20 Swimbait Blanks Put to the Test

Depending on the brand and blank series, the casting weights indicated by manufacturers (often in oz) are not always consistent. This is why Rodhouse provides its own assessment of casting performance. The differences can be explained by the fishing technique used, the casting style, or simply by poor factory calibration.

We measured the IP and AA of 20 swimbait blanks in 8 feet (2.43 m) to precisely determine power and action.

IP & AA – What does it mean?

The IP is a standard measurement that allows the power of different blanks to be compared. It corresponds to the weight that must be placed at the tip to bend the blank by one third of its length. The higher the IP, the more powerful the blank. Depending on the blank's design, this power can manifest either as casting capacity (usable range) or as power reserve.

The AA is the angle formed by the last few centimetres of the tip when the blank is bent by one third of its length. The greater the measured angle, the more the blank works through the tip.

Which blank should I choose – for hard baits or soft baits?

It is entirely possible to use both soft baits and hard baits with the same blank. However, the choice can be optimised depending on the type of lure you use most often.

• With hard baits, hook pulls tend to be more frequent because the lure does not bend on the strike and therefore remains outside the mouth. To reduce hook pulls, anglers who mainly use hard swimbaits prefer more progressive blanks. They also tend to fish in the upper end of the blank's casting range, in order to retain the flexibility that helps keep the fish hooked.
• Conversely, anglers who mainly use soft baits lean towards more powerful and faster blanks. This type of action provides a more pronounced hard point, which allows for better hook penetration on the strike.

Comparison table of the 20 blanks

#	Brand	Blank	IP (g)	AA (°)	Blank weight (g)*
1	NFC	SWB 807-1 X-RAY (C602)	940	67	89
2	NFC	BB-806-2 IM	950	65	111
3	NFC	SWB 806 IM	970	65	105
4	NFC	BB 805-1 IM	1010	71	122
5	Rainshadow	SW 967 F	1035	68	119
6	NFC	SWB 808-1 X-Ray (C602)	1040	64	99
7	NFC	BB 806-1 IM	1160	70	104
8	NFC	SWB 809-1 X-Ray (C602)	1175	64	105
9	NFC	BB 809 IM	1360	67	121
10	Phenix	USB 711 MH	1385	72	130
11	NFC	SWB 807-1 IM	1425	69	120
12	Rodbuilders' Republic	PPS 80 XXH	1580	72	99
13	NFC	SWB 809-1 IM	1595	71	120
14	NFC	SWB 808-1 IM	1620	68	127
15	Rodbuilders' Republic	PPS 80 XXXH	1660	67	121
16	Phenix	USB 790 H	1745	73	105
17	MHX	BU-SWB3K8-2/30-50	1845	66	192
18	Rainshadow	REVSB 710 H	1890	66	138
19	NFC	MUXH SWB 809 IM	2480	62	180
20	NFC	NFC 16 oz	2615	60	184

* Across all brands, blank weight can vary by up to 5% during production. This is why the IP may also vary slightly.

Detailed profiles

1) SWB 807-1 X-RAY (C602) : 30–100 g

Recently added to the NFC catalogue, this blank stands out for a remarkable feat: it is capable of casting 100 g lures while weighing less than 90 g. This is made possible through the use of C602 carbon (air carbon) and "scrimless" technology. It is an ideal choice for fishing with lures such as the Replicant 18, the Dunkle 7" or the KGB 180.

2) BB 806-2 IM : 30–100 g

This NFC blank from the "Back Bouncing" series (a salmon fishing technique involving bouncing a weight along the bottom in the current drift) is one of the few two-piece blanks that can be used for swimbait fishing. While there are exceptions, "BB" blanks are generally very progressive – and this one is no different. It is also well suited for use with the Replicant 18 or the Dunkle 7.

3) SWB 806-1 IM : 30–100 g

A true gem of the SWB series, this 806 has not been revised over the years and retains its original action. Listed as "Moderate" on the product sheet, it can reasonably be considered Mod-Fast. It has everything it needs, right where it needs it. At the lower end, it fishes well with a Texas-rigged TWN 60, performs perfectly with a Dunkle 7, and accepts a Dowz Swimmer 220 with additional weight at the upper end.

4) BB 805-1 IM : 40–110 g

BB blanks are generally quite progressive, but this BB 805 stands out with a noticeably pronounced tip action. It is capable of casting and working a Klash 9 at the upper end and is perfectly suited to anglers looking for a mixed swim/jerk programme. It is also possible to trim it slightly at the butt end to gain extra maneuverability.

5) SW 967 F : 20–115 g

This Rainshadow saltwater blank was not originally designed for swimbait fishing but for sea fishing. Its distinctive feature is that it is offered in two pieces, which sets it apart from the other blanks. A one-piece version is however available on special order. Slightly heavier than the other blanks, it proves extremely robust and is particularly appreciated by catfish anglers, especially for bank fishing.

6) SWB 808-1 X-RAY (C602) : 40–120 g

This new swimbait blank, advertised by NFC as capable of casting up to 16 oz (approx. 450 g), actually offers a comfortable usable range of around 120 g. It can occasionally propel lures such as the BBZ 8 or the Dunkle 9, but it is between 70 and 120 g that it truly shines. Its action is really remarkable and closely resembles that of the SWB 806 IM. A genuine favourite, whose only real drawback is the price.

