So have any of you tried balancing your own rods? I've considered shooting a screw into the butt end of the rodd with some washers, but that may hurt the rod blank. Alternatively, i've considered filling some sort of cap on the end that's been filled with the correct number of steel washers. Someithing like what goes on the end of a crutch. Any ideas?
Bassapprentice
I use chair leg caps for my spinning rods. You can get them at Lowe's, Home Depot, etc. They are durable pliable rubber and come in different sizes. They stretch fit on and hold real well. I pour my own lead discs which you can easily do and make them whatever weight you want. The best part is how cheap they are for a 4 pack.
not to sound dumb but ive never balanced a rod how does this benefit the fisherman? my bassin rods all have removable caps on the butt for balancing kits but ive always just left them alone.
By adding weight to the rear it holds your tip up where you get a lot better feel for the bite. I have kits on all my Flippin sticks due to the fact they are all tip heavy. You can go to the local hardware store and buy the big rubber caps that go on stools and find some kind of weight to go in them and have the same thing. It wont wear you out trying to hold your tip up all day long either.
Keep in mind that any weight you add to a rod makes it less sensitive. If sensitivity is not a concern than go ahead and add weight.
jeremy
jeremy
I beg to differ. A tip heavy rod is much less sensitive than a slightly more balanced rod for most fishing applications. Bass Pro Shops make the claim that their rod balancing weights make a rod up to 300 times more sensitive. And sure, they are selling something, but even if they are 1/3 right it's still 100 times. It's so easy to find out, just take a car wheel weight and electrical tape it around the very butt of your rod. Use it long enough to get used to it and then take it off.
Regardless of what Bass Pro claims, adding weight to a rod does not make it more sensitive- it has the opposite affect. The most sensitive rod will be the one that weighs the least. This is a well-known fact- ask any competent rod builder. It doesn't matter if a rod is tip-heavy or butt-heavy, if it weighs more than a comparable rod, it will not be as sensitive. A balanced rod will reduce hand and wrist fatigue over a long day of fishing.
I'm not trying to be a jerk or start an argument. I'm just trying to inform people of the truth, despite what companies are hyping in trying to sell more of their product.
jeremy
Actually balance is key to less fatigue and more sensitivity. However you do need a quality rod to begin with in the sensitivity department.
Dave, would you mind explaining how a balanced rod is more sensitive than a rod that is much lighter than a balanced rod? What is the science behind it? I assume you're talking about a rod that is butt-heavy.
Go to rodbuilding.org. The most knowledgeable rod builders in the world frequent the site. Ask them about sensitivity if you're not willing to take my word for it.
jeremy
Jeremy
Before getting into walleye fishing I have fished bass and bass tournaments for about 30 years with mostly baitcast tackle. Always having purchased quality equptment and in most of those setups they are pretty much balanced. However when using spinning gear I found that most setups are tip heavy with quality setups.
I am strictly going on what I "feel" in the rod with and without a properly balanced rod and reel combo. Scientific I have no proof but I'm sure that someone somewhere has.
Personally I feel that if someone has a butt heavy rod/reel combo it is either improperly matched or a low quality setup.
Fatigue would be the most important reason to balance a rod/reel combo IMO My balanced spinning combo's feel like they weigh almost nothing in my hand.
Before getting into walleye fishing I have fished bass and bass tournaments for about 30 years with mostly baitcast tackle. Always having purchased quality equptment and in most of those setups they are pretty much balanced. However when using spinning gear I found that most setups are tip heavy with quality setups.
I am strictly going on what I "feel" in the rod with and without a properly balanced rod and reel combo. Scientific I have no proof but I'm sure that someone somewhere has.
Personally I feel that if someone has a butt heavy rod/reel combo it is either improperly matched or a low quality setup.
Fatigue would be the most important reason to balance a rod/reel combo IMO My balanced spinning combo's feel like they weigh almost nothing in my hand.
