HOME | TACKLETOUR FORUMS | EDITOR'S CHOICE | REVIEW ARCHIVE | ABOUT US | 

Reels | Rods | Lures | SwimbaitsBFS Lines | Terminal | Tools | Storage | Apparel | Enthusiast | Watercraft | Interviews | Fly | Events | Autopsy


 

ICAST 2014 Coverage


Batson Enterprises steps up to the plate with advanced new rod components

 

Date: 8/27/14
Location: Orlando, FL
Admission: Buyers & Press Only
Manufacturer: Batson
Reviewer: Wolbugger








Introduction:
Batson Enterprises and their various brands offer rod builders a multitude of high-quality options.  At ICAST this year, they invited us to swing by and check out a few of the latest products being released from their RainShadow and Alps labels.

 


Batson is becoming known for their blanks and the new Eternity 2 blanks feature exclusive nano-compound technology

Eternity2 Blanks: These are the new flagship offerings from RainShadow. Constructed using RX9 material, exclusive nano-compound technology, and a host of advanced features, these bass and fly blanks are said to deliver outstanding sensitivity, lightness, and strength. The striking cobalt-blue blanks are offered in six casting models from 6-feet 8-inches up to 7-feet 6-inches, six spinning models from 6-feet 8-inches to 7-feet 2-inches, and 9-foot 4-piece fly rod blanks from 5 to 10 weight. Prices range from $153–$237.


A look at Batson's open designed reel seat which offers copious access to the blank

Immortal Blanks: Positioned just below the Eternity2 lineup, the Immortal series comes in both conventional and fly flavors. These blanks utilize a refreshed RX8 material along with a variety of RainShadow's latest advancements to deliver professional performance. Offered in bass, walleye, inshore, and fly varieties, conventional rods come in a titanium-chrome color scheme, while fly blanks sport a gloss-burgundy tone. Conventional models range from 6-feet 2-inches up to 7-feet 6-inches, while the 4-piece fly models cater solely to two-handed/switch applications and span from an 11-foot 6 weight to a 13-foot 6-inch 9 weight. Expect pricing from $76 to $235.

 
This test rod showcases Batson's components nicely

REVELATION: The previously-introduced REVELATION lineup receives a complete line of new 2 and 4-piece models for fly anglers. Traditional single-handed rods go from 6-feet 6-inches up to 10 feet with weights spanning from 2–10. Four switch rods are also offered at 10-foot 8-inch lengths in 5–8 weight. Boasting fast actions and satin-black color schemes, you can find these priced at $37–$167. New REVELATION bass blank models are also available.

 
Checking out the saltwater stick

Saltwater Knife Jigging: Integrated into the existing RX6/E-Glass family is a series of 17 new knife jigging models. These blanks utilize graphite in the lower sections for added sensitivity with an E-Glass blend in the tip portion for strength. These powerful new saltwater models span from 4-feet 10-inches to 7 feet in length and sport titanium-chrome cosmetics. MSRP is set at $45–$98.


ALPS MVT reel seats utilize Toray construction and are available in a range of colors

Insight Reel Seats: Made from CNC-machined 6061-T6 marine grade aluminum, these bold ALPS seats come in five different colors and in lengths from 4.41 to 5.12 inches. Just a few of the other various features includes a triangular-shaped body, precision linear hole pattern, and a double locking nut. Expect a retail price of $72 to $83.

 
We really like the double locking nuts on these seats

MVT Reel Seats: ALPS MVT (Micro Vibration Technology) casting seats utilize Toray graphite in their construction. Just a sampling of features include double 6061-T6 locking nuts, a double-keyed main body, and three cutouts for maximum blank exposure. Eleven models are available with a choice of four different hood colors. An MVT reel seat will set you back between $50–$57.

Split Seats: Split reel seats from ALPS come in casting or spinning varieties with either an aluminum or graphite barrel. A sampling of the various features include a double-keyed barrel, double CNC-machined locking nuts, and a graphite/nylon body and hood. These are affordably priced at just $20–$26.

 
ALPS has a wide range of stainless steel framed guides in their lineup

HXN guides: As the newest guides from ALPS, the HXN series are heavy-duty performers made using an SS316 stainless steel frame with a zirconium or hard aluminum-oxide insert. These are ideal for the 50–80 pound line class and are corrosion resistant as well as braid proof. HXN guides sell for $6–$30.

 
An example of Batson's machined aluminum seats on a fly rod. The company offers so many high quality components for rod makers to select from


Thanks to Ryan McIntosh for showing us the latest rod building solutions from Batson

Conclusion: The Batson Enterprises brands had a lot to showcase at this year's show. Be sure to check out a few of their other new product offerings including a new fly reel seat, along with gimbals and other saltwater rod components!

 

   

Google
  Web
  TackleTour

 

 

 
 





 

 



Copyright 2000-2026 TackleTour LLC All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy information