Very nice Tomah! Did u buy the blank from Anglers workshop? I've been thinking about getting one of those blanks for awhile now, just havent done it yet. I'll be interested to hear how you like it when u take it fishing.

Bruce

Beautiful rod. Nice, precise guide wraps.

Love that old style down lock screw hardware!

Thanks All -- I appreciate the compliments. Those wraps came after a lot of rework -- including one complete strip and re-wrap. Worth it in the end, though. Took it to the water today; great rod. Here it is in the wild:

The translucent thread looks very different in the sunlight; lets the blank color through just a little.

This turned out well. I enjoy seeing the rod out where it belongs.

Thanks again to all. Panfish, don't be (jealous). Don't look too close, either. ;-)

Thank you, Sir! There's a good bit of your own expertise in that one.

Beautiful work !

Those wraps look great! I just finished a Steffen that I will partly rewrap this winter (going to fish it until then), the finish on the mid and tip section got away from me, too much bulk, and I can barely stand looking at it, lol.

Thanks again! Carlz, maybe you missed it because the topic is nonsensically titled. There is no such thing as an Ameriglass 835-4! I just noticed the error myself, and the title should be "...835-3" as the photos would suggest. Admins, if you can correct the title please do so, and with my apology to the board.

The finish at front of the grip is tinted spar, something I started playing with a while back as an attractive protection for the part of the handle most prone to gouges etc. I got the idea from the old Scott rods, which have a finished burl ring at the front.

Thank you, BigHeavy!

They are a little different. The visible difference is that the Spruce Creek rods have internal ferrules vs. the tip-over Ameriglass Classic joints, which may result in lighter weight of the Spruce Creek models. I would guess that the actions are similar, as the Classic is definitely a traditional, progressive, easy-loading moderate glass action. The Spruce Creek is said to be similar. Internal ferrules are said to give smoother casting action, but it would be hard for me to imagine anything smoother than my Classic. Here's an old thread about the Spruce Creek:

viewtopic.php?f=32&t=9761

The current Spruce Creeks may differ a little from what's being talked about there, but I think that any differences would be minor. I'm thinking about ordering a Spruce Creek 8' 5wt to go along with the Classic 8'3" 5wt. The only thing holding me back is that I think the Classic is just about perfect.

If you're thinking about either rod, I'd recommend getting in touch with Mike McFarland.

That rod looks fantastic! Love the color choice and the spar work on the grip and as JShenk said - very nice job on the tip top wrap - great transition.