Does anyone know of a spinning reel seat (in 16 to 20 id size) that is more comfortable on the hand than the standard seat? Holding a surf rod by the reel seat all day makes even my big paws sore. I've tried things like bat tape to cushion the seat but they are just clumsy.

I have not tried one of these yet but plan to soon.
Take a look at this.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

and this


[www.rodbuilding.org]


Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/15/2006 12:11AM by Raymond_Adams.

Flocking my be something you might want to look into as well.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

I find the Fuji NPS spinning seat to be very comfortable to fish all day in the hand, comes in a couple sizes. That's the seat you can see part of in Raymond's last post picture. The first pictures are of an American Tackle 16 mm reelseat.

Size 17 skeleton seat, ergonomic cork insert, tapered to the same shape as the Fuji IPS. With a 3 inch or so fore section of a split grip, you'll basically get the same effect as the Fuji NPS or IPS, but in the 17 size, which I have found to be the most comfortable size. In size 16, you can do the same thing, but then the IPS and the Aero expand your options. Same in size 18, except add the NPS.

Here's a pic of my size 16 ergonomic seat and handle setup.

www.rodbuilding.org/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/1523/cat/507/page/1

I agree that the Fuji NPS is really comfortable. I used a size 18mm on my brother's Salmon rod and turned the foregrip down to the same diameter as the front neck. It's like a long extention that really feels great.

Big hands, I'd go with a larger O.D. reel seat of the ones diprcted, say an 18, they are generally more comfortable even for the smaller hand.

i agree with chris karp on the larger size. i have fairly large hands and i make my handles, even on my smaller fly rods(4wt), fairly large to fit my hands. i find the larger diameter seats and handles dont fatigue my hands as much. i have had customers look at them and say it doesnt look "traditional" ,but change their minds when they cast it.
good luck
j p timberlake

A flocked Fuji NPS is ultra comfortable! The seats in Raymonds first post are one of my favorites but wish the come in something bigger than a 16

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!