Soulmate Glassic 703 S-Glass Fly Rod Building Kit
The finest presentation meets true glass feel
There are fly rods that are mainly meant to cast far. And there are rods that let you experience every single cast, every drift and every fish directly.
The Soulmate Glassic 703 clearly belongs to the second category.
With a length of 7 feet and line weight #3, it was developed for delicate fishing with dry flies and small nymphs. It presents even light flies with control and almost weightlessly, loads superbly with just a little line and conveys exactly the smooth, lively feel for which classic fiberglass rods are so highly prized.
At the same time, the Glassic 703 has considerably more backbone, precision and recovery speed than traditional glass rods. The result is a modern fly rod that works delicately and sensitively, yet stays composed when a strong trout takes.
Classic glass feel – a modern interpretation
The heart of the rod building kit is the modern Soulmate Glassic S-glass blank.
Its progressive medium-fast action combines the characteristic smoothness of a classic glass rod with the directness of modern blank technology. The blank loads harmoniously down into the butt section, gives exceptionally clear feedback and thus allows very intuitive and relaxed casting.
You can feel how the rod works, when it is loaded and how the line accelerates. It is precisely this immediate feedback that makes every cast controllable and conveys the unmistakable Glassic feel.
Compared with classic fiberglass rods, the modern S-glass blank reacts faster and more precisely without losing its soft, lively character.
The result:
- exceptionally delicate dry fly presentations
- high precision at short and medium distances
- controlled casts with little line outside the rod tip
- excellent line and leader control
- a deep, lively feel when playing fish
- reliable protection of fine tippets
- surprisingly high power reserves for a #3 rod
Developed for dry flies and small nymphs
The Soulmate Glassic 703 is in its element wherever sensitive presentation matters more than maximum distance.
Light dry flies can be laid down gently without disturbing the water unnecessarily. The sensitive tip allows controlled mends, a natural drift and a direct connection to the fly.
Small, lightly weighted nymphs or subtle dry fly and nymph combinations can also be fished safely and precisely. The progressive action stabilizes the cast without compromising the rod's sensitivity.
Whether rising brown trout, wary grayling or cautious fish in clear water – the Glassic 703 supports exactly the kind of fishing in which precision, feel and clean presentation make the difference.
Precise casts even in tight spaces
With its compact 7 feet, the Glassic 703 is ideal for small streams, overgrown banks and waters with little room for a back cast.
The blank loads cleanly even with short line lengths, allowing:
- precise overhead casts
- controlled roll casts
- delicate presentations under overhanging branches
- targeted casts along banks
- easy single-hand spey casts
- high accuracy at short and medium distances
The progressive action transfers energy evenly through the entire blank. This makes it possible to form tight loops and present flies with control even in demanding situations – without hectic movements and with minimal effort.
Delicate in the cast, powerful when playing fish
The sensitive presentation performance of the Soulmate Glassic 703 by no means implies a lack of power.
Under load, the entire blank works harmoniously. The rod reliably cushions runs and head shakes, protects fine tippets and still keeps the fish under control at all times.
As the load increases, the progressive action builds more and more power from the lower part of the blank. This gives the Glassic 703 surprising reserves to safely play even larger, hard-fighting trout.
It is precisely this combination that defines its special character:
delicate and sensitive in the presentation – powerful and composed when it matters.
Your own custom rod project
With the Soulmate Glassic 703 rod building kit you don't simply get a collection of individual parts, but a fully matched complete package for building your own fiberglass fly rod.
All components have been carefully selected and matched so that the end result is a light, balanced and technically convincing fly rod.
We have already done a large part of the preparatory work for you.
No reaming. No drilling. No sanding.
You can concentrate fully on the build itself and on the individual design of your personal Soulmate fly rod.
Everything included – ready to go
The rod building kit contains all the components and materials you need for the complete build:
- Soulmate Glassic S-glass blank
- premium cork grip
- high-quality reel seat
- complete guide set
- tip top
- winding check
- natural wrapping silk
- 30-minute epoxy glue
- high-quality 2-component rod finish
- mixing cups
- brush
- spatula
- stirring sticks
- burnishing tool
- masking tape
- Soulmate stickers and decals
- detailed build instructions via QR code
- rod tube and cloth rod sock
Perfectly matched premium components
For the Soulmate Glassic rod building kit we use only carefully selected components from proven manufacturers.
Depending on the chosen version, hardware components from the following manufacturers are used, among others:
- Soulmate
- Snake Brand
- SeaGuide
Guide sizes, reel seat, grip and other parts have been specially matched to the Glassic 703 blank. The result is a light and superbly balanced fly rod whose components form a harmonious unit, both technically and visually.
Easy build and personal service
The premium cork grip is already suitably prepared. Reel seat, grip and blank can be assembled without time-consuming rework.
The detailed step-by-step instructions guide you safely through the complete build – regardless of whether you are building your first fly rod or already have rod building experience.
Should you need a spare part later, you can get all matching components through our spare parts service. There is no need to send in the complete rod.
