Judging from the number of people (including me) that are starting to turn real seats, I think that a list of dimensions that are needed for the various skeleton seats would be very helpful. For instance, how long would the barrel need to be for a size 16, 17, etc need to be, what diameter?. How long would the stepped down parts on the ends need to be and what diameter would they need to be? If the various brands of seats are different, what would the dimensions be for a particular brand.

The same info for various fly reel sears would be helpful also.

I would be glad to compile all of this info into a spread sheet and make it available to everyone or even possibly post the info on a web site.

Any info that you would care to e-mail me with would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Mike
mbarkley@wowway.com

The length is always going to be about the same due to the length of most reel feet. Main barrel length needs to be 40 to 44mm long. Any longer and you may not be able to turn the locking seat down far enough to grasp the reel foot.

The shoulder diameter will vary seat model to seat model and I agree that a spread sheet of all the various makes and models would be helpful.

The barrel length can vary too, depending on the size reel that you are using. This is especially apparent in spinning reels. Foot width doesn't vary much, but length does. I like to trim my seats down to exactly match a particular reel, if the rod is only going to be used with that reel.

Set the moving hood on the threads so that just a couple of threads lie outside the hood. Set the hoods on the reel foot, and measure b/w the threads and fixed hood. Like I said, works best for a single reel. Going up in reel size shouldn't present a problem, but if a smaller reel foot is to fit, set the moving hood a few threads higher, then measure.

Trimming the seat threads is definitely a move for a single reel setup. You have to allow space for the hood to clear the reel foot for easy removal, then cut a couple of threads above the nut.

Most reel feet, from offshore big game reels to the smallest freshwater ultra-light reels, have similar sized feet. I'd have to get out a few and measure them, but they're going to all be within a few milimeters of one another.

In my own experience, any seat barrel longer than 40mm can run you into trouble with the moving hood not being able to cinch down far enough on some reel feet. Don't make the barrel too long.

.........

42mm is the length I use for everything. Fits perfect everytime.

Andy Dear
Lamar Reel Seats
www.lamarreelseats.com