is there any functional difference between an up-locking or a down-locking reel seat?

Not as far as securing the reel but the reel will be positioned in a different position relative to the rod grip.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

A down locking will position the reel farther away from the grip, resulting in more weight transferred to the Butt, Usually desired with Bamboo. An uplocking the opposite, usually preffered with Graphite.

the shift in weight is one difference but downlocking isn't just for bamboo. it's been recommended for some who have tendinitis (just one small avenue to help relieve stress), for those who need the weight nearer the end, for those who want a lighter reel seat (aluminum cap and ring, DL, can be lighter and the shift in weight can help) or for those who want that more traditional look on a fly rod. for those who say it exposes your reel to dirt when standing up on the ground, simply toss your hat on the ground first, then place rod end on it.

uplocking, people say it keeps the reel cleaner by keeping it farther away from the ground when standing up the rod during breaks, better weight balance, more appealing aesthetically, etc.

when building the rod, you should insure the end cap/hood is attached well when dealing with downlocking since pressure is applied upon locking the reel

with uplocking, some reel seats designed in certain ways need an inset in the cork grip. most if not all downlocking seats require a flat surface on the rear of the cork grip.

at first i liked uplocking, now i prefer downlocking for small stream fly rods, which is the only type i wrap right now.

eric
fresno, ca.

Chuck , if you look thru the photo page , there is a pic. posted By Tom Kirkman of a setup he did on a flyrod that is adjustable from both sides . It looks like he took 2 Fuji skeliton sets and used the 2 halfs with the threaded barrels and locking rings .He put them facing each other on an incert . With this set up the reel can actually be adjusted quite a distance up or down on the incert , thus moving the balance point of the rod as it changes position . Now you have 3 options , Have Fun , John NERBS

Got Fish ?

struble offers a reel seat which offers similar options, kind of a cap and ring with an additional pocket up front at the grip.

eric
fresno, ca.

I like uplocking hardware or cap and ring. The BIG disadvantage of uplocks is that the line will take a turn over the protrusion. But I like the look, so put up with the nuisance.