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Pricing Philosophy Order Progress
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Pricing Philosophy Making bamboo fly rods is an
enjoyable
passion for me. Each rod requires 50 - 80 hours of my time. I might
easily spend that time in more economically profitable pursuits, but
none would be so satisfying. Only faith and family
are more important
to me. Every rod is made to the highest standards I can attain. From start to finish, no shortcuts
are taken. The demand for precision and quality means only a
dozen or so rods leave the shop each year. I strictly limit the demands
on
my time so that the temptation to cut corners never arises.
Quality work demands that no compromises are made in materials. Tonkin cane is carefully selected for each individual rod. Only the finest nickel silver hardware and ferrules are used on Custom Rods. Only select hardwoods are used for reel seat fillers, and I turn each one individually in my shop. Cork grips are hand-formed from the finest cork rings and custom shaped for each rod. Only the finest silks are used to wrap the best guides available. Giving rods to friends and worthy
causes brings me great joy. For example, a few years ago, I gave a
single tipped rod to my 11 year old nephew, and an Otter Creek
Special
to a fishing partner. In 2000, I gave a 3 weight to charity and a 5
weight to a friend. In Fall 2004 I gave a 3 weight rod to an
Alabama friend. The rods I give away are crafted with at
least as much care as those I offer for sale. Seeing others truly enjoy
a fine rod makes me smile deep within. In 2005 I made two rods
for friends who made rods for me. In 2006 I helped a some
Louisiana friends make their own bamboo rod. I made a rod for a
Texas fishing buddy in 2007. My rod making specialty is
three-fold.
First, powerful, medium-fast action rods that fit today's casting
styles
and fishing requirements. Second, very light line bamboo rods in two
and three weight formats. The tips are so fine on these rods that many
modern makers are reluctant to attempt making them. Third, hollow built
rods have become so popular that about 1/3 of my rods are built hollow. The heart of a good rod is its taper. The classic tapers of Payne, Leonard, and Dickerson lie beneath my own tapers. I know my rods well; let me help you choose one you will enjoy. I'm accepting orders for 2008. Prices begin at $725 for the Dry Run Creek Special listed below and range upward from there. Bamboo color ranges from dark tan to darkly flamed. Ferrules are Nickel Silver, custom made for me. Grip size and style depends on the client. Wraps are translucent in a variety of colors and tipped with a few turns of a complementary colored silk. Hollow built rods, morticed butt rods, and ultra-light two weight rods are slightly more costly. All my custom rods six weight
and lighter feature downlocking slide band reel seats of my own design.
The all nickel silver seats are quietly understated in their elegance,
and polished to a brilliant hue. Only on eight foot six weight and
larger rods is a screw-locking reel seat an option. Several additional options are
available on
custom rods. Hollow building offers lighter weight without
sacrificing strength for 7' 6" 4 weight and larger rods. I
hollow each section from butt to tip, and use internal tapers to make
these rods
great casters. Also available are morticed butt inserts for rods
with
distinctly swelled butts. These make for a quicker action rod as
well as adding a nice aesthetic touch. Morticed butts and hollow
building add to the price of a custom rod. Every custom rod comes with a
logo'd "Boyd Rod Company" cap, rod care instructions, and an emergency
rod
care kit. The cap is cotton and is best suited for warm weather
wear. The "Dry Run Creek Special" is
my introductory rod for those who seek an affordable, entry level
bamboo
rod. As with all my rods, I use the best available Tonkin bamboo. The
bamboo is deeply flamed. The reel seat is an aluminum slide band with
cork or
straight grained wood
filler. Ferrules are top quality nickel silver. The grip is a cigar
style. Wraps
are deep red with no tipping. This rod is only
available in a 7 foot four weight, and a 7.5 foot five weight. It is
two pieces, and has a single tip. It comes with a cloth bag and
a PVC tube. Cost is $725. Orders may be placed by email
<maker@canerods.com>, or
by calling me at (318) 435-2278 or (318) 282-1825. I ask for a
$250 deposit. Rods are are always made
in the order the deposit is received. A
completed
rod is typically
delivered six months from the time it is ordered, though that time
varies. When the order is received try to
give a realistic estimate of delivery time. The
balance is due when the rod is completed, before the rod is
shipped. If the balance due on the rod is not paid within 45 days
I will sell the rod to someone else. Every rod I custom build comes
with my complete guarantee of satisfaction. Though I can't offer the
marketing gimmick of a lifetime
warranty,
I promise to stand behind my rods. If you break your rod, I'll repair
it. Repair charges are determined case by case, and I will try to
keep them as low as possible. As of early 2008 I have made over
140 rods and had only two repairs. Both of those were due to rod
owner's mishaps. I have yet to charge anyone for a repair.
Though I
hold that option open.
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