Do you guys find the Fuji NPS 16 seat to be comfortable or not? Probably looking at an up locking build. I realize this is personal preference some, but wondering how you guys like them in general.

Thanks!

I would suggest

For spinning The areo Seat for comfort

Bill - willierods.com

It's small for most hands. I find the 18 and 20 to be much more comfortable.

If you have the 10-3 issue of RodMaker, there is a complete article in it on handle ergonomics which explains the results of various military and industrial civilian studies pertaining to bio mechanical studies and the optimum sizes of things like tool handles, which is pretty much what a fishing rod handle is.

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I'll agree with both of the above posts. I'll only add that power/line class of rod has a bearing. I could handle a size 16 on a fresh water UL but not on a heavier (spinning) rod.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

I would use a 16 on a rod for a person with small hands and as stated above a spinning rod for freshwater. It could even be used for a light rod for steelhead fishing if he set-up was right and it fit the customer.

If it's a child's rod or one for a woman with small hands, a 16 is great. a 17 or 18 is a better fit for a normal man's hand, even on an ultralight rod.

Grip ergonomics is one area that custom builders can really improve on from the department store and even fly shop rods.

Terry

G Loomis, St Croix and other use a minimum of a 17mm reel seat on all their rods. I believe this is one reason their rods feel right from the start for many people. I bet that's the reason the large diameter Wiebe/Super Sticker have been in the line up for so long at G Loomis.

I cut the NPS as short as I can and hand shape the grip to meet up with the oval shape of the seat, and to the contour of my hand. I prefer a large foregrip for my thumb to rest on, so I give it a triangular shape sloping from the seat up to about 1 1/8-1/4" OD. THe way I hold a spin reel the Aero seat is very uncomfortable, I split between my ring and middle finger and sometimes my pinky and ring. IMO, buy several sizes and types of seats and see what feels best for you, it'll probably cost you $30 but you'll be able to pick the best size/shape for you

The size 16 NPS is definitely too small for me and I believe I have average size hands. My son - who is 9 - loves them. To their credit they are very compact for travel in a tube. But too small to be comfortable for all day use IMHO.

The size 20 NPS is the most comfortable factory seat I've ever used. You just have to get used to something that looks different. Kinda like split grips and no foregrip. It looks large but is very comfortable in use. The size 18 NPS is a close second in my opinion.