Customer Reviews

Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book was recommended to me by a more experienced bamboo rod enthusiast and I have to agree. The book will help you understand a little of the history of the major bamboo companies, characteristics of their rods and gives exacting detail on wrap colors and placements, reel seat types, guide types etc. All the details necessary to restore the rods included in this book. I've found it helpful in making basic identification of rods at the local flea markets etc. Well worth the money if you are going to collect or restore bamboo fly rods.

I just got this book from Mrs. Santa Claus this morning and it is a wealth of information. Those reviews which say you can get this info elsewhere at a lesser price are wrong. The history section on production rods is not easily available. I still have much to read but everything I have looked at so far has been helpful and insightful. Like I never knew my Southbend model 51 was one of the top of the line or the bass action is the stiffest in the series or what the wrap colors should have been. I have used bamboo for over 20 years but just gotten into collecting heavily this past year. I own rods from Dickerson, Granger, Orvis to Southbend so I have the full range. I own many books on bamboo history and search the web almost nightly and even with all this research I still find this book worth the money (over $150). For those whom don't like it, sell it back so others who love American made cane rods can have this book.

Ten years ago, this spiral bound take of on Kirkfield's book sold for $17.50. About three years ago, someone reprinted it and jacked the price up to $75.00! At $75.00 it was a rip off and doesn't really tell you anything you can't find elsewhere at far less!

Unless you are a serious restorer and/or collector of bamboo rods, this reference manual is still over priced at $75-100 for the 2006 printing. The 1994 printing sells for up to $175. You can buy a nice bamboo rod for under $200.
Useful restoration information can be found in many other publications and sources for far less money.