Johnnielund Posted February 1, 2006 Share Posted February 1, 2006 When buying a new rod what is the best way to tell if the rod is properly spined? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Upnorth Posted February 1, 2006 Share Posted February 1, 2006 Once a rod is complete and has a full set of guides on, it is basically impossible to tell where the original spine would be. When a guide is placed on a rod, that spot is now stiffened, basically changing the natural spine of the rod. Custom built is the best way to ensure your rod was setup perfectly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad_Coovert Posted February 1, 2006 Share Posted February 1, 2006 If it's a factory rod from one of the big names, the guides are most likely not placed properly on the spline. A custom builder or small rod company who has more hands on building will usually produce a properly built rod. Brad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnnielund Posted February 1, 2006 Author Share Posted February 1, 2006 Is this true of St Croix Legend Elite and Loomis GLX? If so is it important? I think yes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimRippe Posted February 2, 2006 Share Posted February 2, 2006 The spine is very important. A rod where the spine has not been found is more likely to break. In short , it will cause the rod to twist and that will cause the rod to break when under stress. Most manufactures do not worry about the spine and most of there workers get paid by the rod. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User roadwarrior Posted February 2, 2006 Super User Share Posted February 2, 2006 I don't think that is the case at all. If there is a problem with the blank, Reel Mech has commented that they try to sell them to custom builders! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super User flechero Posted February 2, 2006 Super User Share Posted February 2, 2006 RW, They are referring to the orientation of the guides in relation to the spine of the blank during assembly... the spine is the a stiff spot in the blank, under load the rod wants to bend a certain direction (spine on outside of curve) and it is advantageous to align the guides opposite the spine on a spinning rod or on the spine for a traditional casting rod, that way when you are fighting a fish the spine is oriented on the top side. Doing so will reduce the twisting of a rod when under a load and keep the stronger side of the blank in tension. If it were reversed and the spine were in compression, you would be more likely to have a failure. I have no idea how much more likely... that might be something Reelmech or some of the more experienced builders could answer. Think of a rod's spine like you own, when bending backwards you cannot support much weight and are in a position to hurt yourself... when bending forward, you are much stronger and more stable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Upnorth Posted February 2, 2006 Share Posted February 2, 2006 I don't think that is the case at all. If there is a problem with the blank, Reel Mech has commented that they try to sell them to custom builders!I have never, to my knowledge, bought a defective rod. No, you have not purchased a defective rod. Finding the spine of the rod is a way to get the most out of your blank. It is a little time consuming and not used by the big companies. Guides are placed on the spine for casting rods and opposite the spine for spinning. This ensures that your rod is always bending in its most comfortable pattern, reduces twisting, and adds casting distance. I'm sure ReelMech will attest some manufacturers offer blemish blanks, but they are advertised as such and you get what you pay for. All blanks from reputable companies are the same as they use on their own mass manufactured rods. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimRippe Posted February 2, 2006 Share Posted February 2, 2006 Well said Upnorth! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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