G'day guys,
Just a quick question I have an order for a lite spin rod, and he claims size 16 reel seat feels small in his hand (one of those blokes with big fists you need the services everynow and again). My Question is can I use a 18 reel seat and cut it length down. What are the pitfalls of doing something like this and if anyone has done it how do they feel about the finished product.

Thanks again Guys,
Myles
Brisbane, Australia

Myles,
It's being done all the time, even St Croix looks like they are doing it on their production Legend Elite spinning rods, I believe 17 mm reelseat on their other spinning rods. Kistler and St Croix Legeng Elite are both using Fuji NPS type reelseats so it's becoming mainstream. If you blend your cork into the reelseat it looks just fine. G Loomis has used the 17 mm seat on their rods forever for the same reason, improved comfort.

Use a size 17 or 18 SKELETON seat. On top of being able to trim the threaded barrel to suit the customer, you can also shorten the length of the insert barrel.

I have the same problem, except that with an "ergo" insert I can now grip a size 16 without too much cramping. With a size 17 skeleton it would be perfect.

Thanks guys,
This guys hands are huge, I think I will drop down a size to a 17 as the 18 is the reel is loose.

Thanks again
Myles

Myles,
I too have large hands and a size 16 seat is very uncomfortable. I use size 18's on my spinning rods. I haven't made an ultralite rod for myself but if I do I will use a size 17 and put a shim where the reel feet fit into the seat.
Cheers, Ellis

I have started using 18mm seats on all my personal spinning rods, as they are a little easier on my arthritis. Going from 16mm to 18mm might not seem like much, but it makes a big difference over a long day of fishing. I also cut down the threaded section (usually a 1/2 inch or so), as it's really not needed for most freswater spinning reels. Only down size is if ya cut it too short; measure twice & cut once.

The pic below is of my most recent rod which has a cut down 18mm seat. Doesn't look half bad to me, but I am a little biased.

Reel seats should fit the hand of the person who will be using the rod. Most anglers find larger seats to be more comfortable over the course of a day's fishing. I've built many ultra-light spinning rods with size 20 reel seats. I really can't even imagine using something as small as a 16 on any spinning rod, unless it would be for a child. 18 seems to be a good all around size unless the person has extremely small or large hands.

When cutting the barrel length shorter, make sure you can still open it far enough to allow the intended reel to be inserted. Any extra can be cut/removed and will never be missed.

............

Tom, How do you get over the wobble in the reelseat, is there a better way to sure up the reel foot rather than a couple of match sticks or tape.

Myles

Joe,

Looks great.

A lighter reel may help that arthritis.

;-)

(disclaimer: Joe and I have been having the reel 'discussion' for ages)

Hey George,
What part of the FAA do you work in.
Myles