Introduction: There are few component companies that have grown as fast as Batson has in the last few seasons and there is a good reason, the company helps address challenges that rod builders face. Each season Batson continues to innovate and introduce new products and services that are much more than just a new reel seat or guide, but rather a complete solution for rod builders.

Ryan McIntosh, VP of Marketing and Business Development shows us the exciting new offerings from Batson

A Revelation: This ICAST Batson introduced a new blank in the Rainshadow Revelation lineup. The new 7'11" blank is one of the company's toughest yet and is rated Extra-Extra-Heavy and is designed specifically for heavy flipping and pitching applications.

Batson offers rod builders everything they need to create the rod of their dreams

The new blank is built out of RX7 Toray graphite and is rated for a line weight of 14-30lbs. and a lure weight of 1/2-1 1/2oz., this is one serious blank that is sure to be integrated into some very beefy grass punching sticks. While this is the newest blank the company offers a complete range of revelation blanks that are being utilized by many companies. Each blank has a proven action that allows rod manufacturers to basically select and build rods that they know will be able to meet the applications they are targeting.

Examples of next generation reel seat offerings

To make things simpler Batson basically offers rod builders a complete suite of components including reel seats and guides from their popular ALPS brand. This ICAST they also introduced the new ForeCast SU tip top which adds a Zirconium ring to their offerings, This tip top features a titanium chrome frame and charcoal grey rings. The SU line of tip tops are made from SS304 stainless steel and is rated for 20-80lb test. The flanged design insures that these tip tops are extremely durable, making them a good choice to pair with that new 7'11" Revelation blank.

Looking for Tip Top Guides that can handle serious punishment? Alps has you covered

Tools and Expertise: ALPS is more than just components and the company also offers professional grade tools design for rod builders. Examples are the new cork and EVA shaping tools which enables rod builders to customize any cork or EVA handles. With a complete lineup of tools the company makes creating unique custom grips easy for builders. Not only that but Batson is also partnering with many brands, providing not just components but rod consulting and even design and manufacturing. 

Need tools? Check out the new Alps Cork and EVA shaping equipment. This is professional grade!

On the Level: FLW Pro Angler and 2014 Forrest Wood Cup Champion, Anthony Gagliardi, showed us his new signature Level fishing rods. The most interesting thing about these slick looking rods? They are 100% made out of Batson components! These rods have been in development for over half a year and were showcased at the event for the first time. These are basically custom rods built right here in the U.S.A. designed for mainstream anglers, for example the traditional casting rods will retail for only $179 dollars and the spinning rods will only be ten dollars more!

A perfect example of what Batson can do. FLW Pro Anthony Gagliardi teamed up with the company to bring his signature Level rods to life, these rods are 100% Batson content

The Level rods are designed to be durable, lightweight, very sensitive, and also ergonomic with soft touch grips. Anthony was able to work closely with the experts at Batson to bring to life exactly what he desired in a rod from the features to the very action of the blanks themselves. Most of the rods are loaded with 12 guides plus the tip top which reduces line contact on the blank and improves casting distance and feel. In total there are seven rods, five casting rods and two spinning rods.

Anthony leveraged his own extensive expertise and worked with Batson to develop the new Level rods which look and feel very high quality and yet are priced under the 200 dollar range, which is all the more impressive when you consider these rods are handmade right here in the USA

The new Level rods look very slick, and from handling them at the show they seem like they can compete with rods that are priced well over the 200 dollar price point. Level is a perfect example of what Batson is capable of, making rod ideas into reality. The company is basically a one stop shop when it comes to blanks, reel seats, components, rod building tools, and even the expertise in which to help companies design, refine, and build everything from a signature rod to a complete lineup. Batson is definitely on a roll, and we are excited to see just how many rods leverage some or all of the company's offerings in the coming season, chances are you are already fishing a rod with some Batson content or influence.