I like the slim look of 16 mm spinning seats, but find they just feel a little small. Just wondering how many guys use them, or what size you like best? Seems that bigger seats just look huge on ultra-lite spinning rods, but they feel good.

Thanks,

Marc

You are using it
What size Do You Like ??
Get a 17 - 18 and see

Bill - willierods.com

I use the Aero (with no fore grip unless requested)on almost all spinning rods even UL's. Just feels good under the hand.

If you are an average size man, I tell all of my customers not to go with less then a 20. For that very reason it is just that much more comfortable in your hand. There was an article in rodmaker a few years ago on ergonomics and it was dead on and from then on this is how I have done it. And if it is a larger man I even recommend 22 or 24.

Depends on where your priority is - appearance or function.

................

Take a look Many have put in the work to get the best possible grip surfaces for fishing.:

[www.rodbuilding.org]

What is the rod going to be used for and by who.

Your other good choices are the Amtak Aero or a full Tennessee with Echo Inserts if a competetive bass angler who wants the very best drop shot or shaky head rod.

Click on the Contact Us Link for full build information: [www.swamplandtackle.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/19/2012 05:54PM by Bill Stevens.

I have large hands and a bit of arthritis to boot.
Recently I built 4 light spinning rods using Fuji IPSM-size 16 reel seats and handles.
I like how the cork wraps around, giving a large diameter to grip.
The down lock configuration also keeps my fingers away from the threads.
One caution...
You need a handle that is two inches longer than what you would normally order for a given rod length etc.
IE an 8.5 inch grip has a nominal working length of 6.5 inches.
This is because the cut out for the inset of the reel seat uses up two inches of the handles overall length.
Garry2R's

Personally, I use size AmTac size 24 for my rods, and those of my family. The size is just right for the reels we use (the line wt is usually 15 to 20 lbs test) and with the EVA I toss on to the rods, it also looks visually appealing. Tthe EVA is also a slightly larger diameter than the reel seat.

But for me the only part that I truely care about the visual appeal is the butt wrap and guide wraps.

Derek

I very rarely build with a seat smaller than a 17. Looks may get a customer to pick up a rod but function will sell it. Just one more point where you can educate a potential customer to the benefits of a custom rod, have them feel both let them deside.

Tight Lines and Bull's-eyes,

Get Bit Outdoors
407-542-7840
www.GetBitOutdoors.com
www.facebook.com/GetBitOutdoors

Marc,
I feel that the size of your hand is less relevant than how you actually hold the rod/reel. I am a big guy, with catchers mitts for hands however I really only use my thumb and two finger around the seat/reel so I don't mind a smaller reelseat. I am partial to the ATC Aero seats, the hump does form nicely around the palm of my hand while still keeping the overall profile of the seat relatively small. Ultimately its going to come down to preference, on that note I will say that I am more concerned with comfort than I am looks on my personal rods.

Kind Regards,

Brook Oliva
Mud Hole Custom Tackle, Inc.
brook@mudhole.com
(866)-790-RODS

I use Fuji ISP16 and VSS16 reel seat (IPS result in larger grip diameter by 1or2mm)
If I use DPS style I think I'll switched to size 17.
VSS17 is to big for me.

But I'm small with not so big hand.

I also use the AmTak Aero seat in size 16 and find it very comfortable.
The OD of the mating cork grip is about 1", which is a normal max OD of a fly grip.
You guys must have huge hands :)

The Aero seat is way different. It fills the hand nicely.

The fuji economy spin seat in size 16 has no place on a heavy salt water spinner. The reel seat has to be large enough to grip firmly without cramping. Anything less than the required death grip and some fish might steal your outfit. I'm usually in the 20-24 size range. However I love the Aero and will go smaller for trigger seats.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

Can Aero users agree that if American Tackle came out with a size 17 we'd all buy many of them? Please?

_________________________________________
"Angling is extremely time consuming.
That's sort of the whole point." - Thomas McGuane

YES

THEN AGAIN YOU CAN ALWAYS MAKE A HUMP FOR A 17 - 18 SPIN SEAT ???

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/19/2012 06:42PM by bill boettcher.

I use the size 16 Aero reel seat with great comfort.
I use the standard 16 reel seat - in a hidden hood configuration, where the entire seat is covered by cork to make it larger and it is very comfortable.

If I am using a standard reel seat with no added covering or build up, I will use nothing less than an 18 and use a size 20 a good share of the time. Again - comfort to fill the hand is the name of the game.

Roger

bill boettcher Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> YES
>
> THEN AGAIN YOU CAN ALWAYS MAKE A HUMP FOR A 17 -
> 18 SPIN SEAT ???


HOW do you go about making a hump ?

The hump is made in a combinaton of the handle and a cork overlay that becomes part of the reel seat.

Roger

I have big hands and prefer the 16. Maybe I'm strange...

Rufus
Port Saint Lucie, FL

Rufus,
Different folks for different strokes.That is what makes the world go round, and that is why the market place sells things in different sizes and colors etc.
Take care
Roger