Blind Rod Test......

[BassinLou]

Just like you hear about blind taste tests, I think a blind rod test will have interesting results.  I thought of this just for the sake of discussion. Could a test like this be done? I don't  think so, to many varying factors. But.... if it was able to be done, I think that many anglers perceptions of rod brand will change, mine included. Test  3 price point categories let's say $100, $250, $350, of the top 10 most popular brands.  Present the rods with no logo's and removed tell tale color schemes and let the test begin. Will anglers be able to identify there favorite brand?

 

To make it more interesting, allow the anglers to fish with the rods for 1/2 hr in a private, small, bass filled lake (in ideal conditions) and have it. You have all day to fish and try out as many rods as you want, from the 3 price point categories. 

 

What say you?

 

 

(Note: I know there are many technical members on this forum, and I know millions of holes can be punched through my hypothetical test, it's ok.....this discussion is just for fun. If you have nothing constructive to provide then please don't play.  )

 

 

[A-Jay]

I'll say from experience, that what you are proposing is very easily accomplished when fishing at night. 

 

In total darkness when you can't see any part of your equipment which would "remind" you of what your using at the time, it's all about the "performance & feel" of the tackle.  

 

I've said this before, but I honestly believe that bass fishing at night has improved my overall performance & ability in several aspects of the sport.  

 

A-Jay

[Kyle46N]

I think this hypothetical test would open up the eyes of some of the name brand guys, IF certain lower price point rods were used in the test.   There is a wide range of quality variation in the 100 dollar rod category.   So, it would have to be the quality rods at this price point be tested against the $200  plus rods.   Because lets face it, there are certain lower end rods that you would be able to tell are lower end the moment you touch it. 

[OkobojiEagle]

The Ray Charles Open...

 

http://instantrimshot.com/classic/?sound=rimshot

 

oe

[Joedodge]

I agree I won't lie I've always fished $40-80 rods in salt and now in freshwater im doing the same. I have a Procyon rod, and a berkley lightning rod shock. I just got a halo starlight and will be grabbing a halo daylight this week. I grabbed the halo almost because of the bad reviews. I wanted to put them to the test because of there price point and the fact there local built rods in FL. And I like supporting local business

[SirSnookalot]

I don't think the test can be done, even fishing at night you will know what rod you are using based on the reel you have on it, don't think you can block it out of your mind.

 

To a lesser degree many of us have done a similar test.  Putting your reel on a rod in the store, liking it and then go fishing.  There have been times I liked the rod and other times when I didn't, both from a casting standpoint and having a fish on the line.

 

Buying a rod totally blind based on recommendations and reviews is something I don't do too often.  I'll buy a rod because I have other models of the same rod that I already like, or I'll use a friend's rod and make my own judgement.

[*Hootie]

My guess, in most cases, you couldn't sort them out. I will qualify that statement by saying I am

speaking for myself. I just wanted to be. I fish Shimano, and Loomis, therefore, I am.

 

Hootie

[adam lancia]

I like the idea, especially fishing them at night. To further your objective of rating them, I would say give them 4 or 5 rods from each price range without identifying which rods represent which price ranges and have them rate each one in a few areas. I think that would be very telling.

[BassinLou]

I like the idea, especially fishing them at night. To further your objective of rating them, I would say give them 4 or 5 rods from each price range without identifying which rods represent which price ranges and have them rate each one in a few areas. I think that would be very telling.

 

I agree. 

[Scott F]

You could get scientific about it and have rods built using different blanks but all having the same handle, reel seat and guides. I doubt I could tell the difference. I don't feel much if any difference between any of the rods I currently own.

[A-Jay]

I don't think the test can be done, even fishing at night you will know what rod you are using based on the reel you have on it, don't think you can block it out of your mind.

 

.

 

 Use the 3 rigs.

 

All the same reel, line and bait.

 

For an experience night angler, this is easy and very doable.

 

A-Jay

[Hogsticker]

In order for this to be relevant, all rods would have to be built using the same components. If one had guides, reel seat, or handle the test subject didn't like or prefer, he would automatically dismiss it. So essentially all we would be testing is the blank to which every person has a preferred taper/action/flex, so it's somewhat bias imo. I suppose one could attempt to discern sensitivity but we all know that's rather subjective.

[Angry John]

The big deal for me is handle and reel seat. The blank could be magic but if it does not feel good in hand I'll pass.

[roadwarrior]

Well, I'm not sure what a blind test would prove. The real test is how the rod performs

over time. After fishing equipment for a day or two, subtle differences can make a HUGE 

difference and be very noticable.

 

 

 

 

[SirSnookalot]

Unless this test is done in complete darkness under a new moon, heavy cloud cover or wearing a blindfold, I do believe your going to see what you are using.  Even in low ambient moonlight the rod and reel are visable enough for recognition.

But let say you don't know what you are using, I think many would recognize their own brand and model just by feel. It might interesting to see if one still held their rod in the same high esteem as they did before the test.  

If I'm going to test a rod I want to do it in daylight, first and foremost among the different factors would be casting to a specific target, I'm not sure I could do that blind folded.

[Crestliner2008]

I do not believe that a test of that kind would sway anyone, one way or the other. In talking to many, many anglers over the years, most would agree that they will buy only what they can afford. If you affluent enough, the sky is the limit. If you are not, you are shopping Walmarts for deals.

[21farms]

such a test assumes that it's all about sensitivity. on the water though, there's so much more to taken into consideration...there's also: handling (weight, balance, handle length, loading), castability, ergonomics, durability, component quality, warranty, and aesthetics. i look at the complete package. after spending just a little bit of time with a rod, i know whether i like it or not and it often has little to do strictly with sensitivity.

 

maybe it's just me but i don't think it's that hard for any company to produce a rod that's sensitive. however, it's very difficult to produce a sensitive rod that is also light, has the ideal taper and loading characteristics, and is durable and handles and casts well, all in an attractive package with a competitive price tag and warranty.