In some of the catalogues that list reel seat inserts, some of the inserts are listed as "stabalized" and some are not. What is stabalized wood and what would happen if I made my own reel seat from non-stabalized wood?

Stabilized wood has usually been pressure impregnated with some type of acrylic material. This creates a situation where the wood won't rot, warp, split, crack or do any of the things regular wood can and usually does.

You can certainly make inserts out of wood that has not been stabilized. It's been done for hundreds of years. Wood is very unique material but it does tend to move, swell, rot, etc., in the outdoors. The key to a long life is a good finish and reasonable care.


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Tom,

So would you recommend stabilized inserts for saltwater, or just say to stick w/ alluminum? I've been using wood inserts for a while and have had no problems w/ them yet (rinse after fishin')....but still worry. Just wonderin'

Thanks,
Ray

It's hard to beat stabilized inserts for any outdoor use, but wood that is well finished and given reasonable care isn't going to rot away or fall apart on you even in saltwater. Lots of wooden boats out there that are decades old (or older) and are still quite seaworthy.

When I don't use wood, I stick with the graphite/nylon seats. I find them better than aluminum on all counts, but that's just me.

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I disagree totally, Tom. Long live aluminum! I know graphite is great, but it just seems so mass market and impersonall. I have two rods (pathetically small number, I know) built with aluminum reel seats an and they are great! Much stiffer IMO than graphite, but man do they get cold! I guess I,m prejudiced, I am a union millwright, there is no precision tool in my box made from graphite or plastic or nylon or recycled milk jugs. Wood is very traditional, I have seen some beautifull rods with wood seats/butts. If I had a wood lathe, I'd make one.