I'm more interested in how the rod feels with a reel on it.  I want the rig to feel balanced.  I don't want the rod to feel like all the weight is down in one end or another.

I just see how the rod balances with my reel, and if it feels good, then I go ahead and rock with it. I do keep in the back of my head though that if a rod is too heavy, It's gonna make me tire out a little quicker.

It’s a huge factor for me 

Weight of standard 6'6" - 7'3" bass rods from reputable companies have never been a concern of mine. When the weight of feathers start affecting me, it's time to hang up physical activity.

It doesn't matter to me as much as how it feels in my hand. I typically use oversized reels so a heavier rod wouldn't be a problem for me.

Its great to have a feather weight rod, but as long as the outfit isnt to heavy and is balanced I dont mind to much.  I fish a few places where I have to flip some decent sized fish onto a jetty and some of those really light sensitive rods I have are more prone to breaking vs lower T blanks.

As I age, it has become a big factor with me (without sacrificing balance).  It's not only a factor for me for rod and reel, but for all the equipment that I pack in a car, travel with on an airplane, or walk the bank.  Lighter and less is better (for me).  

 

Over the years, I've changed the way I fish and approach fishing based on weight, so I can continue to fish as long as possible.

 

I have three combos under 10oz that are loads of fun to fish, but usually balance is most important for me.

 

scott

No

Only if it’s so absurd I wear myself out in a couple hours. Chucking huge swim baits on a poorly balanced rod that weighs a ton just sounds uncomfortable.