[fishnerd]

The Biting the bullet thread got me thinking as well, Does having the blank exposed on the reel seat have any noticed benefits? Just curious since neither of my casting rods have this, they both have cork. Also Ive noticed some of the newer bass rods have the split grip design, would that design work for a Salmon/Steelhead rod also, for increased sensitivity?

Cheers!

 

[Loctite]

I think you do gain a little more sensitivity. I prefer the exsposed blank because its more comfortable for me. I f there was a choice I would always go with it. On the flip side I have seen some of my friends rods that fish mostly eggs and the blank at that part needs re-varnished and cleaned up alot. I think some egg gue can ruin your rod if you dont clean it off. I alway clean my rods.

 

[the kid 2]

The Biting the bullet thread got me thinking as well, Does having the blank exposed on the reel seat have any noticed benefits? Just curious since neither of my casting rods have this, they both have cork.
Cheers!

My schooling in rod building came years ago when Limiglass was still here in Kent. A member of our club was the vice pres. there and we had access to the plant after hours. We bought blanks that were seconds and built many a rod. We always ran the blank though the entire rod, using fly reel seats and hollow corks. It was common place in those days to use doweling though the seat areas on store bought rods. We did this for sensitivity and it was way better. Frankly that is why I am leaning towards the G. Loomis rods at the present time.
One thing more that has got me thinking along the lines of sensitivity is the line used. Telegraphing the "bite" is crucial and I'm running that though my mind now on how well mono vs. braid and line weight might play into it.

 

[BERG]

Not enough increased sensitivity to make a difference...I think your blank selection and guides are the two most important factors.

If you like the look of them, then go ahead - for that reason.

 

[sr5mike]

The Biting the bullet thread got me thinking as well, Does having the blank exposed on the reel seat have any noticed benefits? Just curious since neither of my casting rods have this, they both have cork.
Cheers!

My schooling in rod building came years ago when Limiglass was still here in Kent. A member of our club was the vice pres. there and we had access to the plant after hours. We bought blanks that were seconds and built many a rod. We always ran the blank though the entire rod, using fly reel seats and hollow corks. It was common place in those days to use doweling though the seat areas on store bought rods. We did this for sensitivity and it was way better. Frankly that is why I am leaning towards the G. Loomis rods at the present time.
One thing more that has got me thinking along the lines of sensitivity is the line used. Telegraphing the "bite" is crucial and I'm running that though my mind now on how well mono vs. braid and line weight might play into it.

Have you looked at the Fetha-Styx rods they seem very nice. you can call jim the owner and he will build you one to your taste.

 

[fishnerd]

I second the Fetha-Styx recommendation. I have one of their production spinning rods and I think its great. It is a good company as well, one of the guides broke off and I drove to Redmond, Jim replaced the section for no charge and they even put my name on the rod...talk about customer service. I havent used it very much lately since I started learning how to use baitcasting rods.

Cheers!

 

[sr5mike]

I second the Fetha-Styx recommendation. I have one of their production spinning rods and I think its great. It is a good company as well, one of the guides broke off and I drove to Redmond, Jim replaced the section for no charge and they even put my name on the rod...talk about customer service. I havent used it very much lately since I started learning how to use baitcasting rods.

Cheers!

MY son was looking for a certain pole and sportco didnt have it. So we called fetha-styx and asked if they had shipped any lately.They forwarded me to jim the owner he told me they we going to build a run of them in two weeks . He told me if i wanted one to come on up pick my colors and cork and he would sell it to me at sportcos price. Now talk about customer service.

 

[the kid 2]

Not enough increased sensitivity to make a difference...I think your blank selection and guides are the two most important factors.

If you like the look of them, then go ahead - for that reason.

Clarification needed on this one.
When using the bait casting rods, sensitivity is much more in play because the line lies directly on the blank, thus producing much more "feel". When using a spinning rod the line lies on the guides only and IMO produces far less sensitivity than the bait casting rod.