Drop Shot Rod and Reel Balance

[wanderful]

How crucial is balance in a drop shot combo? I recently purchased my first drop shot rod, a Dobyns Sierra SA 692SF, and put my old Daiwa BG 2500 on it. I want to upgrade to a nicer reel, but even at 9.3oz the BG 2500 balances farther forward of the reel seat than what's comfortable for me. I have small hands and have to use all 4 fingers in front of the reel seat to reach this balance point.

 

I keep reading that balance is important for greater senstivity in finesse applications, but I'm having a hard time observing this better sensitivity when holding this rod at the balance point versus my usual grip (2 fingers in front of the real seet). Would a nicer, lighter reel be a detriment to this setup? Should I even go so far as to purchase a heavier reel to help balance the setup? Am I overthinking this?

 

Thanks!

[optimator]

IMO you're overthinking it. I've got 4 or 5 of those BG reels and wouldn't think of replacing them. Unless I wanted something lighter. Like I said, it's just my opinion. 

[Tennessee Boy]

Rod balance is a concept dreamed up a few years ago to sell more rods.   If you fish by balancing the rod on one finger without a lure tied on, I could see where it would make a difference.  Otherwise,  I think the whole concept is laughable and completely ignores the laws of physics.   
 

Some people seem to enjoy trying to achieve a balance point as close to the reel as possible using the one finger balance test.  If this brings you joy then go for it.  My only objection is when folks claim it matters while fishing.  

[ironbjorn]

Balance and weight isn't even worth thinking about unless you have injuries or wear and tear that comes with age. You won't notice. This, in my opinion, is one of those niche things for people to obsess about.

[GetFishorDieTryin]

IMO balance is important.  Its definitely a tangible aspect that effects the feel and way a rod fishes.  For example the 1st gen St Croix Premeir Split grips were made a cableas exclusive.  Constantly keeping the tip up increases fatigue, felt weight, makes the tip feel sluggish and decreases sensitivity 

The balance wasnt the best on the full grip premiers to begin with and by shortening the rear grip and removing a considerable amount of cork it made the rods incredibly tip heavy.  Even when I put old Slammer 460 on it (19oz reel) the tip is still heavy.  

In your case, changing to a slightly heavier reel likley isnt going to help much if 9oz doesnt balance it, as it supposed to be a DS rod.  I choke up on my spinning rods, all fingers are above the reel stem, which is why I dont care for Dobyns spinning rods, as they are uncomfortable lacking a foregrip.  Im somewhat surprised at how poor the Sierra balances.  Dobyns actually counterweights their rods to eliminate heavy tips.  It makes the total weight of the rod increase, but the decreases the felt weight.  

The only suggestion I can make is to find an aftermarket butt cap at Mudhole.  I have a 9ft suzuki rod that was tip heavy with any reel, a rubber fuji made a huge difference.  Adding a rubber butt cap on the end of the rod will increase overall weight, but it will improve the balance of the rod dramatically.

[Darth-Baiter]

i like the garden box in the background..

 

and i think balancing a rod like that makes no sense.  things change when there is a bait/lure at the end anyways.  right now, it looks to be clipped into the bait keeper?  

[QED]

9 hours ago, Tennessee Boy said:

Rod balance is a concept dreamed up a few years ago to sell more rods.   If you fish by balancing the rod on one finger without a lure tied on, I could see where it would make a difference.  Otherwise,  I think the whole concept is laughable and completely ignores the laws of physics.   
 

Some people seem to enjoy trying to achieve a balance point as close to the reel as possible using the one finger balance test.  If this brings you joy then go for it.  My only objection is when folks claim it matters while fishing.  

I like a UL setup that has decent balance for fishing from the shore at a nearby pond. Makes hand carrying a bit easier.  I fish and carry my UL setups with only the forefinger ahead of the stem for spinning (infrequently I might place the middle finger ahead of the stem as well). For casting, I don’t ponder the lateral, static balance of the rig because those I usually carry those by holding at least a part of the reel.

[WRB]

Use the rod and fish with it before trying a lighter weight reel will make it feel tip heavy.

Tom

[Bird]

Balance on slack line feels good but load shifts forward apon working the bait.

Med light for DS here.

[Columbia Craw]

You should be fine as is.?

[ska4fun]

16 hours ago, Tennessee Boy said:

Rod balance is a concept dreamed up a few years ago to sell more rods.   If you fish by balancing the rod on one finger without a lure tied on, I could see where it would make a difference.  Otherwise,  I think the whole concept is laughable and completely ignores the laws of physics.   
 

Some people seem to enjoy trying to achieve a balance point as close to the reel as possible using the one finger balance test.  If this brings you joy then go for it.  My only objection is when folks claim it matters while fishing.  

But it matters.  The finger test is useful to show where the mass center is in the reel-rod combo. The closest to the hand/fore grip, the better, for casting, specially when jerking and slashing. When the combo is heavier, way above the fore grip, the stress in the wrists more noticeable.

[Steveo-1969]

I wouldn’t change your reel, I would change your grip instead. I held a spinning rod like you do (2 fingers in front and 2 behind the reel stem) until I saw Aaron Martens demonstrate how he held a spinning rod - all four fingers in front of the reel stem and his index finger extended and resting on the rod blank. With your hand in this position the rod tip will feel lighter (which I prefer for bottom contact presentations) and my brain tells me I can feel more with my index finger on the blank. My wrist does not get fatigued during a long day of fishing. I have more leverage for a strong hook set (if needed). And when fighting a fish I place the rod butt against my forearm for more leverage as well.

[garroyo130]

Where does it point when you hold it naturally? I fish drop shot with the rod tip pointed towards the water and I sweep sideways, I don't hold the rod horizontal, so my ideal balance is probably tip heavy if measured the way you're measuring.