Im just wondering if there is any difference between a blank labeled spinning to a blank labeled casting?

Insofar as how they are made, no difference.

Some blanks are often listed in both categories.

Sometimes a company will specifically design a blank to be used for a particular application, such as casting, but you can use it either way if the specs fill the bill for what you need. A rod blank is a rod blank. It's just a tapered, tubular shaft.

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As Tom suggests, a blank is a blank. There are many different builders, that frequent this forum, that have built the same blank into casting and spinning. Also Fly into spinning. The blank doesn't know what it's for until you build it.

Bill in WV

Jason,
For marketing purposes, and to make shopping easier for the consumer, most manufacturers separate their blanks by saying casting or spinning.

In fact, many of the blanks in each category are the same blank.

Other manufacturers do have different blanks in their different sections.

Generally speaking - all other facts being the same- the general rule of thumb is that for the same application, the casting blank will be stiffer.

This is particularly true of certain manufacturers.

However, other manufacturers sell the identical blank - with two different labels - one called casting, and one called spinning.

With respect to the rod builder - the particular label on the blank is not important as far as they type handle and guides one puts on the blank. One can put a spinning handle and guides on any blank.
The same is true for a casting rod handle and guides.

It is up to the rod builder to help the client select the blank - irrespective of the label - to meet the clients fishing needs.

Take care
Roger

Roger touched on the one distinction some manufacturers make and that's power difference. I don't use them often, but I've measured the same St. Croix blank in casting and spinning and the casting was about 30% more powerful.

From my experience, I've found that some blanks labeled as a casting series have a little stiffer tip when compared to the same action and power in a spinning blank. If that makes sense.
But I prefer a casting blank for my spinning rods. They seem to work a top water plug and flutter jig better.

It isn't "the same action" or "the same power" or "the same rating" ... simply because blanks are compared ONLY to their own peers within the same manufacturer.

What G Loomis rates as a 6-12# spinning blank isn't the same as a St Croix 6-12# spinning blank.

BTW, part of the confusion in the thought process that "casting blanks are stiffer" or "casting blanks are more powerful" is that manufacturers play with the classifications of an identical blank. Put blank ABC123 into a freshwater spinning category and it is 10-20#, put it into a freshwater casting category and it is 10-17#, repaint the rascal and class it as inshore spinning ... now it is 8-17#. And guess what, the same blank is behind each curtain. Many times the ONLY difference between $90 and $130 is a paint job and a tag.

The ONLY way to really understand what is going on is to bend the blanks. Either buy them OR come to the Expo. Both are going to cost you money ... but the latter is more exciting and a better entertainment value.

Many blanks, like the popping and steelhead/salmon blanks for instance, are identical blanks with different hardware attached.

WELL SAID JIM!!!!!

Bill in WV

Why guess? Use the URRS and all your questions can be answered.

Casting and spinning blanks are listed in different categories, at present by manufacturers, in an attempt to be helpful to those who do not know what rod or blank should by used under different circumstances. It increases sales to attempt to be responsive to customer needs. Evidently by the number of times this question is asked on this Internet Fourm there may be just as many who do not know what blank to use than do.

Until the URSS system is utilized those who build blanks and rods in order to demonstrate the true value of the system, to the fishermen who use the rods, all will be under the subjective control of the best marketing departments.

One reason for the multiple listing of blanks in casting and spinning listings is the "instantaneous" wrist snap for lure release of a spinning rod is quite different than the more controlled arm release of a long throw casting rod - the manufacturers of the blanks and rods are able to suggest to the novice which blank taper is more appropriate for the particular use.

For the URSS to be adopted and accepted will require EDUCATION and NEED for this information by people who buy rods. If this is not done for the entire industry the URRS will have no more value to purchasers of rods than colorful thread work. Using the ratings of UL, L, M, MH, H and XH, I think this subject should receive an XXXXH priority rating. If and when the URSS is recognized by a manufacturer as a valuable tool to increase market share things could change quite quickly. At prsent this system also carries the stigma of being another "the world is flat" concept advocated by very few and is not used by anyone in the business of selling production fishing rods.

Bill,

What is the URSS? I tried google but couldn't find anything relating to rod building. It is however an alternative spelling for the USSR :)

I'm confused by the statement:

> One reason for the multiple listing of blanks in
> casting and spinning listings is the
> "instantaneous" wrist snap for lure release of a
> spinning rod is quite different than the more
> controlled arm release of a long throw casting rod
> - the manufacturers of the blanks and rods are
> able to suggest to the novice which blank taper is
> more appropriate for the particular use.

It seems to conflict with the idea that you can use any blank for any type of rod. Does this mean I shouldn't use a 'casting' blank for a spinning rod? If it is a matter of using the right blank taper how do I know what that is? Thanks for the help.

Patrick Rutledge

Just saw the thread on URSS. Thanks

Patrick Rutledge

Other than where you hang the reel, there is no difference. A "casting" blank is required to perform the same task as a "spinning" blank. The blank flexes and stores energy, then unflexes and releases energy. That's all it does. They're all just tapered, tubular shafts. As far as the blank is concerned, there is no such thing as "casting" or "spinning."

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For a general rating, such as "medium," a blank designated casting will be a little bit more powerful than a blank listed "spinning." I think Robert's really close: In the St. Croix line, a medium power casting blank is approximately 30% more powerful than a medium power spinning blank. But, as soon as you start looking at another manufacturer, everthing changes.

I really like using casting blanks for spinning blanks and vice versa. I'm very, very fond of St. Croix's 3C69MLXF as a spinning rod, and I think their best medium power spinnerbait blank (built as casting) is their 3S66MF.

Unfortunately, the only way to know how to cross over from spinning to casting and vice versa is to build up rods and fish them (and use this board).