomon? |
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andre49 |
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Have to say that my 7 1/2 ft green wrap Duracane is one of the best casting rods I've ever owned. I have yet to hear anyone make a negative comment about
how these rods cast. Bob Nunley is currently re-furbishing my rod as well as building me an extra inpregnated tip. Can't wait to see that rod come to life.
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