Matching rod weight to reel weight?

[William B.]

Hello,need some input outside the shop.I have the new lamson V4 and purchasing a burkie.8141.the V4 weight is 7.5oz and Kerry calls for 10.5 oz of reel,will the weight of the line comp.?

[bigtj]

A couple hundred yards and a fly line weigh 2-3 oz. I think rod balance is a personal preference kind of thing. I am fine with reels a little lighter, I acutally compensate by using smaller reels and micronite backing to end up with reels a couple ounces lighter than other folks use. I guess all I can say is try it. If you like it don't worry.

[Red Shed]

I think you will be right in the ball park. A Velocity 4 will hold a 75' Carron 10/11 and 150 yds of SA 30# backing which will weigh just a bit over 4 oz.

[halcyon]

My take on this subject is a bit different. The reel/line are used to balance the rod when you are fishing the fly, not during the casting stroke itself. The idea is to not have a tip heavy rod as this puts strain on the forearm muscles which leads to discomfort. Thus, the weight of the reel and the backing and running line are considered in the reel weight as the fly line head and tip (if used) are going to be in the water. In this scenario a 7.5 oz reel and even 250 yds of 30# dacron is not likely to balance the rod properly. This area of balancing a long rod with reel weight is one area where lighter is not better.

Regards,

[luckybalbowa]

If you really cared about balancing the rod and your reel is too light, why couldn't you use some lead core trolling line as some of your backing?

[DRBfish]

don't sweat an ounce or two. If it is going to bother you duct tape a large bolt to the lower grip:cool:

[Preston]

I've always felt that the weight of the reel and its ability to somehow "balance" even a single handed rod was rather an odd idea since it would have to balance an ever-changing amount of weight at the tip of the rod as the length of the line and the forces applied during the casting stroke change continually during the process of false-casting and working line out. I can see even less reason to be concerned with the weight of the reel on a two-hander since the reel is near or at the center of rotation and at a nearly neutral point so far as acceleration and deceleration is concerned.

[Marty]

If you think a balanced outfit is not important, take your reel off some time and cast the rod with the reel on the ground. It’s not fun and a lot more work. The reel if balanced will enhance the casting stroke and improve timing. I don’t think 1 ounce is going to make that much of a difference, though I would rather have a reel that is too heavy than to light. I like the balance point to be at the top of the handle. I also agree with the fatigue factor, a tip heavy rod put a drain on my arms and I find my self propping the rod under an arm during the swing. A lazy swing = no fish.

[Porter]

This is an interesting thread. In relation to single handers why are many top rods (that promote fast action) screwed down with a Tibor/Abel/RossBG which come in several ounces higher than others ...for instance (or as opposed) to many lighter alternatives...Litespeed, Evolution, Torque etc. (Not saying that the lighter reels don't get their moments too with these rods) ...just interesting because there are significant weight differences between reel manufactures but (yet) they still go on the same rods. For example an XP 8 weight at 4 ozs. can be fitted with a LightSpeed under 6 ouces or a Tibor at plus 10 ozs. ...we seem tyo be discussing ounces...does it really factor in that much and if it does what is the performance difference (in terms of casting) ....Do certain rods cast better with heavier or lighter reels on their shoulders (per say)? Just interested in opions?

[Charles Sullivan]

I just tested my speys with "new to me" reels. Put the line on and find where you want it to balance. I try to keep my top (right) hand in the same place on the grip during the swing as it is when I cast. I have only been at this 2 hand thing for one year so this gives me one less thing to need to think about. That means first and foremost it's the swinging balance point is on the cork. As stated before lead line can be used to add weight to a reel. Weight can never be subtracted.
Pitchers and Catchers Feb 18,
cds

[Eric Tarcha]

go tigers!

[William B.]

Thanks for your input.

[BDD]

Galvan reels have additional weights that can be added to custom the weight/balance you prefer.