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Post 16 Mar 2014, 19:13 • #1 
Master Guide
Joined: 04/15/06
Posts: 806
Location: Boston
The Birth of Unstructured Glass

For a long time I've been thinking about offering my own line of fine fiberglass fly rods. The main idea was to create a beautiful and functional fly fishing tool, which would also be based on my life experiences as a professional artist and a flyfisherman. It took a long time to find a suitable blank supplier who would listen, and also be willing to work with small batch custom orders. The final result are imported blanks made of unidirectional E-glass using helical technology. I currently offer only one model, an 8' 4wt in 4pc configuration. The blank color is translucent "whitecurrant" yellow. Blanks have very fine tip calibrations, progressive actions and excellent dampening. Their four piece configuration makes them perfect for the travelling spring creek aficionado.

I went through several prototypes until I found what I was looking for. I named this series the "Unstructured Fiberglass." Each rod will be slightly different from another. The rods feature unique handcrafted micarta/cork reel seats, turned cork grips, blued or bronzed nickel silver hardware, matching Snake Brand snakes and matching strippers. The tailored rod bags with subtle details and bronze rod tubes round out the package. The introductory price for rods is $499 and includes free shipping in the US. The first two rods from my new series are completed and are available for immediate delivery. You will be able to purchase my future rods directly from my blog. Also, you can see more rod photos at :

http://www.rodcatalog.blogspot.com

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Post 16 Mar 2014, 19:21 • #2 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 10/30/09
Posts: 2527
Location: Winston-Salem, NC
That's beautiful! Sounds like an amazing blank with perfectly fitting workmanship.


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Post 16 Mar 2014, 20:28 • #3 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/10/09
Posts: 1651
Location: US-OH
Vlad - Congrats on the new line of rods! I can't tell from your photos or description if these rods have spigot or tip over butt ferrules. How would you describe the speed of the action - 3/4wt? 4/5wt? Medium? Med. fast?


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Post 16 Mar 2014, 20:37 • #4 
Guide
Joined: 12/14/11
Posts: 212
Location: Oregon
Vladan, you know we were going to ask ... when I started tying flies I could no longer buy them, tying was to much fun. Thats now true for rod building, any chance of your selling blanks? I love the translucent glass.
Paul


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Post 16 Mar 2014, 21:11 • #5 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 09/03/07
Posts: 2055
Location: Marble Falls, Texas
All of the past builds you have shared with us have been superb, these appear to be just that as well. Good luck in your endeavor!


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Post 16 Mar 2014, 21:45 • #6 
Master Guide
Joined: 04/15/06
Posts: 806
Location: Boston
Thank you all.

Tom, the blanks are tip over, which is my preference for 4pc designs. Med-fast action (you could label it 4/5.)

Paul, I won't be selling the blanks at this point.


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Post 16 Mar 2014, 22:47 • #7 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 11/25/09
Posts: 2319
Vlad,
That's stunning work.

Dusty


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Post 17 Mar 2014, 05:35 • #8 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 11/30/10
Posts: 1847
Location: Michigan
Very wonderful looking rods!


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Post 17 Mar 2014, 20:18 • #9 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 02/19/12
Posts: 1007
Location: Beantown
Vlad -

I've admired your fly tying, rod building and photography for year - awesome stuff - congrats!

Jay


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Post 18 Mar 2014, 17:43 • #10 
Master Guide
Joined: 08/02/10
Posts: 384
Location: Bay City, Michigan.
Is that paper or linen micarta? Nice workmanship by the way! !
Mark McKellip.


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Post 18 Mar 2014, 18:12 • #11 
Master Guide
Joined: 04/15/06
Posts: 806
Location: Boston
Mark, it is linen.

Thank you,

Vlad


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Post 19 Mar 2014, 14:54 • #12 
Administrator
Joined: 07/17/06
Posts: 5599
Location: South Carolina
Vlad ... most excellent.


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Post 23 Mar 2014, 07:30 • #13 
Master Guide
Joined: 05/01/10
Posts: 364
Location: Pleasant Plains, Il
Congratulations Vlad!

