CRB Custom Rod Builder: rod building tools

2009: Brand launched by Mud Hole
Florida: Mud Hole headquarters in Oviedo, USA
ICAST 2022: Best of Category award for the RBS Pro G2

The story of the brand

Born at Mud Hole, built for the rod builder's bench

The CRB story starts with Mud Hole. This fishing and rod building shop opened in 1976 in New Jersey. In 1999, the company moved to Oviedo, Florida. Ten years later, in 2009, it created CRB, its own tool brand. MHX rod blanks were born the same year.

The idea behind CRB is simple: make workshop tools affordable for every rod builder. The RBS range, short for Rod Building System, is made of modules you add over time. In 2022, the RBS Pro G2, in machined aluminum, won Best of Category at ICAST. It took the very first award in the new components category.

Since 2023, Mud Hole has been part of Foundation Outdoor Group, along with MHX and American Tackle. From the CRB range, Rodhouse selects the machines, dryers, tools and pigments a rod building bench needs. Each item is sold on its own, from the dryer stand to the spare tension rod.

Key dates

2009 Mud Hole launches CRB, its rod building tool brand
2022 The RBS Pro G2 wins Best of Category at ICAST
2023 Foundation Outdoor Group acquires Mud Hole

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything about the brand

Who is behind the CRB (Custom Rod Builder) brand?

CRB is the tool brand of Mud Hole Custom Tackle, which holds the trademark in the United States. Mud Hole was founded in 1976 in New Jersey. The company moved to Oviedo, Florida, in 1999, then launched CRB in 2009.

Since 2023, Mud Hole has been part of Foundation Outdoor Group. The group also brings together MHX, American Tackle and ProProducts.

Which CRB rod wrapper should I choose?

For your first rods, the Core Hand Wrapper is a compact manual unit made of ABS polymer. It includes adjustable rod stands, a thread carriage and a tensioner.

For regular use, the RBS Pro G2 is a powered wrapper in aluminum. It lets you turn a handle, wrap guides, add thread art and apply finish without removing the rod. You set the speed with a knob and a foot pedal, and a dryer is built in.

What is a CRB RDS rod dryer used for?

A rod dryer turns the rod while the finish or epoxy cures. The slow rotation spreads the finish evenly over the wraps. The CRB RDS Rod Drying System combines a slow motor, a chuck that fits the rod and a support stand.

Rodhouse also offers a version with a dryer clutch, an extra dryer support and a rod drying tent.

CRB tools for your workshop

Custom Rod Builder, or CRB, is the tool brand of Mud Hole. Rodhouse stocks its workshop gear. You will find rod wrappers, rod dryers and small building tools. They cover each step of a build, from the grip to the finish. The parts work together. Your bench can grow as your needs change.

The range also covers decoration. CRB marbling pigments mix with your epoxy finish. The metallic powder comes in pearl, two-tone and metallic shades. It also blends with the brand's liquid pigments.

How to choose the right tool

The right choice depends on how many rods you build. Here are a few simple pointers.

To get started, the Core Hand Wrapper is a compact manual unit in ABS.
For a full workshop, the RBS Pro G2 is a powered wrapper in aluminum.
For the finish, RDS rod dryers turn the rod while it cures.
For accuracy, the guide alignment tool and the LED magnifier help with setup.
For comfort, the roller stand and the hand rest hold the blank in place.

The RBS Pro G2 wraps, turns handles and dries the rod without taking it off. You set the speed with a knob and a foot pedal. A digital readout helps you repeat your settings. Stepped pulleys give four speed and torque options. Rodhouse also offers spare parts, such as the tension rod. Not sure which to pick? Our technicians can help you plan your bench.

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An expert & passionate team

CRB: power wrappers, rod dryers and rod building tools

Born at Mud Hole, built for the rod builder's bench

Key dates

Products

Deflection Tool

CRB PRO Hand & Tool Rest

Deluxe Tubular Graphite Ice Rod

Everything about the brand

Who is behind the CRB (Custom Rod Builder) brand?

Which CRB rod wrapper should I choose?

What is a CRB RDS rod dryer used for?