Has anybody put in a counterweight as a part of the cork handle assembly? If yes, I am interested in your opinion.

My current thinking is ....

I am looking at building a 13'6" draft rod. To balance the rod, I am looking at a ~2oz counterweight within 10" from the reel. A 1.25" brass rod with 0.46" center hole for the blank would be 0.492" deep for 2oz.

Given the mass/size of the counterweight, I am thinking the best approach would be ... reel seat, followed by 7" of cork, then counter-weight, then 2" of cork with fighting butt.

I am considering making it a split collar for removal or create an inset for the cork.

Obviousily, actual length of brass has yet defined, as I need to complete the mechanical model for balance.

David, I've used Bronze (slightly heavier than brass) as the end cap. Assuming you are able to machine it. Tapered to match the handle, put in a few feature lines to dress it up, drilled and c'sunk for Bronze Phillips head screw. Epoxied wood dowel in the blank and drilled for a minimal thread depth so as not to pressure the blank. The bronze doesn't polish up very well but I don't think it looked bad. Added benefit, you can use it as a priest to dispatch your catch LOL.

So is the screw into graphite? How heavy is your bronze cap? (seems like a personal question, but I am a bold canadian).

David
This should help [www.basspro.com]

David, the weights I've made have ranged from about 5/8" to 1 1/2"lg. and I'm only guessing about 2 to 2 1/2 oz.
No, the screw goes into a piece of wood dowel epoxied into the end of the blank.