I just wanted to see what you guys thought about this concept that I dubbed the fishability of a rod. A little information. I picked up a Cashion 7' MH rod during the TW 4th of July sale and got out to fish it. First impressions, great sensitivity. However, after a while I began to notice that the rod was tip heavy, something that I personally do not enjoy in a rod whatsoever. I usually fish Dobyns Champions and have almost forgotten that rod balance was a problem for other brands. As a comparison the Cashion was as sensitive if not more so than the Champion at $70 less, but I found myself reaching for the Dobyns every time. Not sure if you guys also feel this way but I would rather fish a rod that is all around strong than fish a rod that is exceptionally strong in one field but lacking in others.

Rods are a very personal choice. Everybody is different and everyone has different things they look for in a rod. For example, I don't consider balance at all. If a rod is tip heavy, I don't even notice. I also can't really detect the subtle differences that many can feel in sensitivity.  I stick with St Croix's and don't obsess about rods.

I have limited rod storage in my boat so my rods are mostly " general purpose " rods that can throw different baits acceptably well. I catch fish. That's good enough for me.

1 hour ago, Scott F said:

Rods are a very personal choice. Everybody is different and everyone has different things they look for in a rod.

This^.  But I will say that for me, tip heavy is usually a deal breaker, much more so than actual weight.

When you talk to Gary Dobyns he believes a rod should balance and is the reason he adds weight to the butt end to insure his rods balance with the average weight reel in lieu of making the rod as light as possible.

Any good custom rod builder will ask the question is what reel do you plan to use this custom rod with? Balance is essential to good rod performance.

Tom

When it comes to a worm or jig rod, I gotta fish it first, then I'll tell what I think about!

 

I'm that crazy ole Cajun that carries his Calcutta into the tackle shop, strings it up with 1/4 oz & a worm!

 

I've bought more than a couple custom rods that I gave away after fishing em a couple times.