Sensitivity

[JigMaster4]

Do you all feel there is any sensitivity loss between a medium-heavy and heavy action rod? Just take a generic 7' mh/f and 7' h/f rod, would the mh feel a little more sensitive or do you think it would be the same?

 

Thanks!

[Fish4bigfish]

Same the only exception for me is some rods balance different between weights so the mh might have better balance which could be perceived as better sensitivity.

[fishnkamp]

No difference in sensitivity if you are using lures that fall within the rating on the rod. So if a medium heavy action rod says it is designed for 1/4 to 3/4 ounce lures that is what the blank should work well with. The rod should provide its best "feel" or sensitivity with lures that fall into that range. When a rod is rated as Heavy and says lures weights of 1/4 to 1 ounce then I expect it to work better with the lures that fall into its mid range or upper end.  So 3/8 to 1 ounce lures will probably perform best here. How sensitive the rod is really depends on the graphite and method the blank is made with, so I do not expect a rod that retails for say $50 will ever be as sensitive as a top line rod like a G Loomis NRX rod costing $500 plus or even an IMX costing around $300.  Any rod should should perform its best both in casting distance and sensitivity when the correct weight lure is used.

[WRB]

I think when you step on one and break it you feel same way.

All any rod can do is transmit vibration created by line.

Tom

[Molay1292]

MH and H are powers of fishing rods, moderate to extra fast are actions.    Lots of factors determine a rods ability to transmit vibration, not sure it would possible to tell without actually using the rods in question.

 

[roadwarrior]

[Catt]

The difference to me is in their ability to cast, flip, or pitch various weights

A huge portion of sensitivity has to do with who is holding the rod & how the brain interpretation of what it's sensing.

[Red Bear]

2 hours ago, Catt said:

A huge portion of sensitivity has to do with who is holding the rod & how the brain interpretation of what it's sensing.

this, sensitivity is mostly in the hands of the person holding the rod as i like to say...

[MickD]

I agree with others that sensitivity is a pretty subjective thing, but there are some things that affect sensitivity. 

The lighter the guides and finish the more sensitive the rod will be.  This is one of the reasons that people prefer micro guides where it makes sense.

The lighter the blank for its power, the more sensitive the rod will be.

The higher the modulus of the blank material the more sensitive the rod will be (assuming the manufacturers know what they are doing).

This is more subjective, but I "feel" that the faster actions are more sensitive than the slower actions.  Not talking power, but action.  When you change power the more powerful will most likely be heavier, so possibly not as "sensitive."  In your example, I think you just have to try them with the same line and see what you "feel."

There is no question in my mind that braid provides a more sensitive system than does flouro or mono.  So if you are using flouro or mono, and want to improve the ability to feel the bite, try braid.  BIG difference.

If one is building a rod and sensitivity is the primary objective, he will build with micros on an extra fast blank of proper power for what he wants to do, use the lightest reel seat, and very little cork.  Carbon fiber rear split grip on a casting rod, no foregrip.  Butt knob only on a spinning rod.  Possibly skeleton seats.  No long, decorative thread wraps.