What does "tip heavy" mean?

[michael1]

I read on here guys referring to a rod as "tip heavy." What exactly does that term mean?

[michael1]

I also read about a "soft tip" on here too. Is that the opposite of "tip heavy?"

[Steveo-1969]

20 minutes ago, michael1 said:

I read on here guys referring to a rod as "tip heavy." What exactly does that term mean?

"Tip heavy" is referring to the balance of the rod. When you hold the rod (with a reel on it) the way you would hold it while fishing, if the tip of the rod feels like it's being pulled toward the ground and you need to apply upward pressure to keep the tip up... then the rod is "tip heavy".

 

A rod may or may not feel tip heavy for various reasons depending on user, how you hold it, how light or heavy the reel is, how long the rod is, etc. And it's not always a bad thing. A tip heavy rod may be preferred for certain techniques.

[Finessegenics]

Tip heavy means the rod feels unbalanced. When holding such a rod, it feels like the tip is weighing you down, and the tip has a tendency to want to drop. So instead of just being able to hold your rod tip comfortably in the “11 o’clock” position, it’ll feel like you’re fighting the rod to stop it from dropping to 8/9 position. I’m not sure if I can explain that any better but that’s how I imagine it. 
 

a soft tip refers to a responsive, easy to flex tip. Bites are easier to detect this way since the tip of the rod deflects with the slightest tap, making the impression that it is “soft”. This has to do with the action of the rod (XF, F and so on). Usually rods with soft tips are rated XF, but each brand and mode is different. A soft tip is ideal for bottom contact baits or finesse fishing with a spinning rod. 

[michael1]

8 minutes ago, Finessegenics said:

Tip heavy means the rod feels unbalanced. When holding such a rod, it feels like the tip is weighing you down, and the tip has a tendency to want to drop. So instead of just being able to hold your rod tip comfortably in the “11 o’clock” position, it’ll feel like you’re fighting the rod to stop it from dropping to 8/9 position. I’m not sure if I can explain that any better but that’s how I imagine it. 
 

a soft tip refers to a responsive, easy to flex tip. Bites are easier to detect this way since the tip of the rod deflects with the slightest tap, making the impression that it is “soft”. This has to do with the action of the rod (XF, F and so on). Usually rods with soft tips are rated XF, but each brand and mode is different. A soft tip is ideal for bottom contact baits or finesse fishing with a spinning rod. 

Which kind of tip is easier to walk a frog with?

[Finessegenics]

8 minutes ago, michael1 said:

Which kind of tip is easier to walk a frog with?

A soft tip is just a characteristic of a rod. Not all XFs are soft tips, some are broomsticks. So what you’re looking for is the right action. Generally for frog fishing a Fast action is best. Usually heavy or medium heavy power depending on how much slop your frog is going through. Read this before deciding anything: 

 

https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/rod-actions-power.html

 

[bwjay]

41 minutes ago, michael1 said:

Which kind of tip is easier to walk a frog with?

A stiffer tip is good for easily imparting the walking action, but it's not always desirable for hooksets. You can end up pulling the frog away from the fish. At the same time, a stiff tip (and quick taper to backbone) helps you bury thick wire frog hooks. There is a happy medium somewhere... not a super soft tip, but soft enough to load the rod a little.

[new2BC4bass]

Also be aware that 'tip heavy' isn't necessarily tied to rod weight.  Dobyns rods are known for their balance, yet they aren't always the lightest.  A balanced...heavier rod...can be easier to fish all day than a tip heavy lighter rod.

[MN Fisher]

2 minutes ago, new2BC4bass said:

A balanced...heavier rod...can be easier to fish all day than a tip heavy lighter rod.

Mainly because a tip-heavy rod is putting the strain on your wrist, while a heavier rod puts the strain on the whole arm.

[new2BC4bass]

2 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Mainly because a tip-heavy rod is putting the strain on your wrist, while a heavier rod puts the strain on the whole arm.

Yeah.  I was dragging a spinnerbait across the tops of weed beds.  Definitely tired this old wrist out.  Was worth it as it wound up being one of my best days for numbers.

[Columbia Craw]

Close is strong, far is weak.  Hold a 20 pound weight with both hands out at arms length for two minutes.  Now hold it next to your chest.  This principal is why having a balanced rod is so much more relaxing and efficient to fish.