Specifications
Model: Soulmate Glassic 703
Length: 7’0”
Line weight: #3
Pieces: 3
Blank material: modern S-glass
Action: medium fast progressive
Blank color / finish: Clear Gloss
Blank weight: approx. 36–37 g
Why you will love the Soulmate Glassic 703 rod building kit
✓ The finest presentation of dry flies and small nymphs
✓ Classic, smooth glass feel
✓ Modern S-glass technology with fast recovery
✓ Excellent precision at short and medium distances
✓ Loads cleanly even with little line
✓ Ideal for small streams and overgrown waters
✓ Harmonious fish-fighting behavior and optimal tippet protection
✓ Surprisingly high power reserves for bigger trout
✓ Perfectly matched premium components
✓ Complete kit including glue, finish and tools
✓ Detailed build instructions via QR code
✓ Personal support and spare parts service from MB-Customrods
The Soulmate Glassic 703 is a fly rod for anglers who don't just want to cast, but to consciously experience every cast.
It presents dry flies delicately and with control, guides small nymphs with high precision and conveys the deep, lively feel of a classic fiberglass rod. At the same time, its modern S-glass blank offers exactly the recovery speed, stability and power you expect from a contemporary fly rod.
A sensitive #3 rod with soul – and with enough backbone for the moments when a cautious take suddenly turns into an unforgettable fight.
Our Rod Building Kits
What's included in the kits?
What's included in the kits?
The Soulmate Fly Rod Building Kit contains all the essential components and materials for building your own fly rod:
- Soulmate fly rod blank
- Soulmate rod tube including rod sock
- Pre-formed premium cork grip, including fighting butt on selected models
- Matching reel seat
- Complete guide set with snake guides, stripping guide and winding check
- Adhesive kit with 30-minute epoxy for reel seat and grip, and adhesive for the tip-top
- FlexCoat rod finish in pre-filled syringes for coating the wraps
- Brush, mixing cups, spatulas and mixing sticks
- Masking tape for shimming and fitting components
- Wrapping thread and thread burnisher
- QR code for accessing assembly instructions
- Information on guide placement, decals and stickers
- Foldable rod holders for comfortable wrapping
Who are the kits suitable for?
Who are the kits suitable for?
The Soulmate Kits are ideal for fly fishermen who want to build their own high-quality rod and perfectly tailor it to their specific needs. Depending on the model, it is suitable for different fish species, water types, and techniques – from small streams to larger rivers or the coast. Thanks to carefully matched components, the kit is suitable for both ambitious beginners and experienced rod builders.
What else do I need?
What else do I need?
The kits contain all essential components and consumables for building your Soulmate fly rod. However, some additional tools and aids will make your work easier and ensure a particularly clean result.
Helpful Tools and Materials
- Good work light: Very important so that wraps, transitions, and any adhesive residue remain clearly visible.
- Stable workspace: Ideally, the assembly area can remain set up for the entire construction period.
- Sharp knife or scalpel: For precisely cutting thread ends.
- Lint-free cloths: For cleaning components and removing adhesive residue.
- Denatured alcohol: For degreasing and cleaning the blank, grip, and adhesive surfaces. Acetone should be used very carefully.
- Small scissors: Helpful for winding, positioning, and shortening the wrapping thread.
- Fly-tying bobbin: Recommended if you are working with the included rod stands.
- Fine sandpaper or steel wool: For carefully roughing up adhesive surfaces.
- Tape measure, pencil or China marker and masking tape: For guide spacing, markings, and protective lines.
Optional Extras
A rod dryer or slow-rotating motor is particularly helpful to ensure the epoxy finish remains evenly distributed during curing. Without continuous rotation, the finish can run or form drips.
The included wrapping thread can be used directly. Of course, you can also choose your own colors and customize your rod. Silk thread can appear transparent to translucent with proper processing, while nylon generally creates a stronger and more opaque color effect.
Difficulty, setup time, and service?
Difficulty, setup time, and service?
Difficulty
The Soulmate Fly Rod Building Kit is suitable for ambitious beginners as well as experienced rod builders. All essential components are coordinated, and the individual steps are clearly explained in the instructions. However, some manual skill, patience, and careful work are still important, especially when aligning the guides, wrapping the thread, and applying the finish.
Assembly Time
Depending on your experience, working method, and model, you should allow about two to three evenings for complete assembly. This does not include the respective drying and curing times for glue and rod finish. A calm assembly without time pressure ensures the cleanest result.
My Service Promise
Even after your purchase, I won't leave you alone with your project. If you have questions about individual steps, components, guide positions, or the application of glue and finish, you will receive personal support. My goal is for you to be able to build your Soulmate fly rod safely, cleanly, and with joy – from the first step to the finished rod.
Need a spare part?
Need a spare part?
No problem: For our Soulmate Fly Rod Building Kits, we offer all suitable spare parts for a small handling fee. You do not need to send in the rod for this.
Since all components are precisely matched, you will always receive the correct replacement part – quickly, easily, and without additional adjustment effort. This way, you can easily replace damaged or lost parts and continue building or repairing your rod right away.