SMITH Pentalux

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rdsphoto	SMITH Pentalux		Lead	[-]
Posts: 307 02/11/2008 20:02	Tags : None Now building Pentalux bamboo fly rods. Primary casting plane (flat with guides on it) is that of a quad (92 degree strip) braced by two "standard" penta strips with two 60.5 degree hex strips on top. Like nothing else in the world. Subtle but definitely different as rods built with similar action and line weight to hex tapers are built essentially 2 ferrule sizes down (lighter but with same strength) - thus the #'s continue to be modified... Look forward to having developmental series available at Catskills Gathering this year. Best Regards, Rob
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SnooKen		#1	[url]	[-]
Posts: 441 02/17/2008 09:41	Rob; Interesting concept and it's great to see continued creativity in cane development. Is there any past history of this build format that you know of? Looking forward to updates from you on the concept. Ken
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rdsphoto		#2	[url]	[-]
Posts: 312 02/24/2008 09:36	Hi Ken, No known past history for this design. Basically came up with it as a reaction to many fished with Penta rods - mostly Uslan. Was also influenced by a M. Montagne letter as well - particularly the concept of matching up unequal strip sizes. As known his was a rectangular shape. Just had an article on my design published in Ron Barch's The Planing Form #109 - It is a great publication directed towards rod builders but a great publication for anyone into bamboo fly rods. I am still on the road but will post a few pictures when I get back. Also my avatar shows two pentalux cuts with a standard Penta between them.
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wb4tjh		#3	[url]	[-]
Posts: 283 02/29/2008 22:17	It looks like a very interesting concept. I can understand the pros of penta rods, and it makes me wonder: Why did hex rod come to be the more common type over the decades? It seems the penta design really has a lot going for it.
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Pentalux	.....a few pic's added	#4	[url]	[-]
Posts: 11 04/10/2008 20:38	Hello wb4tjh, Believe the hex was probably the most common and accepted shape and was around long before the penta design came into being. Personally may be a bit bias but definitely like the 5 sided rods the best. Here are a few pic's of the latest Pentalux and the prototype Pentalux case - the next case will be done in walnut and will use much longer hinges..... Appreciate any and all feedback - the rod is a 7 1/2 ft 4 wt that weighs 2.9 oz's on the digital scale. I am very proud of this rods casting and fishing characteristics....Next design will be an attempt at a 3.65 oz 5/6wt. Thanks for looking Best Regards, Rob Smith (AKA - rdsphoto)
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greendrake ll		#5	[url]	[-]
Posts: 634 04/10/2008 23:22	Rob, Very nice rod and I really like the case too.Only suggestion I would make(after having 2 custom gun cases made for airline travel) is give consideration to using a full length "piano hinge" on the tube.Not only are they more secure,but they will hold up to years of use much better than several indvidual hinges.Cheers.......Will
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Pentalux		#6	[url]	[-]
Posts: 14 04/10/2008 23:38	Will - Thank you for that and I totally agree - used what we had here for the first go around but think your dead on! (we have much longer hinges coming - do you think there is such a thing as too long? Also this one was made of cedar and although the cedar is very cane like in appearance it is not as stable in this length as anticipated - plus the rescorsinol glue lines.. also think the primary seat will be walnut soooo... Will, thank you very much for the feedback. All the Best! Rob
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canerodscom		#7	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1670 04/11/2008 00:30 Bamboo preacher	Nice looking work Rob. Sure would like to cast one of those. Harry Harry Boyd maker@canerods.com http://www.canerods.com
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greendrake ll		#8	[url]	[-]
Posts: 635 04/11/2008 10:06	Rob,I wish I had a digital camera so I could send pics of the hinge on my gun case(if I can make arangements to hook up with my daughter I'll get you some pics).No I dont think there is such a thing as too long.The piano hinge should go the full length of the rod tube.They are small diameter and very unobtrusive plus they do not allow for any side to side wobble like normal hinges, which would be a big plus.......Will
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SnooKen		#9	[url]	[-]
Posts: 568 04/11/2008 19:26	Rob, I've got to add my congratulations as well. She came out sweet and the P-Lux case does her justice. Beautiful work and neat "outside the envelope" design. Keep 'em coming, friend. Ken
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Pentalux		#10	[url]	[-]
Posts: 16 04/11/2008 19:38	Thanks Harry! - Definitely like for you to cast one as well - Do you ever come up for the Catskills Gathering? Will - Thank you again too. No worries on the camera - will have another rod and case to post soon.... Ken - Thank you sir! Very much appreciate the kind words - the key for me on the case is that it still feels completely field grade as my thinking is that a few nicks and rubs along the way will only add to its visual appeal. Have a few mottled flame rod models coming out next. Look forward to your thoughts on them for sure as they are visually stunning but not sure if perhaps too much so.... Best Regards, Rob Last Edited By: Pentalux 04/11/2008 20:17. Edited 2 times.
