Sensitivity: So all that discussion earlier regarding blank technology is one thing, but the real question is how does the blank perform, and in this case, how sensitive is that blank really. From my experience with the PB761XXHMF build, I had very high expectations of this one. I was not disappointed. I'd call this blank hyper sensitive. But is that the result of the tech behind the build, or the build itself?

The PB731HXF makes for a wonderful jig stick fished here with Nishine's Finesse Football jig

One of the factors that attracts me to the blanks by Point Blank Rods is that relatively thick back section. Not only is it thick, but the rate of taper at the last quarter or third of the rod is very minimal giving that back portion of the rod an almost consistent diameter - almost. This thick back section gives the rod a very sturdy feel and makes a wonderful candidate for split reel seat implementations, but more than that, this shape is actually done with intent.

Usually, after a couple of fish, I put the combo down and move onto the next that's in need of a review, but I was having far too much fun with this combo

Point Blank Rods argues their design actually increases sensitivity by creating an echo chamber within the blank. Where a traditional, triangle shape at the end of the rod directs vibrations out the end like a megaphone, the more consistent diameter of PBR's blanks are engineered to bounce those vibrations around inside the handle delivering better feel to the angler.

How about a TX rigged worm? Yup!

Considering there's a cap a the end of that megaphone on all built rods, I'm not sure the analogy holds up. Regardless, I'm sure it also has to do with the grade of graphite being used. All of these factors combined with my less than perfect build result in a finished rod that is among the most sensitive I've fished.

Fig 1 : The chart above illustrates the deflection characteristics of our Point Blank Rods PB731HXF Build against the historical averages of similarly powered rods we've tested over the past twenty years

Power: Of course, the entire experience is not without its downside. As I mentioned earlier, the PB731HXF fishes on the light side of heavy. Well, back in the lab and on the RoD WRACK revealed a deflection curve for the PB731HXF that resembled more of a traditional medium heavy powered rod than heavy. That curve dips closer to heavy as more pressure is applied to the blank, but the tip is certainly livelier than a traditional heavy powered rod. So, instead of a finesse punching stick, I have more of an all around stick for vertical bait presentations and other single hook bait techniques. The blank's taper, feels kind of in between fast and a traditional extra-fast. However, the longer handle on my build doesn't help with this impression.

Checking out that tip

Design & Ergonomics: With the parts listed in the table earlier, my PB731HXF build came to a total of three point eight ounces (3.8oz) with a balance point of seven and a quarter inches (7.25") measured from the middle of the reel seat towards the tip. Considering the blank itself weighs two point three ounces (2.3oz), I'm guessing my build weight is average. However, if I went with Ti/Torzite guides and eliminated all of the metal winding checks, who knows what I might have been able to achieve. Shall I order a third blank and find out?

On the build process, the blank's lightly sanded surface has just enough tack to make wrapping relatively simple - not too slick to make temporary adhesion of guides an issue and not too coarse to make burnishing the wraps for a nice tight weave difficult (not that my threadwork is very tight anyway). The tip specification the blank was accurate. I ordered Fuji's Arowana tip top off this specification and it fit perfectly (much to my relief). My only minor gripe is that sticker used to identify the blank was difficult to remove without use of a solvent. I think Point Blank Rods was aware of this issue because I recently ordered some other blanks to build upon (PB761HF, PB731MXF, PB691MLXF) and the sticker was much easier to remove.

I found the PB731HXF ideal for vertical bait presentations, but also surprisingly adept with vibrating jigs and spinnerbaits

Price & Applications: At $184, this blank is more than many built rods. But really, so are most blanks that are worth using as a foundation for self or custom builds. Given its power and taper, I found it ideal for vertical bait presentations, but also surprisingly adept with vibrating jigs and spinnerbaits. Maybe a better way to describe its capabilities is as a built rod for single hook presentations. Through it all, I'm still learning its capabilities, but unfortunately, my self-builds only get so much time on the water in deference to other, more readily available rods that need to be written up.

Conclusion: Thanks to the ongoing global supply chain issues, it appears there is no end in sight for this ongoing hobby of mine. Not to say this malady does not affect the availability of rod building components too - it does. But if I can get the blank, there are options for everything else to finish any particular build - so long as I remain flexible. For the PB731HXF build, I think my preferred configuration is the first one with the split reel seat. I just tend to naturally reach for that one more than the other. Am I disappointed the blank is a bit underpowered for what I was expecting? Yes, but this is not an uncommon occurrence even with factory built rods, and is the reason we go through the efforts we do to provide comparative data not just with fishing rods, but reels and fishing line too.

Thanks to the ongoing global supply chain issues, it appears there is no end in sight for this ongoing hobby of mine

All that aside, Point Blank's PB731HXF is a wonderfully sensitive blank with very good weight and effective enough power. The company's blanks continue to intrigue me and I already have several other builds complete and in process. Turns out the PB761HF better suits my original intent for this build as a finesse punching stick and I've completed and am currently fishing the PB691MLXF as a rod for BFS applications. Of course I will continue to fish, test, and write up factory built sticks, but when the opportunity presents itself, taking a break from those responsibilities to fish and catch on a tool I built with my own grubby little paws has turned into the ideal therapy to re-energize my enthusiasm.