Ultralight - Flyrod Blank

[Crappiekiller3]

The main reason for using a fly blank for ultra light is to get the slow action
which is lacking in today's blanks. Slow action is great for live bait because you are not tearing baits off casting.The old Fenwick SP721 was a great blank
for that. That used it extensively on Taneycomo for trout. There are a few blanks on the market that are between the slow action and moderate action.
These will give you the "noodle" action on the tip but still have enough backbone to fight fish.
It is true that guides, thread..not so much and epoxy will add weight to the
blank, however modern day guides are much lighter than there predecessors.
It is more important to use ceramic guides with light line than heavier line because light line will groove guides. I prefer fiberglass or composite blanks such as E-glass for this application as graphite is just by nature to fast an action. The higher the modulus the stiffer the blank. And graphite is not forgiving! We've all snapped more graphite blanks than we did fliberglass.

[The Lip RIPPERS]

AF, 2 ways you can go here. Take a built fly rod and replace the guides with what you want, then remove the plug in the reel seat and add an extension for the butt grip.
Or select a blank and get it built to your specs.

[deathb4disco]

I prefer fiberglass or composite blanks such as E-glass for this application as graphite is just by nature to fast an action. The higher the modulus the stiffer the blank. And graphite is not forgiving! We've all snapped more graphite blanks than we did fliberglass.

It's too bad fiberglass has pretty much fallen by the wayside. As you mention, it has some good qualities.

It's still used in "big" rods, like catfish and saltwater rods, but rarely in other freshwater fishing. A lot of fly guys like fiberglass a lot, though.