I have ordered an Eternity RX 10 ETEC72MH-SS for soft plastics. I have seen positive comments on this site regarding the Alps MVT16 Toray Reel Seat. Having built close to 30 casting rods, I have mainly used Fuji ECSM reel seats and have not needed an insert. The MVT Toray has an insert, not being familiar with inserts, what purpose does it serve???? I am fairly sure it will be a 16-12.5 or close. I noticed 16-14mm and above reel seats do not use an insert. I'm not sure but wouldn't the insert possibly decrease sensitivity????? My goal is light and sensitive. Please advise. Thank you in advance.

The insert is for looks. If you look at the picture, the insert is that dark woven carbon that you see through the side cut outs. It ends there, it doesn't go the full length of the seat. The seats usually come with the insert pre-glued.

Yes it will. Direct contact with the blank is the most sensitive. I use mostly Fuji SKTS split Reel Seats on casting rods. I cast soft plastics, top waters and jerk baits with them. I do not like SK split reel seats with spinning rods because they are uncomfortable to cast. The casting ones are fine and fit in your hand much better with a lot of blank contact.

Rick, in case you weren't aware, the MVT seats are sized at the end of the thread barrel, not the rear of the seat. So order accordingly. If not sure, go the half size smaller and just ream to fit, That's what I do. And while they don't ream super easily, they aren't that hard to ream. As far as the insert decreasing sensitivity. Technically since the blank is contacting the insert in that area, I guess it would, but I seriously doubt if you or anyone could tell a difference between the two in that respect.

The blank contact window on the MVT is forward of the where it is on the ECSM, and is a little bit longer which gives you a little more area of exposed blank for your fingers to touch. I love the MVT seat. Ever since using my first one, it's been the only seat I've used on my casting rod builds. It is extremely comfortable to fish with, and I personally think it's a lot better looking seat than the ECSM. But if your major concern is how much each one of them weighs, the ECSM is going to be lighter. But I have no idea how much lighter.

I'm not one that really worries about the total weight of a rod. Where the weight is located is what has the most affect on rod performance, and weight at the reel seat has little if any affect.

Thanks to all who commented regarding this topic....THANK YOU David, just the information I needed.....I have ordered the Toray MVT. Thanks again

great seats- won't be disappointed

Thanks for your comment Michael....I respect your opinion as you are a regular contibutor of good knowledge on this site.