The Custom Rod Builder that is
"Nameless" (continued)

After
some recent carpal tunnel flare-ups, I began experimenting with different grip
configurations at the beginning of the year to ease the stress on my wrists.
Using different grips is nothing new. I’ve seen some hobbyists using bike grips
in the past and I myself had explored with different wraps and grip materials,
but couldn’t find the feel and look. Then starting with the ODI long neck/Fiend
bmx and Renthal motocross grips. They require some extensive cosmetic and
structural modifications to fit right on the rods and blend in without sticking
out ugly screaming “I AM hobbyist!”

The grips are striking and I get
questions every time I am on the bank or boat slinging with it
The VANS x CULT grips are my favorite because they
can be produced in a larger scale since they do not require cosmetic
modifications to fit right, as all the other bike grips do. They fit the bill of
looks, function and workability for us the builder so they naturally fit and
flow through the rod professionally as I intended. Allowing me to produce this
design in a repeatable fashion.

Leaning into the gum theme I
customized the Bates GOAT reel with the gum colored knobs from the Hundo
Zander: How
much will these Nameless Vans rods retail for and will they all be custom built
to order or will they be available via drops?
Justin: There will be two tier choices
available. The standard line will be $650 shipped with stock Fuji seat and
Double foot guides. The second is the Premium line for $750 shipped which have
Painted Fuji seats and double foot Fuji Ti SiC guides. Each 5 to 10 Rod drop
will consist of a different color and blank taper combination. Resulting in each
drop being a limited run of that color and taper.

This particular rod features a EVA
foregrip
Zander:
Thanks for the insight into the new series and I’m looking forward to fishing
both the Stryker blanks and Vans Grips in these new rods this season. In closing
is there anything you would like to say to readers about these rods or Nameless?
Justin: I created this project because of
the passion. Passion first the rest will follow. Like a Hattori Hanzo… I built
this because I had a vision for rods and the brand. Ultimately, I want to design
rods for large manufacturers or on a large scale. This is what I always wanted
to make; something I am beyond proud of after all these years building the
brand. From adventure rods to tunable butt caps and beyond, nothing has taken
such deep root in the early stages as this grip design has. I hope it gives me
the breakthrough I have dreamed of, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. I
put everything into it.

I've been fishing a lot of UFO 6"
gills with the NLRVG Proto Rod
Hands on the Nameless Rods Vans CULT x VANS Waffle Grip
Prototype Rod: After speaking with Justin, I had the
opportunity to fish with the prototype rod he created to pilot the Nameless CULT
x VANS Waffle Grip design. This prototype rod showcases both the Stryker blank
and the unique VANS grip implementation. Visually, the VANS waffle grips are
striking, adding significant character to an already prominent-looking rod.
Ergonomically, I was surprised by how comfortable the grips felt in hand,
providing a solid and tactile experience.

The VANS x Grips are definitely
oversized and will feel more comfortable to anglers with larger hands. They are
very grippy and tactile. No blisters when fishing this rod whatsoever
This isn't surprising, given that they're designed
for a firm grip on fast-moving vehicles. On a fishing rod, they are slightly
oversized and will feel more comfortable for those with larger hands. While I
still prefer the diameter and grip of Justin’s spiral grips, several swimbait
anglers I've shown the rod to love the feel of the larger grips. Justin has
confirmed that he is working on slimmer waffle-style grips, but the larger grips
pair well with bigger swimbait rods.

My first fish with the Nameless
Vans Proto Rod (and breaking in a fresh UFO Gill too). The action and power on
this rod is well suited for mid sized wakes, rats, and glides
I'll be putting together a more detailed article
on the Nameless VANS rods, but I have already caught a few fish using various
swimbaits, including the UFO 6” Gill (wakes and slow-sinking models) and Illude
Rad Rats. As Justin described, the Stryker blank loads confidently under
pressure and has a moderate action, making it easy to keep fish pinned on big
baits without feeling overly stiff. This 7117 Heavy blank is officially rated
from 1 to 6 ounces and is the same blank featured on the Nameless IG Reel where
Justin demonstrates kettlebell lifting and dumbbell lobbing.
Though this Stryker-based
Nameless VANS prototype rod loads up further down the taper than most heavy
swimbait rods, it is very capable and extremely fun to fish with. The overall
sensitivity and quality of the U.S.-made blank make it a great choice for this
build.

The grips felt good at multiple
angles and are surprisingly good at transferring vibration
One of the most attractive elements of Nameless
rods is their uniqueness. While many excellent swimbait rod options and notable
custom rod builders exist, Justin's approach as a smaller custom rod builder
allows for great freedom. While it makes sense that the actual blank
manufacturers will have the access to the latest materials, technologies, build
processes, as well as more resources, also a nimbleness comes with being a
smaller custom rod builder. Justin can select blanks from various manufacturers
and design and build small quantities of rods with components and styling that
larger companies might avoid due to manufacturing and labor costs. Then there is
the sheer artistry of these rods.
If you can dream it, Justin
can likely build it in the NL Rod Studio. As he did for my NSX Rat Rod, these
rods are truly bespoke, built with the individual angler’s unique style—both
aesthetic and fishing—in mind. I like Justin’s Hanzo analogy; these NL rods are
a swimbait angler’s steel.

The rear grip is finished with a
rubber fighting knob for ergonomics and balance
Custom rods can range in price from around $280 to
$500 plus depending on the blank, custom components and level of customization.
For those looking for collectible yet deadly fishing tools, taking advantage of
drops like the Nameless CULT X VANS ready-to-run rods might be the way to go.
These rods are not cheap, but they are uniquely styled, high-performance, and
incredibly fun. While Nameless is best known for custom swimbait rods, Justin
also offers a variety of blank options for conventional techniques and even the
occasional finesse rod. The unifying theme is Justin’s distinctive clean style,
emphasis on performance, and some of the cleanest threadwork I've seen on any
rod, mass-produced or custom.

Striking in design and performance
perhaps what is best about this latest Nameless VANS x CULT gripped big bait
stick is the sheer uniqueness of the rod. The fun-factor with this one is off the chart!
It’s amusing that the company
is still called Nameless, as each rod Justin builds enhances the legacy of the
rod maker with no name. Nameless has developed a devoted and rapidly growing
cult following, and the VANS waffle rods demonstrate Justin’s bold creativity in
taking things to the next level. The swimbait and skate communities share a
similar culture, blending sport with a DIY spirit and a passion for art.
Though it may seem absurd to put VANS waffle grips
on a fishing rod, the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. Both the
fishing and skating lifestyles are more than just hobbies for most anglers and
skaters—they are ways of life. Nameless understands that a custom fishing rod
can be more than just a tool; it can highlight the individuality of the angler
and the culture of fishing itself. These hand-crafted rods may be Nameless, but
the brand is certainly making a name for itself with custom creations that break
the mold.
Looking for the latest drops
and custom builds from Nameless Custom Rods? Follow the brand on IG
@nameless_custom_rods and
visit the
builder's
website