Rod stiffness

 

Walter & Group....

 

Gordy -

 

The stiffness of the rod would be determined by:

- the stiffness of the materials used in the rod - this includes the scrim and bonding agent, where applicable, and the body material (graphite, fiberglass, boron, bamboo, etc.)

- the design of the rod - length, material portions, curing process, thickness of walls, diameter of cross section, taper, type of ferrules, number of ferrules (this could cause discussion by some

  but the number of ferrules definitely affects stiffness), component spacing

- the manufacturing process - component selection, spine selection, wrapping, finish

 

In addition, the line, leader and fly could affect how stiff the rod feels to the caster.

 

Temperature would also affect the stiffness but the degree would not be noticeable to the caster.

 

Are there any other things that could affect the actual rod stiffness or how stiff it feels to the caster?

 

Thanks

 

Walter

 

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Walter....

 

I think you have covered it.  Manufacturers have pointed out that modern ferrules are not as bad at yielding, "flat spots" and increasing stiffness as the old ones...and I feel they are correct about that.

 

Tom White has had a lot of experience with rod making and component choices.....he finds even a bit of difference in the, "feel" of stiffness by taking a commercially made blank and removing the finish completely using steel or bronze wool (I forget which).

 

HOWEVER... In my hands, I've come to love the new one piece salt water rods produced by one high end rod maker.  These new rods have very flexible Titanium/ Nickel guides and minimal wrappings, too. (Too long for travel, though.)

 

 

As an aside, I just got a message from Steve Hollensed adding another "Duty" for the line hand....that of anchoring the line.  Good point.

 

Gordy