I'm building up a Dan Craft 8' 2wt for my brother and would appreciate some input on reel seats. I have a Venneri Esopus but it's heavy. It weighs about 1.361 oz or 38.63 grams. I'm considering a REC PLRN which as of yet, I don't have. Does anybody know roughly what the PLRN reel seat weighs? Will the weight of the Venneri reel make a noticeable difference on the finished rod?

Thanks,

Erik

That reel seat is designed for the rod you have in mind...2-5wt (If it is the same one that is listed on their site). I wouldn't obsess over it too much, after all, Venneri seats are as good as it gets where seats are concerned. If you ARE concerned about the weight, then go with the cork...I can't think of anything lighter.

just my 2 cents,

Tim

I agree with Tim, the Esopus reel seat is made for lighter weight fly rods. It will balance very nicely with the 8' rod length. Plus, the Esopus is a classic reel seat, which goes perfectly with a classic D.C. blank. Should turn out to be a really fine fly rod.

Russ

Thanks guys. Hopefully, it will be a special gift and I want it done right.

Erik

The Esopus came in 2 sizes.The smaller one would be OK(although it's still a bit long nd heavy for a 2wt IMHO) but the larger one would definitely be too big.

I have quite a few of them in both sizes and tend to use the smaller one on 4-5wt rods,and the larger one on 6-7wt rods(although it still looks good on a 5wt).I absolutely LOVE these seats(that's why I tried to get as many as I could,LOL) on rods like these and think they are the classiest looking reel seat out there,but on lighter rods(3wt and down) I think I would go with something a little smaller and shorter in length like the small upslide(I have several of these and love them as well) or cap and ring models.On really light rods,the Kaaterskill models would be perfect(if the blank you have will fit it).I have a up/downslide Kaaterskill model that is so light and tiny that I wouldn't hesitate to put it on a 0wt rod.

If these smaller Venneri models aren't available any more then the Bellinger ULSB is nice alternative and I'm sure REC has a similar model(the rope knurl is very nice on the REC seats).I used a REC PLRN on my 0wt Sage SLT and it's very nice with the rope knurling.The PLRN is definitely light weight and holds my reels well,as do my Bellinger ULSB and Venneri upslide seats with the wood inserts.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/20/2007 05:13AM by Tony Dowson.

Thanks Tony. It is the smaller Esopus and some weight will be removed if I ream it to fit the blank. From what I understand, most people like the blank as a 3wt..

Erik