While fishing with Bill (Cyberfish) at Pyramid Nev. I got to thinking that I need an upgrade on my fishin' stick.  Since John T. had ruined me for life by letting me cast his Xi3 while striper fishing, my intuition guided me toward the 7 weight for a triple purpose Sage Xi3.   Since all I catch are schoolie stripers anyway, a few smallies at Pyramid Ca., and maybe some Cutts at the Mid Nev........it seemed like the logical choice.
Started with some Titanium hardware to match the cdlt reel and had to turn the rear insert so the reel seat would accept it.  Thought maybe there might be a time when a removable would come in handy.

 
Ever since the Vous when I saw Chiaki's royal blue metallic highlights on a blue stick, I knew that's what I wanted.  When in the sunlight it really pops out and matches the blank. Used CP on the thread but I really didn't know if you need that on black, then 2 coats of Flexcoat Lite.  

 Not being the craftsman of the quality of the swap builders and no longer having the eyesight needed, I struggled through it for the striper trip tomorrow to the forebay.
Thanks to Colleen and Julie at Acid rod for helping me out and really being on the ball with all the details. The black chrome guides were a second thought to match the black frame on the blue stripper guide and took 2 tries to get a blue that matched the blank.  Julie kept calling it my new toy,  no no no.........it's a tool. When I get back I may add a 2 feather inlay I've been practicing with and signature. The thing I'm really happy about with this rod is the perfect balance, but I've only thrown it in the back yard.
Swanee

NICE TOY TOOL SWANEE

It is funny how everyone's taste are different, but that build falls into the type I am favoring more and more. Tasteful and subtle, all nicely integrated.  
 
I would like to see the rod in person since that is the ideal situation. Time will tell when that will occur.  
 
Good workmanship. Enjoy using it to haul in those stripers.  
 
Ants

Sweeeet!  Everything ties in perfect.
 
shane