Ferrule plug design for Paradox 734.
Monday, May 23, 2016
Saturday, May 21, 2016
Paradox 734 Fly Rod - Weight
I took pictures of each rod section while resting on a scale. The recorded numbers are in grams. The completed rod weighs 90.09 grams (tip #1) and 89.84 grams with the second tip section. Both numbers equal to around 3.17 oz. With the use of cork reel seat and aluminum (rather than nickel silver) slip rings, the rod weight could easily be reduced to under 3oz.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Milenkovic 734 Paradox Fly Rod
Paradox Fly Rod is inspired by Pezon et Michel's Vario-Power concept of using fiberglass butt and split cane tip sections. However, its sections are both of equal length and it features fiberglass ferrule rather than the traditional nickel silver one. Darkly flamed tips closely match the color of fiberglass. The tips are progressive and loosely based on Powell A formula and transition nicely into the butt section, made of phenolic tobacco fiberglass. Quick recovery of the tips is amplified by the flexibility of the butt, with a very positive dampening. It is a lively, yet punchy rod and the glass ferrule contributes to its feel.
The rod features rust and medium brown silk wraps, oxidized hardware, maple/double slide bands seat, single foot tip-tops and a Powell-style grip. Pictures taken indoors don't represent the true colors as well as the ones taken outside.
Saturday, April 30, 2016
Paradox Taper in the Works
I have just finished and ferruled the blanks for my new project, a Paradox Taper bamboo-fiberglass hybrid fly rod. More pics soon, once the rod is completed!
Thursday, April 21, 2016
"Old Empire" Semi-Para Taper
I have just completed this rod on the very last "Old Empire" semi-parabolic blank. This limited series of blanks (10 rods in total) were designed to emulate Paul Young's Perfectionist taper in fiberglass.
The rod features lychee burl reel seat spacer with blued hardware, hook-keeper and guides, brown wraps with pale yellow single-turn inlays at the cork check and the stripping guide. I usually don't place hook-keepers on my rods, but it was done as a special request by the customer.
Monday, December 28, 2015
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
The Forgotten Build
I finished this rod a couple of months ago for a friend in Canada, took photos of it, but forgot to post them. A classic looking build on my "Old Empire" semi-para taper with cigar grip and cap and ring seat. The spacer is spalted maple. Wraps are done in medium brown silk with small spiral wrap in red/silver jasper thread by the inscription.