Oh one more thing on lighter rods is they are in most all cases made of graphite and therefore more sensitive by nature over the heavier fiberglass rods. You can buy many grades of graphite rods from several manufacturers and quality goes along with higher prices. You can however get a good quality rod for $100 or less. BPS even has some IM6 graphite rods which aren't too bad for like $20
Jeremy
I found a pretty good explination of why you should balance a fishing rod on Google.
Balancing a fishing rod in general is not a difficult thing to do. Yet, it seems most rod manufacturers do not bother doing it enough, to our surprise. Balancing is achieved mainly by installing a counterweight (see inset) at the butt end. Although the counterbalance is an additional weight, a balanced rod seems lighter than an unbalanced one. If you carry an 8-foot-long 2x4 piece of lumber in the middle, that is to mean ‘balanced’, instead of at the end, you have greater control over the piece, not to mention the fact that you can carry it with much more ease. This balance, coupled with the general lightness of the rod allows you greater control, and the feeling that the rod is a lot shorter and lighter than it actually is. This unique quality allows you to incorporate ‘wrist action’ in casting and other things you would like to do with your rod. And at the end of a long day you are much less tired. By the way, ‘balanced’ does not mean every Destroyer is balanced exactly at the same spot, namely their reel seats. The balance of each rod is tailored to its specific purpose. For instance, the ones for flipping and pitching are tuned to be forward-balanced for obvious reasons. Each Destroyer is uniquely balance-tuned, and this contributes to Destroyer’s legendary ‘weightless’ feel.
I found a pretty good explination of why you should balance a fishing rod on Google.
Balancing a fishing rod in general is not a difficult thing to do. Yet, it seems most rod manufacturers do not bother doing it enough, to our surprise. Balancing is achieved mainly by installing a counterweight (see inset) at the butt end. Although the counterbalance is an additional weight, a balanced rod seems lighter than an unbalanced one. If you carry an 8-foot-long 2x4 piece of lumber in the middle, that is to mean ‘balanced’, instead of at the end, you have greater control over the piece, not to mention the fact that you can carry it with much more ease. This balance, coupled with the general lightness of the rod allows you greater control, and the feeling that the rod is a lot shorter and lighter than it actually is. This unique quality allows you to incorporate ‘wrist action’ in casting and other things you would like to do with your rod. And at the end of a long day you are much less tired. By the way, ‘balanced’ does not mean every Destroyer is balanced exactly at the same spot, namely their reel seats. The balance of each rod is tailored to its specific purpose. For instance, the ones for flipping and pitching are tuned to be forward-balanced for obvious reasons. Each Destroyer is uniquely balance-tuned, and this contributes to Destroyer’s legendary ‘weightless’ feel.
Jeremy
I found a pretty good explination of why you should balance a fishing rod on Google.
Balancing a fishing rod in general is not a difficult thing to do. Yet, it seems most rod manufacturers do not bother doing it enough, to our surprise. Balancing is achieved mainly by installing a counterweight (see inset) at the butt end. Although the counterbalance is an additional weight, a balanced rod seems lighter than an unbalanced one. If you carry an 8-foot-long 2x4 piece of lumber in the middle, that is to mean balanced, instead of at the end, you have greater control over the piece, not to mention the fact that you can carry it with much more ease. This balance, coupled with the general lightness of the rod allows you greater control, and the feeling that the rod is a lot shorter and lighter than it actually is. This unique quality allows you to incorporate wrist action in casting and other things you would like to do with your rod. And at the end of a long day you are much less tired. By the way, balanced does not mean every Destroyer is balanced exactly at the same spot, namely their reel seats. The balance of each rod is tailored to its specific purpose. For instance, the ones for flipping and pitching are tuned to be forward-balanced for obvious reasons. Each Destroyer is uniquely balance-tuned, and this contributes to Destroyers legendary weightless feel.
I found a pretty good explination of why you should balance a fishing rod on Google.
