Sorry for the newbie questions. ..but when measuring handle Length with a Fuji VSS reel seat, should I measure from where the handle of the reel would be or does it matter if it is up looking our down locking?

Crhis,

Most would measure where the black nylon of the seat ends. This is very close to the end of seat. If I build for someone else, I typically ask for the measurement of the butt to the back of the reel seat and the distance from the butt to the reel stem, and whether the seat is unlocking or down locking (if they have a grip style they really like). The more info I have the better. Personally, I find the distance from the butt of the rod to the reel stem for spinning rods most useful, because whether you place the seat unlocking or down locking will affect the distance from the butt of the rod to the reel, and furthermore, not all reels are on the same place on the reel foot. The measurement from the butt to the reel stem will ensure that you get the grip length correct.

Joe

When considering a VSS handle, the length given for the form fitting cut-out section is the total length of the cork or foam. Since this cork/foam covers a couple of inches of the reel seat, the actual working length, will be about 2 inches shorter than with other types of reel seats.