How does the new steel blank compare to a diamondback? I'm looking to add a new rod, something similar to my 8' MH DB. How do the Steel blanks compare in action, power, durability, etc?

The action and power are really similar. The Diamondback still ha a little faster action and is lighter blank, but the steel is definately way more durable. The best way to offer advice on what type of rod you should get is to have you list what you currently use your diamondback for and what you want your new rod to do for you. Are you looking to throw bigger bucktails, like cowgirls or possibly magdawgs or are you trying to just have another rod that does similar things as you current DB?

Hope this helps

I actually have several rods that you've built for me. I use a MH DB for standard bucktails/spinnerbaits/cranks/topwaters. What I'm looking for is something with about the same power... just another rod to have rigged and ready w/ a different (but same sized) lure. Are the 15 or 20 Steel in that range?

Actually the 15 is a little bit lighter then the mh diamondback. If I had to classify as a power, I would say it is a med/mh and the 20 is just a little bit heavier then the mh diamondback (h/mh). If you are going to stay in that regular size bait, it is still very tough to beat the diamondback. If you get a chance I would really suggest talking to Lonnie about them, as it is really tough to beat if advice. That is what I do when I have questions. One thing to look at is to maybe go a little longer with the rod, with both the blanks being 8ft standard you can make them 8'6-9ft without a problem. All of my rods are 8'9 and I would never go back.

Hope this helps

Thanks Vinje, that helps. You mentioned longer rods... I also have a 7'4" DB that I don't use because it's shorter than I like. Is it practical to have it rebuilt re-using the blank and components and have it extended to 8' like all of my other rods? If so approx how much would that cost? I'm pretty happy with that length and they fit in my rod locker. Thanks for all the help!

I know it is practical as I am going to be doing this to my 8ft H Avid blank this coming winter, but I don't know how it is cost effective unless you take off the components and cork yourself. Sorry, but I don't know the cost, so I can't help you therem (anyone back in the rod shop should) but it is very time consuming to get all of the old glue off the blank. The guides should be pretty easy and you can just rip the cork off with a channel lock, but the glue that is left over under the cork takes awhile. You would have to call to find out the cost.