Balancing a fishing rod in general is not a difficult thing to do. Yet, it seems most rod manufacturers do not bother doing it enough, to our surprise. Balancing is achieved mainly by installing a counterweight (see inset) at the butt end. Although the counterbalance is an additional weight, a balanced rod seems lighter than an unbalanced one. If you carry an 8-foot-long 2x4 piece of lumber in the middle, that is to mean balanced, instead of at the end, you have greater control over the piece, not to mention the fact that you can carry it with much more ease. This balance, coupled with the general lightness of the rod allows you greater control, and the feeling that the rod is a lot shorter and lighter than it actually is. This unique quality allows you to incorporate wrist action in casting and other things you would like to do with your rod. And at the end of a long day you are much less tired. By the way, balanced does not mean every Destroyer is balanced exactly at the same spot, namely their reel seats. The balance of each rod is tailored to its specific purpose. For instance, the ones for flipping and pitching are tuned to be forward-balanced for obvious reasons. Each Destroyer is uniquely balance-tuned, and this contributes to Destroyers legendary weightless feel.
Dave, I agree with you that for certain applications, a balanced rod is a must. We both agree that a balanced rod helps to eliminate fatigue.
A rod with a balance weight in the butt makes the tip 'feel' lighter, but in fact, the weight has not decreased in the tip, it has increased in the butt. Regardless of how the rod 'feels', it's not lighter, it now weighs more which reduces sensitvity. The most sensitive rod is the lightest rod. All of the 'new technologies' that mass production companies are using now to reduce weight on their rods have come from custom rod builders (split grips, 'micro' guides, spiral wraps, etc). If a flippin' stick is built properly with a split grip and micros, it will be extremely light compared to a rod with a full grip and double foot guides (like most flippin' sticks have). You may find that a rod built like this won't need a balance weight in it.
I personally would never use a balance weight on one of my rods. I prefer the sensitivity that the reduced weight gives me. Now, I've built alot of rods with Fuji's weighted butt cap in them for clients (have to give the people what they want), and many of my clients swear by a weighted butt cap. To me, it's a matter of personal preference.
There are some companies that are coming out with rod blanks that are made of blends of graphite that are comparable in action to glass rods but at a much lighter weight. I've only had to opportunity to build on one of them so far, but I've been very impressed.
I envy you for your tournament fishing career. I wish I had more time/money to tournament fish. I have too many hobbies: rod building, lure building, hunting, fishing, and backpacking. I'm sure you've had alot of fun and learned quite a bit. If you ever find yourself in need of a custom built rod, give me a yell.
jeremy
A rod with a balance weight in the butt makes the tip 'feel' lighter, but in fact, the weight has not decreased in the tip, it has increased in the butt. Regardless of how the rod 'feels', it's not lighter, it now weighs more which reduces sensitvity. The most sensitive rod is the lightest rod. All of the 'new technologies' that mass production companies are using now to reduce weight on their rods have come from custom rod builders (split grips, 'micro' guides, spiral wraps, etc). If a flippin' stick is built properly with a split grip and micros, it will be extremely light compared to a rod with a full grip and double foot guides (like most flippin' sticks have). You may find that a rod built like this won't need a balance weight in it.
I personally would never use a balance weight on one of my rods. I prefer the sensitivity that the reduced weight gives me. Now, I've built alot of rods with Fuji's weighted butt cap in them for clients (have to give the people what they want), and many of my clients swear by a weighted butt cap. To me, it's a matter of personal preference.
There are some companies that are coming out with rod blanks that are made of blends of graphite that are comparable in action to glass rods but at a much lighter weight. I've only had to opportunity to build on one of them so far, but I've been very impressed.
I envy you for your tournament fishing career. I wish I had more time/money to tournament fish. I have too many hobbies: rod building, lure building, hunting, fishing, and backpacking. I'm sure you've had alot of fun and learned quite a bit. If you ever find yourself in need of a custom built rod, give me a yell.
jeremy
LOL my tournament career was when I was 17-20 years old. 
Did quite well actually finished state top 6 every year. Would have liked to have gone pro but couldn't afford it like most. Hope one day to get back to it we shall see.
