Thanks guys appreciate all the feedback.. just bought a 30 inch gold digger from jt rods going to put it to the test this weekend
My recommendation is to buy the most expensive tape you can find to go along with that $100 plus custom ice rod. Because everybody knows the more money you spend on your gear, the more fish you catch. Ha ha ha ha ha
I use casteration bands on all my rods. I also include them with rods I build for friends and family and everybody seems to like them. 100 bands for 3 bucks. I put 4 bands on each rod so one package lasts awhile