Jb


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Post 23 Mar 2014, 07:58 • #14 
Master Guide
Joined: 04/15/06
Posts: 806
Location: Boston
The lighter sibling of the current model has been in the works and I am hoping to have it ready before the summer arrives.

Thank you all,

Vlad


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Post 23 Mar 2014, 08:14 • #15 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/10/09
Posts: 1651
Location: US-OH
Vlad - How many 8' 4wts do you plan on posting in your catalog and how often? A couple a month? More or less?


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Post 23 Mar 2014, 08:18 • #16 
Master Guide
Joined: 04/15/06
Posts: 806
Location: Boston
Tom,

It just depends on my daily teaching job. I am hoping to build two a month ... maybe more when the semester ends.


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Post 06 Apr 2014, 11:38 • #17 
Master Guide
Joined: 04/15/06
Posts: 806
Location: Boston
Two more rods from the Unstructured Series are available for immediate delivery. [more photos]

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Post 11 Apr 2014, 13:41 • #18 
Master Guide
Joined: 04/15/06
Posts: 806
Location: Boston
Stopped today @ the nearby park to throw a line a bit. Sorry about the clarity of the photos ... The rod can battle some good wind too, since today isn't the calmest of days.

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Post 11 Apr 2014, 17:21 • #19 
Guide
Joined: 10/10/13
Posts: 263
Location: Cal-Ore-Vada
Nice loops Vlad!


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Post 11 Apr 2014, 17:40 • #20 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 11/25/09
Posts: 2319
Great pictures and where ever it is that you live is beautiful!

Dusty


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Post 22 Apr 2014, 08:20 • #21 
Master Guide
Joined: 04/15/06
Posts: 806
Location: Boston
Thanks guys! My new 7'6" 3wt blanks will be arriving very soon. Once they are here, I will have both 8' 4wt and 7'6" 3wt samples ready for Cameron's T.F.M. Rod Loan Program.

BTW, here's a customer's feedback about the Unstructured Glass 8' 4wt:

The rod arrived safely. I cast for a few minutes and must say that it definitely falls into the "very special" category.
It's a refreshing change from the other contemporary glass I have purchased over the last 6 months. The rod immediately reminded me of why I fish with fiberglass.


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Post 22 Apr 2014, 12:27 • #22 
Administrator
Joined: 07/17/06
Posts: 5599
Location: South Carolina
musicar ... excellent. Stoked to hear this and what a great review from your customer.


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Post 06 May 2014, 09:20 • #23 
Master Guide
Joined: 04/15/06
Posts: 806
Location: Boston
This rod will be available via T.F.M. Rod Loan Program by the end of this week, in case you are interested in trying it. More pics here: viewtopic.php?f=8&t=47580

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Post 22 Jun 2014, 05:54 • #24 
Master Guide
Joined: 04/15/06
Posts: 806
Location: Boston
My new 7'6" 3wt blanks are here! Each new batch of blanks will be in different color, and these are dark red. In comparison to 8' 4wt model, the 3wt taper is slightly more semi-parabolic than progressive. I must say that I am very pleased with this particular taper...it is very easy to cast. Also, the 9' 9wt and 9' 10wt prototypes are here. They are powerful and impressive, so stay tuned for further information.

You can see the blanks in my blog:

http://rodcatalog.blogspot.com/2014/06/ ... d-new.html

The photo is taken under bright sunlight...they are more subdued under normal light.

If you are interested in 7'6" 3wt 4 pc, drop me a line.


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Post 23 Jun 2014, 16:45 • #25 
Guide
Joined: 06/22/14
Posts: 128
Location: MN.
musicar wrote:
Stopped today @ the nearby park to throw a line a bit. Sorry about the clarity of the photos ... The rod can battle some good wind too, since today isn't the calmest of days.

NICE loopage Vlad. Just like I remember...not surprising. I think of your presentations when I'm trouting sometimes. I don't even come close - but I'm getting there.

Some fine looking rod-work you have going here. It's always better to do a handful of really fine rods than a whole batch-load of crummy ones. Man, you do a fine job. Impressive to look at and cast I'm sure.

Jeremy.


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