Yeah... there was a big lawsuit with Gary Loomis and shimano. They went after him when he used what shimano said was too close to their brand, and god forbid, using his name He has since started his own company that makes very high quality blanks and other components. This is where I think I'll get my rod blank when I'm qualified to build the rig of all rigs, the king rig, the rig to end all other rigs.

http://www.northforkcomposites.com/

Unless of course, Gene the rod machine can point me to a better quality source.