The difference in a rod needing balance weights and one not again is quality there are some very good production rods out there yes custom rods are much better. The 4 spinning rods that I have and are balanced all took less than an ounce to balance so that wasn't bad at all. I have seen some that took up to 3 or 4 ounces and some well lets just say there was no hope. We are both right in our thinking just depends on the equptment you begin with.
I will for sure in the future get you to build a rod or two for me and send anyone to you that I come across wanting one as well.
Oh one more thing about balancing for those who are reading this don't balance the rod until you put the reel on. Then you need to put one finger under the reel seat just in front of the reel and it should balance on your finger if not then you can add weight to the butt until it is balanced. This is of course if it is tip heavy if it isn't put on a lighter reel. Usually won't take much weight. Like I said earlier in this post I have several weights and butt screws from balance kits from BPS if anyone wants them just pay the shipping
Did quite well actually finished state top 6 every year. Would have liked to have gone pro but couldn't afford it like most. Hope one day to get back to it we shall see. The difference in a rod needing balance weights and one not again is quality there are some very good production rods out there yes custom rods are much better. The 4 spinning rods that I have and are balanced all took less than an ounce to balance so that wasn't bad at all. I have seen some that took up to 3 or 4 ounces and some well lets just say there was no hope. We are both right in our thinking just depends on the equptment you begin with.
I will for sure in the future get you to build a rod or two for me and send anyone to you that I come across wanting one as well.
Oh one more thing about balancing for those who are reading this don't balance the rod until you put the reel on. Then you need to put one finger under the reel seat just in front of the reel and it should balance on your finger if not then you can add weight to the butt until it is balanced. This is of course if it is tip heavy if it isn't put on a lighter reel. Usually won't take much weight. Like I said earlier in this post I have several weights and butt screws from balance kits from BPS if anyone wants them just pay the shipping
I am strictly going by feel myself and am far from any expert on the subject. My spinning combos are matched well and are comparably very light to begin with. G.Loomis IMX, St. Croix, and Setyr (pronounced setter) rods matched with Shimano Stradic reels.
My experience is more walleye, crappie and perch fishing in vertical or shorter distance casting applications. Comfort and wrist fatigue aside, the sensitivity seems to increase for me with the balancers on them. I have put them through the paces by taking them off and on many times crawling over the same structure with small 32 and 16th oz.jigs. It seems that without the weight, I can't tell the subtle differences like when mud turns to fine sand etc. Maybe I'm wrong but it feels that way to me.
My experience is more walleye, crappie and perch fishing in vertical or shorter distance casting applications. Comfort and wrist fatigue aside, the sensitivity seems to increase for me with the balancers on them. I have put them through the paces by taking them off and on many times crawling over the same structure with small 32 and 16th oz.jigs. It seems that without the weight, I can't tell the subtle differences like when mud turns to fine sand etc. Maybe I'm wrong but it feels that way to me.
You are right! Balance it so you are most comfortable and that will give YOU the greatest "feel".
Shortdrift, I see nothing wrong with having discussions/disputes as long as both parties can be respectfull and considerate. Iowa Dave and I had a discussion and through it I gained respect for him because of how he handled himself. I feel like I have a new friend!Lottsa dispute going on here!
jeremy
It would seem to me that any weight added to a high modulas graphite rod would dampen it making the blank less sensitive. It's simple physics. I still believe that. It's why I wouldn't use weights in the past. After reading up on the subject I was seeing so many pro tourney guys using them that I had to try them out.
I went into it as un-biased as I could just going by feel alone. Now I use them on most of my rods. While the sensitivity of the blank itself may be reduced?, you are not having to lift the tip as much, thus putting more line pressure on the guides. There very well may be a give and take that goes on there. I really don't know. I personally believe that I can feel more through a rod (especially longer rods) with the weights added.
I went into it as un-biased as I could just going by feel alone. Now I use them on most of my rods. While the sensitivity of the blank itself may be reduced?, you are not having to lift the tip as much, thus putting more line pressure on the guides. There very well may be a give and take that goes on there. I really don't know. I personally believe that I can feel more through a rod (especially longer rods) with the weights added.
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