Complaining about a lack of objective results, measurements, statements, etc., is all well and good. It's true. But posting about it here isn't going to change anything. Perhaps the same comments made on the various fly fishing forums will do more good; rattle more cages, etc. You're preaching to choir here... ............
Forum: rodboard

For a starting point you could always fall back on a similar length and type blank from Rainshadow. At some point, you'll want to learn how to do this without relying on "recipes." In the meantime, you have the Anglers Resource website for spinning rod set-up, the very simple MicroWave Guide system, and the 27X NGC as outlined in the online library on this website. ..........
Forum: rodboard

The CCS is completely objective. It is the same system we use for measuring length, weight, etc. But as Michael mentioned, it only measures inherent properties of a rod - it does not proclaim that any particular one is "the best." That sort of thing is subjective and remains up to the individual to decide based on what works best for him and the way he fishes. If you're looking for
Forum: rodboard

It will last a lot longer if you do. .............
Forum: rodboard

I size my reel seats to fit my hand, not the rod. All my rods have no less than a size 20, including ultra-lights. ..............
Forum: rodboard

If they are testing for distance, then the most powerful rod will win, every time. And not all rods labeled as being for the same line weight will possess the same power. This is a long-standing marketing gimmick. Accuracy is in the hands of the caster. ..............
Forum: rodboard

About the only way to provide an objective comparison between rods is with relative numbers. ...........
Forum: rodboard

From a pure ergonomics standpoint, anything smaller than about a 22 would be considered incorrect for all but he tiniest human hands. However, if you are able to be comfortable with something smaller then go that route. Anything above a 16 will typically hold about any reel foot you're likely to run into. ..............
Forum: rodboard

As long as the fine diameter of the braid isn't prone to getting down into the roller, between the roller and frame, rollers remain fine for your purpose. There are various style roller guides on the market. ...........
Forum: rodboard

What line class is the rod rated for? Typically I'll go on and move to all rollers once the rod rating moves above 50lb class. Otherwise stick with heavy duty ceramics. There are pros and cons to both. .............
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No, it's not at all necessary other than perhaps on heavy-duty big game rods. Your guide feet should sit flat and be free of burrs and sharp edges. That is all that is necessary. ..........
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It's needed for both it's more critical for stress distribution. You will find, however, that good guide placement aids casting performance. I wouldn't overlook either. ..........
Forum: rodboard

The line is traveling straight and the rod is not flexed when being cast. Most people use far too many guide sizes on most rods. There is no reason to use so many sizes, you could drop from a 20 to a 6 and the line angle drop would still be very gradual owing to the distance between the guides. You may wish to read the New Guide Concept article in the online library here, or take a moment
Forum: rodboard

Guides will soften, not stiffen, the rod. I have no idea what a "medium heavy" rod is and doubt there is any precise definition nor measurement for that term either, so you have to accept the idea that "medium heavy" can envelop a wide range of rod powers. It may simply be different than what you are used to while being perfectly capable of casting the weight range it lists.
Forum: rodboard

Thinner epoxy will tend to be more wavy, not less, if you put on the same amount you would with a higher build epoxy. If the epoxy on your wraps doesn't cause wavy finish, then the CP over the decal isn't going to cause it either. It may be time for another Expo epoxy seminar, although they're pretty short. 99.9% of all these problems are solved in about 5 minutes. You can't always see ev
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By far the most likely culprit is excess epoxy. Dry CP isn't very likely to cause the problem as described. How would it do that? What mechanism would be in play to cause it to repel the epoxy? ...........
Forum: rodboard

The tiptop measurements generally refer to the ID of the tiptop mounting tube, in 64ths. If there is a second number following it, that is the outside diameter of the ceramic ring in the tiptop. ............
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It's not inappropriate if you know what the chemical base of the CP is and that most of them are the exact same product regardless of what company's packaging it comes in. ............
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It wasn't the CP or the decal. You applied too much finish to the decal area. Going back and removing finish or "flaming" it generally tends to only make matters worse. Keep in mind that the lower viscosity epoxies, such as the FC Lite, can't be applied as heavily as the higher build formulations. They won't support as much of themselves as the thicker viscosity finishes will. If yo
Forum: rodboard

A fast action fly rod, provided the proper line has been mated to it, is very easy to cast. Too many fishermen are using lines that are too light for such rods, for the conditions in which they normally fish. ................
Forum: rodboard

I would be cautious of that one. I realize that if it's on the internet it must be true, but there are best practices and there are, well, not so best practices. ..............
Forum: rodboard

Clean, degloss (scour) and adhere. .............
Forum: rodboard

The idea of allowing a thin type epoxy to run down into the gap isn't bad all. Something like Flex Coat Rod Builders Epoxy (adhesive not finish) would be idea. Put the bottles somewhere very warm for an hour. Maybe a garage, car, etc. This will thin it yet further (but also reduce pot life). Mix quickly and apply around the area at the fore end of the grip. Keep a towel with denatured alcohol han
Forum: rodboard

Send the address change to rodmaker@earthlink.net .........
Forum: rodboard

I assume you are building or installing a ferrule. Locate it so that the tip section is as long as you can comfortably transport and store it. The lower you have it towards the butt the better off you are for many, many reasons. ..............
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As soon as the first application is no longer soft or tacky enough to snag your brush, you can proceed with a second application. This is often anywhere from about 6 to 24 hours depending on the temperature where you're working. Because epoxy cures by chemical reaction, not the evaporation of a solvent, it's possible to add additional applications sooner than many realize. ..............
Forum: rodboard

It is a factor derived from the average choker distance of several dozen NGC set-ups that were tweaked by trial and error for maximum performance with a variety of lines and reels. This is why it works with nearly any reel and line combination, mono, braid, etc. ................
Forum: rodboard

It's worth a few bucks, nothing exceptional. It is a novelty to some degree, of course, and probably a keepsake for anyone interested in antique tackle. ..............
Forum: rodboard

Many spiral to the same side as the handle so that when they lie the rod on the boat deck any transition guides are up, rather than down. It's all personal preference and isn't likely to make much difference under actual use. .......
Forum: rodboard

I believe that's the correct series. .............
Forum: rodboard