Next Level Rod Finish Review: Custom Rod Building

[@kevinbrotz8165]

Great video, thank you for sharing your thoughts on NEXT LEVEL. We apologize for not having a video up yet on the product page, we have been slammed and currently have all hands on deck keeping up with the day to day. You did a great job calling out properties while being fair. One thing I may share in my opinion is that the process and 'friendliness' of applying is important but more important is the finished product and the protection it provides. The clarity and longevity of the clarity were the utmost requirement for us to release NEXT LEVEL. After 2 years of testing in UV chambers comparing NL to other leading finishes the results were amazing. Thank you again for a fair and honest review. Feel free to reach out any time, we appreciate you!

[@reelbluecustomrods]

Agree on all Kevin, and I appreciate our conversation on the phone today. 🙏

[@kevinbrotz8165]

@@reelbluecustomrods Likewise. We appreciate you. Thanks for promoting/sharing the passion for rod building.

[@MrJasonButcher]

Does it provide information on the process of thinking with acetone?

[@reelbluecustomrods]

It does not Jason, and thank you for watching and commenting.

[@kevinsheehan3233]

Thanks for the demo, might be the northwest climate vs Florida, I’m in Chicago, think I’d struggle with the thickness, but I’m sure it’s part of the learning curve like any finish, thanks again!

[@reelbluecustomrods]

You are very welcome Kevin and I agree about your learning curve comment as well. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@wadetakemoto4554]

I ordered this finish and I wanted to know what you think of this resin. How is the resin holding up? I plan to use it as a high build so the thickness is ok. I am still waiting for it from get it. Thanks

[@reelbluecustomrods]

@@wadetakemoto4554 - I think it was a great purchase and that you will be happy with the results. That being said, I would love to hear your opinion once you get the chance to use. Thanks for watching and commenting. 🙏

[@homecaresolutions467]

How do you like this finish? I currently use gen4 I'm thinking about switching.

[@reelbluecustomrods]

@@homecaresolutions467 - it’s really good, but it only comes in a high build.

[@trapnut]

Do you have a more recent review on this finish John?

[@reelbluecustomrods]

I do not have a more recent one on this yet.

[@cbayless4294]

Can you try it with Madeira thread or other thread with a silicone additive to see if it won't fish-eye?

[@reelbluecustomrods]

I can do it on Madeira thread but what silicone additive are you using?

[@cbayless4294]

@@reelbluecustomrods I'm not but I read that's it's treated to work in the sewing industry. Every finish I've tried always fisheyes even with light coats. I just haven't figured out how to avoid it.

[@reelbluecustomrods]

@@cbayless4294 - oh ok. Why not use rod building thread instead. I will do it with Madeira though.

[@reeltime1]

​@cbayless4294 have you tried putting color preserver on first? Everyone I know that uses madeira puts color preserver on, then applies the finish. That should take care of fisheye problem.

[@reelbluecustomrods]

@@reeltime1 - that is the exactly what I was going to do in the video for him Reel Time. That being said, I use Madeira and do not use color preserver on it and have no issues with it.

[@EmdeCustoms]

Any thoughts as compared to the U-40? From your demo and the issues with bubbles, I am still leaning on staying with U-40 Dura Gloss

[@reelbluecustomrods]

I will address this hat in next week’s video for you. Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@craigcampbell2687]

Thick has always been a problem for me. Please give us an update on the second coat when cured. Thanks great vid

[@reelbluecustomrods]

Will do Craig.

[@rhodesianhunter9360]

So what’s your favorite finish so far?

[@reelbluecustomrods]

U-40 for sure, but I do like a couple others.

[@rhodesianhunter9360]

@@reelbluecustomrods Nice, I’m going to have to branch out and try some. I’ve been using Gen 4 without many problems. I’d like to find something that’s a little thinner on its own, without needing thinned or warmed.

[@reelbluecustomrods]

@@rhodesianhunter9360 - I think U-40 is the answer then. I love it.

[@lanceschreckenbach2046]

Most people should mix 3 cc of each, it looks like you used less than that. You have to be very precise with that small amount and I think many people would not have good results doing it that way.

[@reelbluecustomrods]

Thank you for watching and commenting Lance, and I prefer to usually mix 2 to 2.5 cc when I’m applying finish. However, I mix 1 cc all the time with no issues when I’m doing things like rod repair work where I don’t need a bunch of extra finish when I’m done. Also, the measured syringes make it pretty accurate when measuring.