Can anyone explain rod action.....

[tigerbalm2424]

from a technical materials/design/manufacturing processing standpoint? Specifically, I would like to understand what the physical differences are between like rods with different actions, be it materials or build process.

[polarsusd81]

A lot of it has to do with the taper of the rod. If you want to hear Deitz tell it like it is, check out the podcast he did a couple weeks ago on rod selection. He was working the Cabelas show and figured it was a good time to cover the subject. A lot of good info on the podcast.

You don't need an iPod either, you can just download the mp3 and listen to it on your computer.

[tigerbalm2424]

 Originally Posted By: polarsusd81

A lot of it has to do with the taper of the rod. If you want to hear Deitz tell it like it is, check out the podcast he did a couple weeks ago on rod selection. He was working the Cabelas show and figured it was a good time to cover the subject. A lot of good info on the podcast.

You don't need an iPod either, you can just download the mp3 and listen to it on your computer.

Where do I find the MP3 file for download?

[polarsusd81]

Here is a link to the post that has the mp3 download. If that doesn't quite work for ya, I am pretty sure we could get some others to chime in as well.

Choosing the right open water rod podcast

Let us know if this works for ya.

[RiverBassGuy]

The biggest difference is the type of graphite/material blend they use. An "ugly stick" is a low grade material that is as flexible as it gets, but it has virtually no sensitivity. Despite their advertisements.... A G-Loomis IMX has WAY more rigid. If bent at certain angles it could very well snap. This blend happens to be more fragile, but a thousand times more sensiive. As far as action, that has to do with where the rod bends. check it out, this was taken from tacklewarehouse.com:

[BobT]

One thing that I'm not sure about. I don't believe rod action and rod sensitivity go hand-in-hand. A rod can have a light action but no sensitivity and vise versa. I know my two jigging rods are quite different. The one labeled medium-light action is far less sensitive than the one labeled medium action. I suspect that sensitivity is dependent on a wide range of variables including but limited to rod material, rod design (through handle or not), rod flexibility, rod length, rod balance, reel used, etc.

One thing I struggle with is when considering a rod for purchase, what do you all find to be the best or easiest way to get a feel about how sensitive it is before you purchase? I've gone as far as installing the reel and holding the rod while someone taps on the end with a drinking straw.

Bob

[slipperybob]

Rod sensitivity is also affected by line type and the tension on that line. An ugly stick at neutral telegraphs very little to the hand, but watching the tip often indicates action is occuring. High modulas graphite rods telegraphs changes to the hand but wathcing teh tip may not show any noticeable indication. Superlines are supple and when there's no tension on the line, transmits nothing to rod tip.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Tiger, did the podcast help?.. I could try to explain it better, but the above posts do a pretty decent job as well.

[tigerbalm2424]

 Originally Posted By: Deitz Dittrich

Tiger, did the podcast help?.. I could try to explain it better, but the above posts do a pretty decent job as well.

Sorry, havent had a chance yet. Been too busy picking up new Crucial TC4 rods from Thorne Brothers!

TC4 rods really has a distinct look when the light hits them compared to the non-tc4 crucial rods.

[jwhjr]

Interesting information from everyone. I'll have to check out the podcast as well.

[tigerbalm2424]

Just got done listening to the podcast. Nice,quick,informative. I think I made the right decision on my rods.

Thanks Deitz.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Glad to be of help... I have quite a few of the TC4 rods.. I use them for cranking and spinnerbaits.. Awsome rods!

Glad you liked the podcast.

[tigerbalm2424]

 Originally Posted By: Deitz Dittrich

Glad to be of help... I have quite a few of the TC4 rods.. I use them for cranking and spinnerbaits.. Awsome rods!

Glad you liked the podcast.

Ok, for some reason the work week is over and my mind is still going!

I have a Crucial (non-tc4 stamped) CRC-70ML, 1/8-3/8, FAST, ML, but it has a broken tip that TB just repaired for me. All in all it lost about 1.75 inches from its original length. How is this going to affect is characteristics? Is there a model as to how shortening a rod will affect its characteristics?

Thanks again for all the knowledgeable responses!

[NCLaker]

I thought Crucials are suppose to be life time warrentied ... did you try using the over the counter exchange for that rod?

[slipperybob]

Not sure as to a model, but generally a broken tip steps up the tip action or step up the power rating and downs the tip action. It all depends on the particular bend curve on the rod blank. Typically on casting rods, there's an aggressive taper from the tip. While on spinning rods, the tip flex is usually a lot further down the blank. And both these rods may have the same power rating and tip action with the same line rating and lure application.

The only measurable method I know is to graph the tip curve with various weights. You'll have to compare the original rod against a shortened rod.