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Walter & Group...
[GH] On Dec 17, 2010, Ted Warren asked a question which I think is right in line with our present topic :
Gordy,
What an interesting group!
I'll start participating but wanted to observe a little first.
Here's an easy question from a new CCI that came up at a loops group working on a Spring workshop. If you all have been over this thoroughly, just disregard or let me know a good reference for the answer.
Is rod tip path the only factor in creating loop size?
A lot of the literature seems to indicate that.
If not, what are all the other contributing factors?
Ted
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[GH]
Ted,
A VERY good question !
The path of the rod tip during the casting stroke is the primary factor in determining loop size but not the only one.
Here are the factors as I see them in order of importance :
1.) Path of of the rod tip during the casting stroke -
Convex rod tip path = wide loop.
Straight (almost) rod tip path = small loop.
Concave rod tip path = tailing loop
2.) The position of the rod tip relative to the oncoming line as it travels through the Rod Straight Position (as the loop starts to appear as the line starts to overtake the rod tip ).
CAVEATS:
a. If RSP* occurs with the tip close to the oncoming line the loop is small.
b. If RSP occurs with the rod tip down a greater distance from the oncoming line the loop is larger.
c. The shorter you "speed up and stop", the closer RSP is to the oncoming line = small loop (Lefty Kreh)**
d. The longer you "speed up and stop" the farther RSP is to the oncoming line = larger loop (Lefty Kreh) **
e If the caster begins the casting stroke with a convex rod tip path followed by an almost straight path, the loop is wide with the fly leg elevated. (Sometimes used to "kite" the fly line when casting with a strong wind from behind.)
f. a. through d. can be considered loop size determined by the path of the rod tip NEAR THE END OF THE STROKE.
g. e. still represents loop size determined by rod tip path AT THE BEGINNING OF THE STROKE.
SUMMARY : ALL THE ABOVE; (a. through g.) still represent loop size being determined by rod tip path during all or some portion of
the casting stroke.
3.) Modifications of loop size after RSP (After loop formation) -
a.) A loop can be torn open and widened by rod tip movement which exaggerates counterflex AFTER RSP ( after the casting stroke).
b.) Expert distance casters sometimes sharpen the loop with a brief upward and outward thrust of the rod tip as the loop is formed at RSP (or so close to it that we have not been certain it isn't a millisecond before or after.)
c. A "deformed" loop with multiple waves can be formed if the caster strikes the rod butt section against a stationary object at the end of the casting stroke due to excessive rod vibration with erratic rod tip path. This sometimes also results in opening up and enlarging a loop as it forces the rod tip into magnified counterflex.
d. None of these (a. - c.) represent loop size as a function of rod tip path during the casting stroke.
e. All of these represent alteration of loop size as a result of rod tip path after the casting stroke.
4.) Controversy exists over what is sometimes called an "open loop" or "no loop" formed as the new caster with an uncontrolled wrist uses an extreme convex rod tip path combined with inappropriate application of power. Even this can be considered a function of rod tip path (whatever we elect to call it.)
Some consider the underpowered curve cast as made with a purposeful "open loop" as the rod tip is decelerated as the rod tip is moved through a curved path ie. convex path in the horizontal plane. (Others consider this as a form of mend.)
CONCLUSION : LOOP SIZE IS DETERMINED BY THE ROD TIP PATH EITHER DURING OR FOLLOWING THE CASTING STROKE.
* RSP = Rod Straight Position (Referring to RSP 1 = the first time the rod becomes straight at the completion of the cast.)
** CASTING WITH LEFTY KREH, by Lefty Kreh, 2008, p. 414, "LOOP CONTROL"
Hope this helps.
Gordy
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