Just something to consider in the category of quantitative observations. I have tested over 100 fly and freshwater spinning blanks using CCS and in the vast majority of them, the difference in rod power (ERN) between spine-up and spine-down testing is on the order of 1 penny, or 0.15 ERN. That is not a differene I can feel and I seriously doubt anyone else can either. Rod power is often cited as a good reason for locating guides in relation to the spine and I find that to be a weak argument. I've experimented by building my rods with the spine in every conceivable place in a deliberate attempt to notice something .... nothing. I may be wrong or as many are saying here, it may just be like dog whistles - something that we are not going to perceive so it's better to focus on more important things like minimizing weight and acheiving good outfit balance.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/13/2005 09:03AM by Steve Kartalia.

Good point. On the CCS scale the most difference I've observed between softest and stiffest axis is just .2 ERN.

We often hear about positioning the spine in a certain orientation to get more "power" on the backcast or opposite for more fish fighting power. If you want more power, you'll be better off moving to a more powerful blank to begin with.

I think William made a good point as well - the spine is mostly a reference point used for consistency.

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

this is the fishermans webster .i have learned more on this topic in a matter of a few hours, than i have learned over the last few months trying to find this kind info on my own.have to say thanks guys.

Ya learn something every day......my spine, after many years and several surgeries, leans forward in the morning, that's no problem after a few cups of coffee, cause it starts spiraling right away. It's the afternoon part when it starts leaning backward that I start thinking of guide placement. The only time it works well is when I'm done fishin' and have it laid out straight on a soft flat surface. Don't ask me if the guides are pointing up or down. And that's all I want to know about spine.