Warning: preg_replace(): The /e modifier is deprecated, use preg_replace_callback instead in ..../includes/class_bootstrap.php(430) : eval()'d code on line 106 Rod & Reel balance
I just wanted to take a little poll to see where most people like there fly rod to balance in relation to where you hold the grip.
Do you like it to balance just in front of the hand, just behind the hand or right in the middle of the hand.
I am talking about actual fishing conditions with rod strung & the average amount of line that you would be fishing out of the rod tip.
I realize that there are a lot of variables. I am just trying to get a general idea of what different people are comfortable with.
Thanks Dave
02-24-2009, 11:17 AM
FK
Re: Rod & Reel balance
I never documented the balance point while acutally fishing with any of my rods. I do move my hand position on the cork grip, depending upon the casting style and distance.
The average amount of line varies from 0ft to 80ft extended outside the tip.
My favorite rods are all longer than normal trout rods: 10ft, 11ft and longer TH rods.
The current fad in very lightweight large arbor reels is a problem with longer rods, they have very little capacity with not enough weight to balance the rod.
Balance is more subjective, how does the rod feel when casting? On a 10ft 4wt or 5wt rod the larger than normal reels (typically for a 6wt or 7wt line) feel the most comfortable.
Regards,
FK
02-24-2009, 11:27 AM
Nymphmeister
Re: Rod & Reel balance
FK's advice is good, I wouldn't worry too much about the exact balance point. That was more a thing you read about in older books from when the heavier bamboo & fiberglass rods were the norm. With modern, lightweight graphite rods you can use much lighter reels, but as FK mentioned it does somtimes help to go up a size or so for the longer rods. That #3 is so light I don't think you need to go crazy about the exact balance point, I would just pick a reel you like and bump it up from say a 3/4 to a 5/6 or so, or maybe a 4/5. In the end it's all personal preference. I've always liked slightly oversized reels for their better retrieve rate (due to the bigger diameter). I use my Waterworks ULA F2 reel on my 10' #4 Sage, and it feels just fine to me- and that's a very light reel. It's rated by them as a 4/5 and it's 3.25", although with the regular (non "X" spool) I consider it to be more of a 3/4, with the "X" spool it becomes a 5/6.
02-24-2009, 11:55 AM
kyle
Re: Rod & Reel balance
Balance isn't a huge deal (for me anyway) but I do try to keep the balance in the middle of or in the front half of the cork, but my "optimal" balance point is in the front 1/3 of the cork. I don't know if it's my casting style or if I just like the feel. It really just boils down to personal preference.
