Tired Rod

[WPCfishing]

I have a rod I've use for years. Recently I'm missing a lot of hook sets while using it. I checked the bend and the strength of the rod at different guides going down the blank and it's definitely weakened. I think it's time to retire it.

Have you had a rod weaken to this degree?

This one is an IM7 blank I bought when IM7 was the best out there.

[EvanT123]

I'm not a fishing rod expert but I don't think graphite "gets tired"

Maybe the rod is "slower" than newer rods you have?

I'm still using a 5'6 light action Abu rod after 8 years. This rod has seen a lot of trolling work as well and it feels the same as when I first purchased it.

I would only retire a rod if it broke and then it might see use as a reamer or sheath.

I wouldn't put to much stock in im7 terminology. There was a member .RM (rip) that had a great post about modulus and rod terminology that I recently found in a google search.

Here's the link.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/39534-st-croix-graphite/

[BASSPATROL247]

I agree with EvanT123, I have an old BASS PRO GS SERIES IM6 rod that is close to if not over 15 yrs old and probably has a bazillion casts and fish caught with it(maybe not a bazillion but its been used ALOT)and I have not noticed any difference in the action or power whatsoever....

[smalljaw67]

I have rods that are 25 years old and that were used very hard and never got weak but they are stored inside in a vertical rod rack. Even though mine are in a rack, I never heard of graphite getting weak over time, it may just be slower than newer rods and you just never realized it before.

[frogflogger]

I have rods that go back over 50 yrs. the glass rods for sure get a little more soupy over time - not sure about the graphite ones - I've been fishing a 30 yr old graphite rod lately when I need a limber rod - I feel it is a little more limber than when new - but my memory is suspect.

[WIGuide]

I've had it happen before, actually just retired one at the end of last year because of it.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Upon posting to a rod building site, the consensus seems to be that there is a number of bend and flex cycles that will fatigue a blank but it is so rediculously high it would never be reached through practical use. More likely, the resin has been compromised through heat and or UV exposure and even then not likely except over a substantial period of time. FWIW: The rod manufacturing industry considers the life span of a rod to be 3 years over which time it is likely to be broken from mis-use/ damage or simply replaced, not necessarily "worn out". 

[WPCfishing]

Upon posting to a rod building site, the consensus seems to be that there is a number of bend and flex cycles that will fatigue a blank but it is so rediculously high it would never be reached through practical use. More likely, the resin has been compromised through heat and or UV exposure and even then not likely except over a substantial period of time. FWIW: The rod manufacturing industry considers the life span of a rod to be 3 years over which time it is likely to be broken from mis-use/ damage or simply replaced, not necessarily "worn out".

The rod is 15 or more years old Mike. It has been taken care of. I'd say I got every cent out of it.

I'm actually bummed. It was a great rod.

I sent you an email earlier tonight.

[adam lancia]

To go along with what DVT said , with the degradation of the resin could also come internal delamination of the blank. If that were the case, you would definitely notice a decrease in power and sensitivity.

[Tywithay]

I work in aircraft composites, and we test graphite extensively. With the stress that a fishing rod takes, it'd take a couple hundred years, under normal usage, for the rod to break down. Maybe 20-30 years if it was stored directly in UV rays 24/7.

[WPCfishing]

I work in aircraft composites, and we test graphite extensively. With the stress that a fishing rod takes, it'd take a couple hundred years, under normal usage, for the rod to break down. Maybe 20-30 years if it was stored directly in UV rays 24/7.

 

Thank's for that information,  It must be the Yo Zuri line I used with it, a boat load of stretch..I'll re spool the reel and see how it goes.

The bend test results must have been typical of the blank. Although it always seemed stiffer to me. Like someone else mentioned I must be getting very use to my newer and heavier action rods. 

[SirSnookalot]

It can happen but it's not likely.  Heard a story the other day, a rod was left several days inside a car in the hot Florida weather over the seats with no support, it has a bow in it as I was told.  Under normal usage, fish nor proper storage should effect a rod.  I have rods many years old that are as good as the day I bought them.