Was poking around on the Loomis website this morning looking for a blank and came across their own definition of "action." I know it's been discussed here before and I thought I'd just toss this in the mix for those that still aren't too sure what it means. It does seems that Loomis also uses the term to describe where or how the rod flexes, not how quickly it reacts or that sort of thing.


Action
Rod action refers to the flex characteristics of a rod, varying from Slow to Extra-Fast. An Extra-Fast action rod flexes mainly at the tip. Slower (or softer) action rods flex throughout the entire length of the rod. Moderate action falls in between. We tailor the action of each of our rods to the particular fishing application for which they're designed, taking into account the preferred lure action, optimum casting range, fighting power, the feel of the rod, and countless other variables.

About the same as in the rb.org Glossary:

Action
Where most of the initial flex in a rod blank takes place. Fast Action rods will flex mostly in the upper 1/3rd of their length. Moderate Action rods in the upper 1/2 of their length. Slow Action rods flex along their entire length. *See also "Progressive Action."

Progressive Action
Term used to describe a rod blank that continues to bend farther back towards the butt end as load upon it is increased. As the load is increased, the blank responds by shifting the load onto the larger, more powerful area towards the middle and rear of the blank.

Also

What about "rapidity" (speed) (how long to come back to the original, "still" position, after a flexion)

and

"Power" how much weight can the rod cast.

Action, Rapidity and Power are maybe all aspects of a rod characteristic...

My input...

Alessandro Brunelli
Switzerland

www.upon-bamboo-fly-fishing-rods-and-reels.com/index.html

They are, but they are not "Action." Speed is just that, speed of reaction and recovery. And this will be relative in nature as compared to blanks that react and recover more quickly or less so. Action is where the rod initially flexes.

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