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Miss Valk		#11	[url]	[-]
Posts: 2 05/15/2008 13:36	Very nice rod, I have been looking at many rods, I like the sound of this one, and the uniqueness. Are they available to purchase? Do you make the cases as well, if not, who makes your cases? Susan
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Pentalux		#12	[url]	[-]
Posts: 25 05/16/2008 12:32	Susan, Thank you very much for your kind remarks. Currently sending Prototypes to Rick Sorensen of West Slope Classic Fly Tackle as he will be the Exclusive dealer for these rods. It would be my pleasure to offer one of these early models depending on what you might be looking for in the way of rod action, etc. These would not have stamped hardware, etc, though. The cases are made by one of my very best friends: Peter "Arno" Werner. Thanks again. Best Regards, Rob
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bob4st		#13	[url]	[-]
Posts: 89 05/18/2008 02:51	...BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!... Bob
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Miss Valk		#14	[url]	[-]
Posts: 3 05/19/2008 11:47	Thank you Rob for your reply, as far as rod action, I am making the transition from graphite to bamboo, I do prefer a slower action, more for open waters, if that makes any sense. I would be interested in one of your earlier rods, but I think I would prefer to purchase a final design. Please feel free to PM me on earlier rod prototypes available, and price points. I did find your friend's website, www.awbookbinders.com, I assume that is him? I did send him an e-mail inquire about one of the cases that I see here on your thread, but I have not heard back yet. I do not see any rod cases on his site, so maybe it is not him, but the work is stunning none the less. I look forward to further input. Susan
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Pentalux		#15	[url]	[-]
Posts: 26 05/24/2008 11:07	Hello Susan - Thank you again for your continued interest in the Pentalux. From what you have mentioned perhaps the current (D5) rod now under development might be best suited to your tastes. The available proto's are all from the development of the T4 which is a technical 4 wt rod designed to handle a range of flies and conditions but it originated from fishing smaller PA trout streams not open water. It has been cast by a few of the countries finest bamboo aficionados - some of their comments: "Beautiful, delicate, tight loop rod. Not powerful but classy. A casters rod, not for amateurs." "At short distances it loads easily and I liked it best at this distance. The rod casts very nicely. At mid distances also lads easily and casts very well. The rod is not at its strongest at long distances. Very nice casting "Fishing" rod for close and mid range..." The current taper under development is the D5 it is a 7 1/2 ft 5/6. It is designed to cover all ranges and will be more of an all purpose trout rod. I also have a Q2 taper that is a 6 ft 3/4 (some made 5' 10") and an 8 ft 5/6 that is currently only on paper but will be the G5. Regarding the cases - That is Peter's web site. He is known for his custom gun cases. The Pentalux cases are his first for fishing rods. His work is beyond reproach. Here are a few pic's of the latest case and Pentalux - an S4.... Rob Last Edited By: Pentalux 06/06/2008 17:40. Edited 1 time.
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rdsphoto		#16	[url]	[-]
Posts: 320 06/09/2008 10:38	Here's a pic of the first few -
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Pentalux		#17	[url]	[-]
Posts: 33 06/09/2008 18:16	Here's another full length - and as requested - Last Edited By: Pentalux 06/09/2008 20:12. Edited 1 time.
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Miss Valk		#18	[url]	[-]
Posts: 4 06/10/2008 11:04	Rob, Beautiful rod and case, stunning combination. Are you close to having them for sale? I am curious, the latest rod has a darker finish, the tempering, I love the way it looks, I also love how the seat and the case are matching wood, I believe. Is there a choice in wood for your rods and cases? What was the wood on the first seat and case? Are more exotic woods possible? Is it possible to get the ferrules engraved, initials and scroll work? I know, a lot of questions. I look forward to seeing more of your work. Susan
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Pentalux		#19	[url]	[-]
Posts: 35 06/11/2008 23:18	Susan - Hello, yes you are correct the latest case and seat were both black walnut. The mottled flame/oven tempering is how all the Pentalux rods will now be made - unless otherwise requested. The previous rod was done with cedar and although it is my preference for reel seats, it is not stiff enough for the wood case. It will still be used when combined with rod sock and stamped black powder tube. There may eventually be a choice of woods - at this point we are still experimenting. The next one will be done with cypress. The only options at this point are the taper and the interior color of the case which generally matches the optional tipping color noted at the base of the tips and butt section. Standard color for the S4 is red (as last shown) T4 is yellow and the Q3 is blue. Regarding engraving - every element or design note on my rods hold a specific design value beyond visual notation - currently do not engrave ferrules or generally even sign the rods beyond the stamped seat. They are all serial numbered though. Will post some pictures of a Q3 next. All purchase inquires may be directed to Rick Sorensen of West Slope Classic Fly Tackle http://www.westslopefly.com/index.cfm as he is the sole agent for these rods and will continue to receive all standard and prototype models. Best Regards, Rob Last Edited By: Pentalux 06/13/2008 08:56. Edited 1 time.
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rdsphoto		#20	[url]	[-]
Posts: 327 07/01/2008 13:53	There was an S4 Pentalux at the Rodmakers Gathering in Grayling - heard it was liked but no specifics yet.... Continuing to test models and tapers.
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