kb here when you guys talk about balancing a rod   what do you mean   balance with reel on  line on reel or what and balance it from where on rod.   kb :-/

When I buy a rod I always ask if I can put my intended reel on so I can get a feel for it. I use the weight balancing kits you can buy ( it looks like the rubber on the end of a cane and comes with some lead punch outs) to balance my flippin sticks. A 7' or 7'6" MH or H action rod can be front heavy and I use the balance setup to make the tip of the rod float a little more. At least it helps me.

kbkindle,

Here is some reading for you, it might help explain....

When To Balance A Rod

How To Balance A Rod

Tight Lines!!!

If you palm your reel does that mean it would be best to have the balance point right at the reel?

If you palm your reel does that mean it would be best to have the balance point right at the reel?

It's purely preference and comfort driven.  You can get a feel for it by taping some weights to the very back edge of your rod... one at a time to feel the gradual change in balance point.  

I balance all my rods, I have all BPS rods, and most of them are made to fit a kit BPS sells to balance them. Cost's a few more $$ than the slip on ones, but it looks nice, and makes rod balancing easy and fast. I like the tip to be a little lighter, I think it helps me detect soft bites better, thats why I balance.