Phenix Elixir UL 6'6" 2-6lb

This is the last of the ultra light rod for 2014.. Phenix Elixir UL.

The components

ALPS guides

Rod decal

Handle test fitting

Found that the exposed blank at the split butt section abit too thin.
So, I added a small section of carbon tube and 2 dimpled winding check to finish off to the cork grip and butt section.

Spiral guide placement for this tiny rod.
There is no problem using the spiral guides placement for this 2 piece UL bait casting rod. The top over butt joint will not turn as there will not be much force applied to this ultra light set up.

Static load test
 

Jungle cock feather for alignment marker.

Completed rod

TITAN JIGGING special rod 6' PE1-3

I have built several jigging blank and this is one of the few.

This Titan jigging special is from Phenix. PE rated 1-3.
The components and Fuji K-guides used.

Handle test fitting.

Under lay wrapping and wrapping of K-guide

Wrapping of guides

Fixing rod decal

Epoxy to rod

FA Phenix UL Spinning Rod

Completed this not long ago...  Another 2 section Phenix Elixir UL blank.

With selected spinning guides 'minima' series from PacBay.



I used Fuji VSSM reel seat with uplocking KDPS and cork grips.

This first proposal was shot down.... Now, comes another.

The 2nd choice was preferred.


Then on goes with the installation and wrapping of guides.

Simple built up to minimize the weight of this rod.

And that's is about all for this little UL spinning rod, but don't let the size of this lil'rod fools you..

NIF Phenix UL Rod

This is the 3rd Phenix UL blank I built which all are ultra light trout rod blanks.

Elixir Series blank from Phenix paired with Andrew's aluminum flat face trigger reel seat with burled wood insert from Matagi. This is a 2 piece blank and will have a spiral placement guides on it.

Normally it is not recommended but since it's an ultra light rod, I don't see any harm doing it. How big of a fish this rod will take anyway... I am sure it will not twist the rod during the 'fight'

Cork rings are glued and stack before it was shaped. Vintage looking reel seat are best match to cork grips.
Now the dilemma of shaping the grip...  Not having a firm decision of what type or shape of butt cap to be used. Square perfume cap or round bottle cap ?

Tried the square one but it just don't fit into the picture. Just not right. I have to go for the round bottle cap.

The fore grip was pretty much a standard. It was the rear grip that I have a slight problem.

This is the 2nd try, by the way. The 1st one was totally screwed....

Well, it still looked too thick , I guess...
Back to the drill lath.

And finally, we stopped here. Looks great.

This is how it looks after it was fitted onto the blank.

Guide placement setting.

Guides up. Those guides are not tape with masking tape but white color silk thread.

Silk thread wrapping on single foot guide. Now you see......

Now you don't.................
I have always fascinated with silk thread. It turned transparent after it comes into contact with epoxy.

A couple of thinned layer epoxy was applied to the wrapping. The epoxy coating cannot be too thick as it will load the tip of the rod. Less is always better on ultra light rods like this.

Static load test was done twice. Once before epoxy and then when the rod is completed.

This rod was tested by my fanatic ultra light rodder friend, Gerard.
(Photos courtesy of Gerard)

And I must say, this little rod turns out to be real good... I quote the rod owner.