Sage Xi2 12-weight Build

[smallstreams.co.za]

Hi guys

I'm building a Sage Xi2 12-weight stick for Shawn Townsend, and thought I'd share it with you.

Not all the components are available yet, so initially the thread will not contain too much, just the thought processess and design thoughts that went into the planning and building of the rod.

[Jason]

This is gonna be interesting. What color is the blank, type of reel seat etc?

[smallstreams.co.za]

The blank that was supplied was designed for a single cork grip, but Shawn has decided to add the additional foregrip to the rod.

The foregrip will then cover the Sage logo, and a custom Sage logo was designed to be placed infront of the foregrip.

On the exact opposite of the new logo, Shawn's name will be placed, in the same white as the original and new Sage logo.

Between the grip and foregrip, there will be a silhouette GT. This was custom drawn.

I have a habit of naming all the rods that I build, and this one was no different. I sent Shawn a couple of my thoughts, as the name of the rod has to emcompass the "essence" of it. When I first saw the blank, I was a little stunned, and words like "lead-pipe" came to mind It's a beast of a stick! When I assembled all 4 pieces, my wife made the comment that it looked very much like a spear. From there the name in Elvish (Shawn is also a Lord of the Rings fan) "Gar meletya Ech", which translates to "The mighty Spear".

When everything comes together, it should look something like this ...

[smallstreams.co.za]

REELSEAT:
The reelseat is a Struble U-18 HG, Blue Anodized seat, with figthing butt.

GUIDES:
The guides will be Titanium allow guides, and we are stll waiting for these, so no pics I'm afraid at this stage.


THREAD and TRIM:
Shawn decided to stay with Black as the thread colour. It compliments to Cobalt Blue blank very well. I will be using Gudebrod E, instead of the normal Gudebrod A. Gudebrod E has a larger diameter than A, and this would add a little more strength to the wraps and guides.

The trim will be Silver, to compliment the Titanium Guides and White logos and names on the rod. Trim thread is Lagartun Kevlar Tinsel.

[ebf]

"The mighty spear" is a bit more stylish than lead pipe, hehe.

Very nice personalization.

[smallstreams.co.za]

The tube is the standard Sage tube, but we will add a few things to it to make it complete the custom build.

SOCK:
The Sage rod sock (black), will have Shawn's name (in the same font as on the rod) embroided on the flap, together with the rod code "Xi2 1290-4" in white thread.

TUBE:
Shawn's name (in the same font as on the rod) will be sandblasted on the screw-on cap, together with the rod code "Xi2 1290-4" in white thread.

On the lip of the tube, Shawn's name and the rod's name will also be sandblasted to encircle the entire circumferance of the lip.

[rols]

I can make the rod stickers for you if you supply sizes etc.

[smallstreams.co.za]

I can make the rod stickers for you if you supply sizes etc.

Thanks for the offer Rols, sent you a PM

[Jason]

Good lord this is awesome. This is gonna be an awesome customized rod. The rod tube is going to be just as impressive as the rod. Can't wait to see it in progress. HURRY THEM UP WITH THE ROD RINGS!!!!!

[HolyGT]

I will be using Gudebrod E, instead of the normal Gudebrod A. Gudebrod E has a larger diameter than A, and this would add a little more strength to the wraps and guides.

The trim will be Silver, to compliment the Titanium Guides and White logos and names on the rod. Trim thread is Lagartun Kevlar Tinsel.

Glad to see someone is building a non-noodle rod. Like the finer touches added.

Just a comment on the thread - I would use the A as the E is very course and will need more epoxy to get to a smooth finish. I have used A on all my big rods and no there is compromise in strenght - maybe thicker diameter, but you get more wraps with A per mm than E...

What Ti guides are you getting?