I'm looking for other builders opinions and comments here.
I have used probably 8 or 9 ALPS aluminium reel seats in various sizes, in the TRI and CAH styles, but I'm thinking of going back to the good old Fuji DPSH heavy duty seat.
My main gripe is the way they hold the foot of the reel, there is almost always movement of the reel once the nuts are tightened. It's very annoying and varies depending on the reel used.
This may be a problem for all aluminium reel seats, but ALPS is the only brand I have used.
Don't get me wrong they are a fantastic looking seat, and so far no other issues, but I wish they had the same easy to use feel of the Fuji heavy duty reel seat which seems to grip reel feet very securely due to the inherent flexibility.
The Fuji seats just don't have the same visual impact of the ALPS, which is the main reason I started using them.
How have you other builders found the ALPS to use when fishing with them?

Contact the Batsons

Bill - willierods.com

Hi Chris,
Ive built a lot of rods using Alps seats, mainly the triseats, and don't have any issues with the reels coming loose on spinning or overheads. Most of my reels are Shimano's.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

G'Day Chris I'm with Col also, the only difference is the reels are of various brands


Regards Baz


Bundeena NSW

I just got my first ALPS Triangle seat today and put it on a blank. I mounted up one of my Shimano Curados just for a quick test fit of a reel and noticed the same thing. Even when cinched all the way down there was still a little play with the reel. The seat is gorgeous though!

I am using an Alps triangle with an Avet and have not had an issue, although I have a reel clamp on it also .Will need to take a closer look.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

Thanks guys, it's not a big problem the reels aren't going anywhere they just rock from side to side although it is more noticable with spinning reels.
Even when the nut is tightened with a pair of grips there is still movement, and then you can't undo the nut by hand later.
In Australia these reel seats are up around Aus$40-$50 (on par with $US presently) but the Fuji DPSH retails for around $15.
Unless I'm going for the bling factor on somebody else's rod, I think I'll be sticking with the Fuji on my own rods from now on.

What you can try is gluing a piece of material under the reel feet
This will bring the reel higher and may give it a tighter fit

Bill - willierods.com

The same problem pops up with some nylon seat and reel combinations as well. Small squares of electrical tape on top and/or under the reel feet solve the problem for me.

Joe

I've had a few issues with ALPS seats working loose. I have gone back to Fuji seats and just to create some custom looks, I'm using Matagi Seats in colours wit chrome hoods and carbon fibre nuts with aluminium trims.