I'd like to get some opinions from you guys.

What do you think the real world difference in casting distance is, between a 6' 6" spinning rod, vs a 7' rod?

Very specifcally, a rod built on a MHX S842-2 (7', 4-8lb, 1/16-5/16oz), vs a rod built on a SCIII 3S66LF2 (6'6", 4-8lb, 1/16-1/4oz).

Reel will be a Stradic 1000, line will be Power Pro 5lb, lures will be 1/8-1/4oz.

I'm "assuming" that the 7' rod will have a bit more casting distance than the 6.5'. Really curious though, just how much actual difference in distance, do you think, in the real world? Two or three yards? Five yards? Less, more?

Thanks All!

- Dave Affleck

It will certainly be more because at those lengths you're not compromising the ability of the caster to move the longer rod at roughly the same speed as the shorter rod. As far as how much, and considering the blanks aren't exact in power and action, you'll have to do your own comparative tests.

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I agree with Tom. But if you are trying to get more distance of out the rod consider using a guides with larger rings and higher set off the blank. You WILL lose accuracy but if distance is all that matters than I have found that larger and higher guides will increase distance. Also, a larger ring tip top will have the same affect. If we are speaking purely in blank comparison Tom makes the perfect point even though the blanks are very close they can still have a very different action. I found aside from guides different manufactures blanks have much different action. Hope that helps.

Dave,
If the lure weight is the same on both rods, your casting distance is going to be not only equal to the length of the rod, but also the speed of the rod. i.e. slow, fast or extra fast. The stiffer the tip, the more effective length you have for casting.
Conversely, if you are doing live bait casting, you want a slower action rod, so that you don't tear the live bait off of the rod due to the quick acceleration of the tip.

Roger

Thanks for the input guys. I went ahead and ordered the MHX 7' blank.

- Dave