I built 2 Point Blank rods side by side, 1 on the PB691MXF blank and another on the PB691MLXF blank with identical 8" handle length (to bottom of reel seat) and identical guide train (Fuji RV6 with Fuji Alconite size 5 KB and KT guides).

When comparing the completed rods side by side, the ML "feels" both faster and more powerful. I also asked my brother to compare the rods with no knowledge of the blanks and he identified the ML as the more powerful rod.

I double checked butt diameters just above the butt grip to make sure I didn't mix them up during the build, and I'm certain that I did not do that.

Is there a good explanation for why this would be the case? Based on CCS data, the blanks are fairly similar, but I'd think the power would be obvious when comparing side by side.

What am I missing here? Thanks!

Two ways to find out, put a heavy weight on both, cast them and see what's up, or you could CC them.

You don't even have to do the complete CCS process to determine relative power, just hang the same weight from both rods. But complete CCS data will answer the questions.

When you get the data then you can confidently select the right rod for the job at hand.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/12/2023 07:57AM by Michael Danek.

Are you sure you didn’t get them mixed up? I have measured by CCS and built both of these PB rod blanks and the PB691MXF is definitely more powerful than the PB691MLXF, with both having very similar action angles.
Norm

Norman Miller Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Are you sure you didn’t get them mixed up? I
> have measured by CCS and built both of these PB
> rod blanks and the PB691MXF is definitely more
> powerful than the PB691MLXF, with both having very
> similar action angles.
> Norm

I measured the blank diameters just above the butt grip (using split grips) and the one that is perceived as "heavier" powered has the thinner butt diameter. Based on the PB published data, I assume this is the ML and based on my records during the build (they have slightly different grips to help distinguish them) this lines up with what it being the ML.

I'll rough up a testing station today or tomorrow and do a deflection test of sorts to confirm or deny my claims.

The butt diameters for both of these blanks are almost the same, there is less than a tenth of a millimeter difference between them.. Plus they have an equiradius butt for the first 12” - 14”. So, the butt sections of theses blanks are very similar, and the difference between them probably not enough to definitively identify one from the other.
Norm

Did you measure the weight as you were building these?

The ML blank weight per the PB website is 1.58 oz and the Med is 1.76 oz

Since they were built the same, the weight might help you figure out if you mixed them up.

I setup a CCS station and got an IP of 612 for the M and 538 for the ML. Action angles based on my phone app appear to be in the mid to high 70s for both: 76-78 degrees.

I dont understand why the ML would feel faster and more powerful in hand then. And why an independent and unbiased observer would come to the same conclusion. Strange.

I'll trust the numbers and get them out fishing soon.

Patrick, I find this thread to be very interesting. Please continue it after you've fished the rods. I'd like to hear your thoughts.

I think this shows how unreliable "feel" can be. My conclusion is that with modern graphite blanks I cannot tell much of anything about them by wiggling/bending against carpet/other tricks. Unless the differences are pretty big.

But CCS doesn't lie, and the more powerful rod will handle bigger fish better and will cast heavier lures better. And conversely, it will not load on the cast as well with the lighter lures that cast well with the lower power rod.

Fished both rods side by side this morning. First with a compact 3/8oz spinnerbait (.53oz actual weight) with colorado blades and then with an Owner Cultiva Zippin Ziggy walking topwater bait (.28oz actual weight).

The PB691MLXF did a better job casting the topwater and walked the bait more easily. It also felt the load/deflected more from a spinnerbait than the M.

So contrary to what we felt in hand with the rods, the ML fishes about like I originally expected it to when I ordered the blank and the M does as well.

Apparently what they felt like in hand was just incorrect. Still don't have an explanation for it. Looks like I'll be going with CCS data from now on...

THX Patrick.