I have a GTBTG16C-11.5-TC exposed blank casting reel seat which I'm planning on fitting to a XSB842 blank, both Batson numbers. At the position I want the seat, I will have to shim the ends of the seat.
This will leave a gap of approx .75 mm/ side in the "window" of the seat. Is it OK fill the gap with epoxy or should I just buy a smaller seat? 10 mm seems OK.
Thanks

"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble.It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." Mark Twain
John in Wethersfield, CT

John,
I would recommend going to a smaller ID reel seat and reaming it to fit. If you have a gap at the exposed portion of the seat it will be both unsightly and uncomfortable. You can try filling it with epoxy, but you will not be happy with the results. You may still have to shim to the threaded barrel portion of the seat, but probably not if it is sized properly.

Scott Sheets
www.smsrods.com

Id go for the smaller ID until it fits, shimming might effect the purpose of an exposed seat.

Scott & Vern,
I agree.
I'll get the smaller reel seat on Monday.
Thanks

"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble.It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." Mark Twain
John in Wethersfield, CT

You will desire the proper seat for that blank with no compromise or additional weight.

Consider the following fully exposed seat -

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Use the contact us button at the following site for personal assistance with the set up.

[www.swamplandtackle.com]

I would call Karry Batson. He helped design the seat
Good Wraps Bob

The reel seat should fit your hand, not the blank.

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You can also place a half shim and pull the blank towards the opening. Just a thought.
Good Wraps Bob

Tom Kirkman Wrote:
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> The reel seat should fit your hand, not the
> blank.
>
> ..............


If he is using a 16 ecsm the size of the seat is the same, it's just the size of the opening that should be fit to the blank, right?

Scott Sheets
www.smsrods.com

A bit of a twist gets thrown in with the advent of the exposed reel seats. You pretty much have to buy one that does indeed fit the blank and usually without much if any shimming.

I think you are correct that many of these share the same outside diameter and it is the inside diameter that differs. In that case you do want to buy the one that fits the blank the best. Remember that you can slightly ream most of these out if they're just a tad tight on the blank.


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John:
Next time you order your parts, get the blank and seat from the same supplier and have them fit it. Just tell them how long your butt handle will be.

John like Bill said, I would call Karry Baston and tell him The diameter of the blank where the reelseat well go and he well give you the right reel seat number to order.
Good Wraps Bob

when i designed my line of rods i purchased all the blanks FIRST, then measured where the seats would fit with calipers, THEN ordered the reel seats. now i know that every time i order an 844 of Brand X, i will need a reel seat of this ID.

the manufacturer can measure the blank for you, but they can only guess where you will want to position your reel seat. you won't know either until you put that blank in your hand.

just food for thought...