New
Year, New Changes
(25th
December 2020)
It's
been a while coming but Fuji have now discontinued their
black and gunsmoke finishes to both rings and reel seats,
and my standard BSVOG ring has gone too. This means that
I will only be able to match rods built in the past while
my stocks of these fittings last. Which won't be long.
The
word is that the change is due to the new finish is more
protective when it comes to stopping rusting, and there
was some health and safety issue with the old finishes.
There is probably some truth in this but it's been noticeable
for a few years that when the black finish went from a semi-matt
to a gloss it was more easily scratched. I wonder if the
new finishes are more scratch-resistant?
The
black finish is replaced with what Fuji call 'Frosted Dark-Grey,
and the gunsmoke with ''Shiny Gray'. The BSVOG is replaced
by the BCLSVOG
which features the wraparound design already in use with
the existing SiC and Alconite frames, which will remain
the same but in the new finishes.
If those
changes isn't enough I've been told to expect Harrison's
to drop some of their older blanks next year. The carbon
supply problems the industry has experienced this year being
the primary driver behind this rationalisation.
All
in all, if anyone is thinking of having any rods built to
match existing ones, especially older carp or specialist
rods, it would be wise to get them ordered sooner rather
than later. Although the slow supply situation is continuing
it might mean a good match will be possible.
On that
cheery note it's time to thank all my customers who have
outstanding rod orders with me for their patience, there
really is nothing I can do to speed up the blank supply
chain, and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New
Year. I'm hanging up my varnish brushes until January now!
I do
still have a few rods In Stock!
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