Aftco Big Foot or Stuart Big Game Rollers

[CharlieS]

I am about to order some Chaos rods for my 50 & 80 outfits. I was trying to decide between the Aftco Big Foot rollers and the huge Stuart rollers. I will be using wind-ons. The big Stuart rollers sure look cool and I like the extra clearence, but I was wondering how the quality compares to the Aftcos. Chaos charges $50 more for the Stuart rollers than the Aftcos. Also, is the calstar blank worth the extra $150 over their custom E-glass blanks? The E-glass has a lifetime warrenty. Any comments from chaos owners would be very helpful.

[BlueMarlin]

Personally I like the AFTCO rollers.......
As for the rod...... 150 more for calstar... compared to what?
Depends on what its being compared to.....
Having built many rods on Calstar blanks....they are damn fine blanks...
but it has to be appreciated for what it is capable of doing. Is it worth more?
Can really only answer that question if I knew the manufacturer of the other custom
blank.....

[FireHouseTackle.com]

If you are set on a Chaos and can afford it the Cal star is the way to go.

[John957]

Yes on the Calstar.

Definitely the Aftco's

[Marlintini]

Calstar and AFTCO....

way to go....

A good custom shop will makem like that for $350 to $400.

[CharlieS]

Thanks for the replys. Looks like Aftco and Calstar 100%. Marlintini - Can you give me the name and web site for any custom builders in the $400 range? Chaos is asking $650 for the 80lb calstar trolling rod with the bent butt. Still looks like a good deal compared to most of the high quality production rods.

[jusswim122]

All American Roller Guides....www.aarollerguides.com
they have a great product, in every way superior to aftco...the frames are made from high quality stainless and are built to last. As a custom rod builder and fisherman they are a dream come true. I built a 10 rod spread out of the regular stainless (no plating) which will last forever....anyone who has old rods with aftcos probably have the plating comming off the guides, this can't happen with a solid stainless guide! they also offer more knot clearance than aftco HD rollerguides which is plenty for normal wind-on use....if nothing else check out the site to look at their tip tops...they are great!
not affiliated yada yada yada...
they just have a great product....
Justin
Canyon Runner Sportfishing

[BlueMarlin]

They ( AllAMerican) are involved in serveral lawsuits over
patent infringement....only time will tell in that arena.

However....Justin is correct....they do make a GREAT product.

[DD]

I just built 6 rods in the 50 and 80 pound class, using Aftco unibutt and bigfoot guides , and Calstar blanks. The cost of components was around $275 per rod. The blanks are around $100 each. Don't know how they can charge an EXTRA $150 for the blank upgrade..

Kevin Bogan in Point Pleasant, NJ will custom build rods like you are looking at for around $425. Seems like his website is down.

[kayaknc]

You may want to check out Big Game International. He is very popular on the west coast. His site has info to help you pick out the blanks - http://www.biggameinternational.com/...=7207803_70013

If you are in SE Florida, I have been pleased with Jim Wheeler at Juno Bait & Custom rods.