7) BB 806-1 IM : 40–120 g

More powerful than the two-piece version, this "Back Bouncing" blank has enough power reserve to cast 9-inch lures. Without being the most progressive in its category, its action remains perfectly suited to mixed use with both hard swimbaits and soft baits.

8) SWB 809-1 X-RAY (C602) : 50–140 g

This new swimbait blank is advertised by NFC as capable of casting up to 24 oz (approx. 672 g), but its actual comfortable range sits closer to 150 g. An AA of 64° indicates a particularly progressive action, making it a true favourite for everyone who has had the chance to try it. Both powerful and progressive, it is very much appreciated by hard swimbait anglers, who will not hesitate to overload it – even lobbing an I-Slide 262 with a lob cast.

9) BB 809 IM : 50–150 g

This blank enjoys an excellent reputation across the Atlantic and is used by several swimbait-specialist brands. It is particularly appreciated for hard swimbait fishing. Often considered a "small 150 g blank" by soft bait anglers, hard swimbait anglers on the other hand consider it capable of casting glides of over 170 g. Its low taper gives it a progressive action, though its balance is slightly below that of a SWB 809 X-RAY. It is nonetheless a robust blank with thick walls, offering a real sense of solidity in use.

10) USB 711 MH : 50–150 g

This "Ultra Swimbait" blank from Phenix is designed for lures between 18 and 23 cm. It can occasionally handle loads slightly above 150 g. Its relatively high weight makes it somewhat less competitive against newer models, but it remains an excellent choice for pike fishing with swimbaits.

11) SWB 807-1 IM : 30–150 g

The design of this blank was revised in 2019. It is less tapered than before, but the story continues. It is the best-selling swimbait blank at Rodhouse – which is why it is now also available as a ready-built rod (WKS-SWB 807 IM). It is a powerful blank that casts 150 g with ease and could reasonably be rated as a 50–170 g blank. On the strike, it is genuinely capable of driving 3/0 hooks home effectively. It is not the most progressive blank, but it is the most effective for fishing with 23 cm Replicants or large Miuras.

12) PPS 80 XXH : 80–220 g

This blank features a soft tip, a strong butt section and a well-defined hard point. It is particularly well suited to pike fishing with large 25 cm soft baits, as practised on big open waters.

13) SWB 809 IM : 60–220 g

Oddly positioned in the NFC SWB/IM range ahead of the SWB 808 IM, this blank did not undergo the 2019 design revision and therefore retains its original action, which remains highly regarded. It is heavily tapered, requiring the use of a suitable reamer during assembly. It is an ideal choice for fishing with the Balam 300 or the 25 cm 4D Trout.

14) SWB 808 IM : 80–250 g

This slim version of the SWB is easier to assemble but its power has been slightly reduced. It can occasionally cast a 30 cm trout imitation, but it performs best with 25 cm models or when casting a Laughin 300. Unlike the SWB 809 with its soft tip, the SWB 808 is distinguished by a firmer tip.

15) PPS 80 XXXH : 100–300 g

This blank is capable of casting lures up to 300 g at the upper end of its range. The pro staffers who tested the prototypes particularly appreciated its performance both at the low and high end. It is ideal for lures ranging from the original Miuras Mouse to the 30 cm 4D Trout.

16) USB 790 H : 50–230 g

Surprisingly, this "Ultra Swimbait" blank has a higher IP than the SWB 808 IM yet a lower usable range. The reason: a soft tip and a strong butt section. The blank loads through the tip on the cast. Like the SWB 809 IM, this heavily tapered blank is remarkably well balanced.

17) BU-SWB3K8-2/30-50 : max. 250 g

This blank, formerly sold under the American Tackle brand and now available under the MHX brand, is one of the few two-piece blanks capable of casting 30 cm lures. Its IP of 1845 g even places it above some one-piece blanks rated for 300 g. However, its maximum usable range is limited to around 250 g, due in part to the ferrule, which – unlike a one-piece blank – can limit its ability to handle very heavy loads.

18) REVSB 710 H : 80–300 g

Slightly shorter at 2.38 m, this Rainshadow blank is capable of casting a 30 cm 4D Trout. With low taper, it is easy to build and represents a reliable and versatile tool, currently available as clearance stock.

19) SWB / MUXH 809 IM : 170–450 g

This musky-dedicated blank is designed to cast 30 cm 4D Trout or 35 cm Giant Replicant Wobble (443 g) on a daily basis. As with the 16 oz model, its 3.6 mm tip requires the use of 8 mm tip-top guides.

20) NFC 16 oz+ : 250–700 g

Developed at Rodhouse's request, this blank is the most powerful swimbait blank available on the website. It is capable of casting extremely heavy lures – up to "half chickens" – with astonishing ease. It begins to load optimally from 250 g. This blank is very well received by customers, and feedback has been unanimously positive.

In summary

These 20 measurements confirm that manufacturer data should be taken with a degree of caution: IP and AA allow for an objective comparison of blanks from different brands and series, where commercial ratings (in oz) do not always reflect reality.

This comparison therefore provides a reliable reference point to help refine your choice. You will no doubt find feedback that aligns more or less closely with this analysis, as estimating the usable range of a blank inevitably involves a degree of subjectivity and personal interpretation.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you would like guidance on your rod building project.