Having entered the world of fly fishing when the entire industry was searching for faster and faster rods Pentalux rods seem to have been swimming somewhat against the current from the very beginning. Pentalux rods started building efforts with IM6 graphite then searching for specific fiberglass... always on a constant search for improved action, line control and overall fishing pleasure. Bamboo was apparently but a matter of time - As a material it allows for infinite variations in taper, something no other material currently available can claim. Graphite and fiberglass rods are built on a mandrel and essentially have strait line tapers - Variations in pitch and volume in the final bamboo rod sections are endless with natural Tonkin bamboo. Having a tensile strength very similar to 44,000 modulus graphite - it is the perfect material for the fly rod

As i have been building rods for a relatively short time, particularly relative to the rod makers i respect and aspire to - the finest rod makers, people like bob summers, walt carpenter, tom dorsey, etc, men who have probably forgotten more about rod building than i may ever come to know -i do not for a moment pretend to compare myself to or try and place myself in the company of any of these great makers.

I started with the craft because i couldn't seem to find what i was looking for in a fly rod (in my budget anyway) thus beginning what has become a genuine obsession for building bamboo fly rods. It was the mid 90's when the quest began. Initially i studied the various tapers of many of the past makers and starting building with their numbers but after making direct comparisons with a number of these original rods, it was quickly noted that the action of a fly rod is derived from much more than just the measurements of the cane - much more.

Of all the talented rod makers and designers who have come to pass I have always been particularly impressed with and I am most influenced by the action of many paul young, jim payne and (all) sam carlson rods but seeing the futility in emulating or copying them, i do not for a moment deny the fact that their rods are a paramount influence with regard to feel and performance but, in 1998 i decided to start from scratch and build my own tapers that worked for the way i like to fish on the waters i visit most.

Beginning with a relatively random set of numbers - using. 067 (as I was born in 1967) for the tips starting point - and listening to the cane throughout the process, I finally finishing my first successful rod(T4 tapers) in 2001, I have continued working almost exclusively with my own tapers ever since.

The publishing efforts of Tom Kirkman have also been a tremendous influence and aid as well as the machine and brilliant mind of Tom Morgan who helped me get to 2 1/5 inch centers - this has been critical in following out some of my building designs and concepts - validated since owning and micing a Sam Calson rod...s

I also feel very fortunate to have a detailed letter written by Michael Montagne some time in the mid 80's that explains much of his building technique and philosophy. I took the banded flaming concept from him. At some point I hope to emulate his hollow ribbing too but honestly have not felt the need weight wise as of yet and basically think that the solid section is still slightly superior as a casting instrument. Montagne is an undeniably brilliant man and was way ahead of his time as a rodmaker - Although I respect his concept for an irregular rod shape I find his irregular quad design more for the classic overhead caster with the Pentalux being more forgiving along all casting planes. It was however this concept of joining different shaped strips that led me to the Pentalux design.

In 2007 I developed the Pentalux. It is currently Trademarked and Patent Pending. This original rod design takes advantage of each of the three commonly known rod shapes - the hex, penta and quad. A most unique and highly applicable rod shape is made by placing the guides on a quad strip braced by two hex strips with two penta strips on top. The rod essentially tracks like a quad with the reserve power of a penta yet very light in the hand and extremely enjoyable to fish with. One of its most pleasant attributes is the general feel and accuracy of the rod as the deeper angled hex strips further aid in focusing the cast.

To fully optimize this new design shape original and exceptionally modern tapers have been developed that translate into a most efficient fly rod. Without getting too technical, the tapers are cut so that each of the inside measurements of the different strip shapes will be identical along the entire taper even though their exterior widths will vary greatly from each other - quad strip wider than the penta which is wider than the hex strips. The combined flexing characteristics and rates of change in each of the strip shapes when married in the Pentalux produces a fly rod action that cannot be emulated with a standard quad, hex or even penta rod as the rates of change although consistent along their interior flats are each quite different widths on the exterior of the rod. This produces a faster and wider primary strip - the flat on which the guides will be mounted. The quad strip is able to be cut with a much faster taper than a standard quad would need to be in order to handle the same line weight thus producing a lighter more responsive rod. Essentially though it is this ability to build lighter and yet stronger rods without hollowing that I am most proud of as I continue to prefer the characteristics of the solid rod to any other. This is not to say that I do not see the value in the application and as noted earlier do intend to produce a few hollow ribbed models. Simply have not yet felt the need to with the current set of rods being offered.

Q2 - 6' 3/4 wt - Initial taper was developed as a quad. Fine rod that casts right from the hand. This is a very fun rod excellent for panfish and light trout - a midge rod. The finished weight is less than 2 1/4 oz's.

T4 - Technical 4 wt. This is a relatively sophisticated taper that is not for everyone. Recommended for those who understand casting dynamics - consistently use the roll-pickup, fish relatively small streams and enjoy maximum sport. Full flexing7' 2" 4wt. Weighs 2 34 oz's.

S4 - Standard 4 wt. This rod loads well at all ranges - a progressive taper that can handle a range of flies and water conditions. 7' 4" DT4 - finished weight approximately 3 oz's.

S5 - Standard 5 wt. A do everything trout rod with exceptional power and accuracy. Capable of very long casts. Designed for medium sized trout waters. This taper was influenced by several original Paul Young built Martha Marie rods. 7 12 ft 5wt - finished weight just under 3 12 oz's.

C5 - This rod is in response to a Sam Carlson built penta rod. This is an exceptionally sophisticated taper. The action is very smooth and powerful - a most capable rod. 7' 5/6 finished weight 3 1/4 oz's.

G5 - 8' 5/6wt. - The tapers for this rod originated from an 8ft Gillum trout rod.

TS5 - Three piece 7 12 ft 5/6 weight - A very strong taper when a compact size is critical.