Hi, Group....
Let's discuss the fly-rod SPLINE. (Some, such as Don Phillips, prefer to call it the SPINE.)
1.) What is it ?
2.) On which side of the blank do most rod manufactures place it as they make up a rod ?
3.) What is its effect ?
a. In picking up line for a back cast ?
b. In making a forward cast. ?
4.) Does placement of the spline (spine) have any effect on tracking ?
5.) You have two graphite fly rods. Both are top-of-the-line rods made by a well reputed rod company. One was purchased 15 years ago.....you bought the other yesterday.
Question: Is there likely to be any difference in the splines (spines) between these two rods ?
6.) Do most bamboo rods have a defined spline ?
7.) How do you find it ?
Two good references for this information, are Dale Clemens book on rod building, and Don Phillips, "The Technology of fly Rods".
Gordy