When did the ratings of rods change from a action rating to a power rating?

I been corrected many times here about a power being the rating over a action rating. I went looking at some of my rods and there action rated.

Both are ratings, but they aren't the same thing.

Power: extra heavy - medium heavy - light -

Action: extra fast - fast - moderate -

The rod below is 9' long. It's a medium heavy power with a fast action. Companies like Duckett don't even list the action of their rods, or ratings for line and lure.

It never changed its all subjective and different manufacturers use different terminology. The "action" term is often misused such as "heavy action ". In Rod building circles it's heavy power, and fast, moderate, slow etc action.

The St. Croix web site has a good, basic description of power vs. action - and includes illustrations.  

 

Visit: St. Croix Rods - Power & Action

It never changed its all subjective and different manufacturers use different terminology. The "action" term is often misused such as "heavy action ". In Rod building circles it's heavy power, and fast, moderate, slow etc action.

What happens to so called ratings when you get into the Magnums?

Mikes busy so I'll tell ya.. When you get into magnum rods it a new rating world.

A mag 5 is a medium .. A 4 is a heavy. The medium magnum is a stouter rod..

Geez bill, do I need to pin your post so you don't ask the same or very similar question every week?

Raul gave you a very simple explanation on a couple of occasions, I have posted this more technical

piece more than once:   http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/35514-rods-power-and-action-%C2%A0defined/

I find it strange when established pros mix these up.

I write it off as a mispoken word. It also just shows these guys are average folk like us.

Both are ratings, but they aren't the same thing.

Power: extra heavy - medium heavy - light -

Action: extra fast - fast - moderate -

The rod below is 9' long. It's a medium heavy power with a fast action. Companies like Duckett don't even list the action of their rods, or ratings for line and lure.

Duckett makes some nice rods.. I have no idea why they

don't rate their rods. I suppose they want you to buy them to find out. lol

However I will add if you don't know a rod companies logic

there's no way to know what their power ratings will be like anyway.

What happens to so called ratings when you get into the Magnums?

Mikes busy so I'll tell ya.. When you get into magnum rods it a new rating world.

A mag 5 is a medium .. A 4 is a heavy. The medium magnum is a stouter rod..

Who uses the higher number for a lower power ? I must have missed that...Lews has a Mag bass 1 and 2 but those are model numbers.

Who uses the higher number for a lower power ? I must have missed that...Lews has a Mag bass 1 and 2 but those are model numbers.

 

Aside from numbers... The 4 is a Heavy, the 5 a Medium. Dobyns for an example.

...A 4 power dobyns is softer than a 5...just like loomis,Falcon ect.

Aside from numbers... The 4 is a Heavy, the 5 a Medium. Dobyns for an example.

The "5" is a MH not a medium. Also they are generally a "mag" MH and fish more powerfully than a "4" powered heavy in their lineup.

The "5" is a MH not a medium. Also they are generally a "mag" MH and fish more powerfully than a "4" powered heavy in their lineup.

 

I think you missed my point.. See: "Aside from numbers" in earlier post, 

and yes, the 5 is a MH rod.

Not at all, but it is inacurate to say the 5 represents a medium.

Not at all, but it is inacurate to say the 5 represents a medium.

 

You're right, my typo... However the Medium Heavy rating of the 5 and the Heavy rating of the 4 has confused many. That was my point. lol

That is true in that they seem to go against logic when looking at the numbers. Fortunately I know a few guys that fish LOTS of Dobyns rods and also have had good luck communicating with the Dobyns brothers in regards to getting clarity in what I was looking for.

Loomis is another manufacturer that can be somewhat confusing. The key in getting some understanding of their rods lies in the series... IE (MBR, BCR, JWR, FPR, CBR, CRR etc..) For example their 873 CRR rod is far from being a typical 3 powered rod. Prior to the introduction of the 894 and 895 it was the most powerful bottom contact work and jig NRX rod offered. It is much more powerful than the 893 another rod labeled as a 3 powered rod but again one rod is a JWR and the other is a CRR.

It is difficult having to buy rods sight unseen but doing enough research and talking to trusted individuals helps quite a bit. 90% of my rods were bought online but hours of research and communication went into each purchase.

When did the ratings of rods change from a action rating to a power rating?

I been corrected many times here about a power being the rating over a action rating. I went looking at some of my rods and there action rated.

 

They have never been changed Bill.

It really is not as complicated as we sometimes make it IMO. Power is defined by the weight range of the rod. Where this gets confusing is one manucturer might call a rod rated for 1/4-1 oz MH, another 1/4-5/8, and yet another something else. Even rods rated the same may have an entirely different feel.

Action is simply how much of the rod comes into play when under load. There are many referenced links to illustrate this. Once again, there are huge differences in the feel of the rod depending on taper, material, and construction, but the flex of the rod when under load always defines action.

I find it strange when established pros mix these up.

I write it off as a mispoken word. It also just shows these guys are average folk like us.

I have also noticed this in any bass fishing magazines that I read. The pros are always calling power ratings, action. Heavy action, medium heavy action etc.

Hootie

Fishing season must be just about over.

Hootie

I find it strange when established pros mix these up.

Pros mix them up? hell, some rod manufacturers can't even get it right. I have had many rods in the shop over the years that were heavy action and medium action......printed right there on the rod.

It is my biggest pet peeve when I see or hear someone misuse action for power. It's my 'nails on the chalkboard' moment!

I can't see why anyone even cares. Call it "action", call it "power". Call it "Leroy". Does that really ruin your day?...WHEW!!!

Hootie

I think it just bothers the OCD guys that like consistency and standards. A 4cyl, a V6, V8, etc are all different measures of a cars engine size. There seems to be no problem that all auto manufacutes can agree upon these terms. Same thing can be said about horsepower. Rod manufacturers just don't use the same standardization. Most companies interchange power and action while others distinguish between both. When in doubt call the company and ask to speak to one of their rod gurus if you are in doubt.

Interesting, don't you think?

 

 

Hootie

 

Interesting, don't you think?

rod.jpg

Hootie

Like I said above, if the rod manufacturer can't get it right, how can you expect the fishing public to get it right.