What determine a rod lure rating and rod action when it's not lable on the fishing rod?

As far as memory serves the only rods I've come across without a lure rating are some offshore rods, my Shimano tallus , Star handcraft, and Hurricane Redbones only list line wt. not lure weights.  Although I would not be surprised if other manufacturers of offshore rods list all the specs.

What determine a rod lure rating and rod action when it's not lable on the fishing rod?

What brand or model?

google the model number .  You can also push the rod tip down on the floor and see where the rod bends.  If it is not much bend it is fast action.  If it is flimsy like a Ulgy Stik, it is probably medium action.  

What brand or model?

Just some shakespeares combo such as uglystick and micro series.

 

Ugly stick - SP 1100 and the SPL 1102 both medium action

Micro series - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZQ6LRQ/ref=asc_df_B009ZQ6LRQ2392053?smid=A114M8639XDXKX&tag=shopzilla_mp_1228-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395105&creativeASIN=B009ZQ6LRQ

What determine a rod lure rating and rod action when it's not lable on the fishing rod?

 

Even if a company determines the lure rating and action, it does not mean that these ratings are correct. Many companies interpret such information differently, and it can even vary within the companies different productions lines. 

 

The most accurate weight to measure a rods action is to secure it to a horizontal surface, add a specific amount of weight that will be pull the line and consequently the rod tip down, then get a protractor and measure the angle for which it deflects. 68, 70, 72 degrees are far more representative then a company saying "fast" or "extra fast". The slower or less steep of angle of deflection, the slower the action is. Whether you call that moderate, fast, etc. is up to you.

 

The best way I have found to measure a lure weighting is to go out and try it. Many rods to have a specific range for which they performed best. When you are out fishing it is easy to tell if a rod is overloaded (too heavy of bait) or if it is underloaded. It is particularly easy to tell when casting. If you are having severe trouble casting say 1/4oz baits and your technique is sound then the rod probably is below its bottom range. If the rod feels completely overloaded while casting say 3/4oz jigs w/ trailer then you are probably above the rods upper range. The entire casting and retrieval process should be smooth and feel natural. Casting, for the most part, should be fluid, consistent, and smooth. Of course, your reel and technique come in to play, but I have found that casting a nice rod in its rod range is a tough cast to mess up.

 

It can also be helpful to ask other experienced members who have the same rod as you to ask them what their observations are. Say, if you are looking at purchasing "X" rod, but you want to know if it is true to its ratings. There is probably someone on this forum that owns this rods and many others that can give you an idea of its action and range. Maybe not exact measurements of degrees of deflection, but be able to give comparisons that are meaningful.

 

Good luck, if you need anymore help let us know.