When Looking For Any Rod What Do You Mainly Look For??

[bigbill]

Bait caster or spinning what the most important things you look at?

Do you shop for a certain brand?

Action?

Taper?

Length?

The line test it can handle?

Brand of eyes and reel seat?

Is the deal breaker the lure weight rating?

Do you find the exact rod you need or,, ,,,,

Do you exceed the line test ratings?

Do you exceed the recommended lure weight rating?

I see so many questions about buying a rod or just looking. Let's sum it up in one post, somewhat.

[papajoe222]

I'll sum it up for me, if it works for you go with it.

I know what I want before I ever walk into the store.  By that I mean application, length, action, handle, type of guides and material. I also know how much I'm willing to spend and I don't bring more than that amount with me.  Now it's time to actually shop. I'll check out any clearence or sale rods first. If I see something I like, I'll mount my reel to it. (Did I mention I bring the reel I intend to pair the rod to?) If it meets or exceeds my expectations, I buy it.  I don't bother looking further.  I also don't rely on a salesperson to tell me what I want, or why one rod is 'better' than another. The only thing I ask of them is where can I find your, say, swimbait rods and do they have any on sale. 

The only time this routine didn't pan out for me, I had it in my head that I needed a heavy action rod with a fast tip for C-rigs and ended up with an All Star 7ft. that was so stiff, I thought of taking the guides off and using it as a pool cue. My fault for not researching better.

[Tywithay]

My first step is to determine the application for which I want the rod. After that, I find the proper action, power, and length I'm looking for. As far as brand, I like bang for your buck options; so I typically stay away from the big names.

[NWBasslover]

I have four small children that often go fishing with me, so for me WARRANTY is another big factor!

I agree with Papajoe, I already know exactly what I want before I walk in.
Tight lines.
Matthew

[SirSnookalot]

Bait caster or spinning what the most important things you look at? Whether a rod feels clumsy or not.

Do you shop for a certain brand? Have 2 favorites but willing to keep options open.

Action? Med fast or fast

Taper? Fast taper, deal breaker

Length? Depends on intended use

The line test it can handle? Yes, seems to mostly workout with my brands, 6/12 ml, 8/17 med, 10/20 mh

Brand of eyes and reel seat? No

Is the deal breaker the lure weight rating? Only in the case of an intended specific use

Do you find the exact rod you need or,, ,,,,Try to, but it's not a perfect world, I have made mistakes

Do you exceed the line test ratings? No

Do you exceed the recommended lure weight rating? With regularity, like everyday

I see so many questions about buying a rod or just looking. Let's sum it up in one post, somewhat.

I try to buy a rod at a place where I can return it if it isn't what I'm looking for.  I have bought on-line sight unseen it really isn't my best option.  Best scenario for me is to use some else's rod and reel, I've got instant input then.  I don't bother with reviews, I know my fish targets, the type of water I fish.  Fishing 7 days a week I'm probably the best reviewer I come a cross.

[0119]

Bait caster or spinning what the most important things you look at?   The rear grip.  Must not be too long

Do you shop for a certain brand?  No

Action?   Almost always Medium. 

Taper?   Important for me, no broom sticks

Length?  5'6" to 6'8", never again anything longer

The line test it can handle?   I read it but I decide that

Brand of eyes and reel seat?   Yes, important.  No more of those stupid bare bones uncomfortable grips.  No proprietary grips except shimano  or FTO's  no more of those stupid Abu metal nut rings.

Is the deal breaker the lure weight rating?    No

Do you find the exact rod you need or,, ,,,,      No not anymore, style and the times have past me by.  

Do you exceed the line test ratings?   No

Do you exceed the recommended lure weight rating? No

I see so many questions about buying a rod or just looking. Let's sum it up in one post, somewhat.

 

For me I think more and more about building my own.  Todays rods with the stupid color coordinating to reels, bare bones uncomfortable grips and longer lengths, are not for me.  Manufacturers only think of making rods that look jazzy when held by a angler wearing his fancy man fish gansta clothes and flat brimmed cap.  They only work for guys who crowd themselves onto the bow of a glittery boat.  They've forgotten everyone else.  

