Who Makes The Lightest Rod?

[Ozark_Basser]

I'd like to pose a question. Hopefully it's not off topics.

If you took the lowest end blank from a given manufacturer and built it with the lightest guides and handle setup possible and weighted it against the high end blank from the same manufacturer built with stainless guides and full cork handle would you have a better rod if the lower end blank was lighter?

I'd say that's a matter of opinion. Maybe one guy needs a super light rod and doesn't care about the taper. Maybe one guy loves the taper which is exclusive to that high dollar blank. Its all opinion, but if one blank is more likely to break than another one, the one that doesn't break is obviously better. Id say some higher end blanks go through more extensive testing than lower end ones.

[.ghoti.]

That'll be sweet. I keep telling myself I should keep better weight stats n such on my builds but get up against deadlines and just get them out the door best I can. Shouldn't complain about being busy. Lol

 I don't normally worry too much about weights of rods. But, when I got that SS SV, and felt how light it was, I had to weight it. 5.3oz. I set the challenge for myself to build the lightest rod I could, that would still be comfortable to use.

 

I'll be retired in about 8 weeks. At that point I will start a spreadsheet for component weights. Once I collect enough data, I'd be happy to share it with you. I'll also start building rods other than ones for me, family and friends.

[A-Jay]

Pitching baits & throwing frogs usually means fishing in pretty heavy cover.  Accordingly the fish are routinely not "played" but more like winched out of a small spot or hole.

 

For this, I actually do not want a very light rod, rather have a very strong rod. So the actual weight is less of a concern.     Fishing like a human crane may require the equipment to have a little mass.

 

Besides with a name like yours, who needs Light.

 

 

A-Jay

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I'd like to pose a question. Hopefully it's not off topics.

If you took the lowest end blank from a given manufacturer and built it with the lightest guides and handle setup possible and weighted it against the high end blank from the same manufacturer built with stainless guides and full cork handle would you have a better rod if the lower end blank was lighter?

Sensitivity is a function of the weight to stiffness ratio of the blank. Keeping the added weight to a minimum merely helps the blank retain as much of it's original properties as possible. Weighing down a quality blank with junk components makes no sense at all, and at the same time you ca get the most out of a cheaper blank by keeping it as light as possible within reason.