Finishing The drc #2 - A 10.5' 4 Wt Eternity2 Euro Nymphing Rod 22Jun20

I took my recently fashioned custom handle and mounted it to my cool $200 cobalt blue Rainshadow Eternity2 10.5' Euro nymphing 4wt blank with an ALPS RA7 aluminum and graphite reel seat. I then wrapped it up with guides and markings using my ALPS rod wrapper. I used 2 stripping guides given the length and I even had to design my own guide spacing as Batson didn't have a recommendation. I also added 18" and 22" measurement threads in silver so I don't have to use a Sharpie afterward as I do on my manufactured rods. I was much improved skill-wise with this build and prefer the 2 footed snake guides over the single foot ones I used last time, even though they are heavier. I bought blue thread specifically for this rod but I didn't like the match to the cobalt so wrapped again using the grey like my last build. I find it best to use an inexpensive lighted & magnifying pair of "glasses" for seeing the details. I loaded the rod with a super simple trout taper, almost  flat, line loaded onto a cheap Ross Cimarron reel, given this rod is for tight line nymphing, not casting. The backyard trial was mainly one of checking action on backhand and forehand roll casts of different length and wow 10.5' really helps. The rod is heavy and forward weighted to my hand (how could it not be at 10.5') but tip responsive, which is needed for feeling the strike without an indicator. I may need to go back and put on a fighting butt just for balance sake. Proof will be in the field of course but it looks very nice. I did have to fashion my own rod case, and await the sleeve, as this thing is so long nothing regularly sold fits. Tight lines.