[Montanaro]

Color

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Start by determining the appropriate length, power, action and lure weight rating for the application. For jig/plastics rods budget for the lightest, most sensitive blank you can afford. Sensitivity is primarily a function of weight/stiffness and this accomplish a number of way so don't buy into modulus number hype. The smallest, lightest guides that will pass the line and connections and stand up to the demands will get the most from any blank they are on. If you're doing a custom, make sure guides are chosen and placed using Static Testing, 27x and other sound building techniques. This wont apply to production rods as it's just too time consuming in a mass production environment.  Grip length, diameter and material along with the seat design should be comfortable in your hand. The fit and finish of all the components should be indicative of quality. Aesthetics of course come into play, but should be trumped by the performance aspects.  

[.RM.]

Start by determining the appropriate length, power, action and lure weight rating for the application. For jig/plastics rods budget for the lightest, most sensitive blank you can afford. Sensitivity is primarily a function of weight/stiffness and this accomplish a number of way so don't buy into modulus number hype. The smallest, lightest guides that will pass the line and connections and stand up to the demands will get the most from any blank they are on. If you're doing a custom, make sure guides are chosen and placed using Static Testing, 27x and other sound building techniques. This wont apply to production rods as it's just too time consuming in a mass production environment.  Grip length, diameter and material along with the seat design should be comfortable in your hand. The fit and finish of all the components should be indicative of quality. Aesthetics of course come into play, but should be trumped by the performance aspects.  

Ahhh the words of a builder....

x2...

[masterbass]

For me I think more and more about building my own.  Todays rods with the stupid color coordinating to reels, bare bones uncomfortable grips and longer lengths, are not for me.  Manufacturers only think of making rods that look jazzy when held by a angler wearing his fancy man fish gansta clothes and flat brimmed cap.  They only work for guys who crowd themselves onto the bow of a glittery boat.  They've forgotten everyone else.  

"fancy man fish gansta clothes and flat brimmed cap" lol...I laughed for 10 minutes at this one.

[frogflogger]

I build rods - fix rods - buy rods - I can tell when I pick one up if I'm going to like it in use - is this experience or what? I don't know - there is all kind of technical jargon out there but for me if it feels right it is - I have some cheaper rods that I love and a few pricey ones I don't - I abhore covering a rod with paint, decorative wraps or anything that isn't essential to its use. But that is merely my personal preference - I have friends that want their rods "personalized" with fancy wraps and decals and gilding and such and they go get that elsewhere.

[Arv]

I look at all of those things. There are plenty of rods out there with quality components, great blanks, etc. So, beyond that, I'm looking for a rod that feels good and balances well in my hands. It may not make me catch more fish, but its more enjoyable for me, especially on days when I get skunked. A good warranty is also something that is very important to me.

[roadwarrior]

Start by determining the appropriate length, power, action and lure weight rating for the application. For jig/plastics rods budget for the lightest, most sensitive blank you can afford. Sensitivity is primarily a function of weight/stiffness and this accomplish a number of way so don't buy into modulus number hype. The smallest, lightest guides that will pass the line and connections and stand up to the demands will get the most from any blank they are on. If you're doing a custom, make sure guides are chosen and placed using Static Testing, 27x and other sound building techniques. This wont apply to production rods as it's just too time consuming in a mass production environment.  Grip length, diameter and material along with the seat design should be comfortable in your hand. The fit and finish of all the components should be indicative of quality. Aesthetics of course come into play, but should be trumped by the performance aspects.  

 

Indeed, expert advice!

 

For those of us that must rely on others for the technical aspects of rod design, build, and components,

I think this is where "brand" comes into play. There are many choices, but a reputation is built over time.

It is earned, not granted.

 

Although ANY rod can be used for almost any technique some guidance from the manufacturer comes

in handy. For an all-around rod, 6 1/2'-7' MF will work just fine. However, as just one specific example, a

Medium Power/ Moderate Action would be a much better choice for treble hook lures.

 

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/130634-rod-selection-the-basics/

[Fishes in trees]

I maybe approach rod buying from a different angle than some people.  I've been addicted to fishing, especially bass fishing for a while now.  I've already got rods very well suited for whatever technique I can think up, plus back up, plus quite a bit of multi-species stuff.  So, any rods I buy now and for the foreseeable future, might be for some perceived upgrade, but more likely it is retail therapy, I'm buying myself a toy to make myself feel better.

Every so often, I've just got to have a new one.