I've seem some threads about adding weight to the butt of a rod lately. You also see the super light reels. I like to think of a rod as kind if a pendulum. Would it be better to have a light reel and add weight to the butt or a heavier reel and not add weight?

To acheive balance? Adding weight to the butt would require less weight overall to balance out the setup, so it would be better to add weight there.

Adding weight to the butt will always be the best way to achieve a balanced setup, unless you have a custom rod built specifically for the reel in question.

Depending on how light the reel is, and how long the rod is. It can take a lot of weight in the butt to acheive a nice balance. Rod weights vary too. Also with super light rods, and reels sometimes a heavier reel will balance it better. I prefer a rod to be balanced on/at the reel seat nut. I can't deal with a tip heavy rod.

I had a Denali Jadewod that took over 3oz to achieve a decent balance point. That was with a 8oz reel. I sold it the very next day.

What rippin-lips said is very true. I have a 7'MH that took more than 2 ounces on the butt to achieve balance. This is the case with most factory built rods. If you really want a balanced setup, you should build your own. Use the lightest, smallest, and fewest guides possible with short wraps and one coat of epoxy. Move your reel seat up just a bit, and, depending on your blank choice, you will have a nicely balanced AND lightweight setup without adding extra weight.

Adding weight to the butt is the most efficient way to balance a rod.  I use a chair bumper and a few coins so it's darn cheap too.  My NRX893 balances at the line guide of the reel. 

Adding weight to the butt is the most efficient way to balance a rod.  I use a chair bumper and a few coins so it's darn cheap too.  My NRX893 balances at the line guide of the reel. 

 

X2.  It cost me about $1 for the chair leg cap and 20 cents in nickels.

My personal preference  is to not ever add extra weight anywhere, but if you decide to, adding the weight as far back as possible, limits the amount you need to get the desired effect. The reel is pretty much where you grip the rod making it the fulcrum point to some degree so adding weight there won't do much. How much depends on how you actually grip the rod. If an off the shelf rod felt that bad I'd pass and look for something else. In a  custom, the thought put into grip length & material, size and number of guides and the blank itself gives you a great feel. 

Hated that some of my favorite rods, the cumulus and cumara, plus plenty of highend rods like nrx's still need a buttcap with quarters to be balanced.

 

Id also go the custom route or just find the factory built rod that balances on the reel nut like it should. All my jackall and destroyer x7's balance on the reelnut or line guide. 

There's no should or right or wrong it 100% personal preference. I almost never hold a rod tip at 3 o'clock to fish. The tip is up, down to the side and has varying amounts of tension on the tip depending on the bait, weight, etc. "Balance" to me is a rod, reel, line and bait that allow the presentation I'm striving for and a comfortable feel that complements sensitivity. 

I really don't pay much attention to balance. I do like a light set up. Balance has never been enough of an issue to make me want to add weight

Hated that some of my favorite rods, the cumulus and cumara, plus plenty of highend rods like nrx's still need a buttcap with quarters to be balanced.

Id also go the custom route or just find the factory built rod that balances on the reel nut like it should. All my jackall and destroyer x7's balance on the reelnut or line guide.

That's exactly why I fell in love with the Powell Endurance. Every one that I owned had great balance. Plus for $130-150 they were nice rods. I was bummed when they were discontinued.

That's exactly why I fell in love with the Powell Endurance. Every one that I owned had great balance. Plus for $130-150 they were nice rods. I was bummed when they were discontinued.

 

 Ive always liked them as well.

 

I prefer a completely balanced rod in pretty much every fishing technique, slightly tip heavy on moving baits would be the only scenerio thats ok for me.

I'm right there with you.

I balanced my rod with a 1.5oz tungsten weight.  Nice and clean...$7.  You don't really even notice it.