This is one of our featured articles on the Home Page:

http://www.bassresource.com/beginner/fishing_equipment.html

I just finished reading the piece for the second time (I didn't want to overlook anything). I was just wondering what everyone else thought. Anytime an author writing about rod characteristics blends "power" and "action" my eyes glaze over. Let's see what you guys have to say and maybe I'll add a few more comments later.  

well i am a bit confused about "power" and "action"...keep in mind i dont and havent ever owned any high end rods...i use $20 rods from walmart...the rods i use always lists on the blank..."medium/heavy, line weight and lure weight" but i never says anything about "action"...if i am not mistaken the MH is the rods power, right?  now the action is defined i think by where the rods primarily bends when loaded....closer to tip = faster action, correct?..in turn faster action means a "stiffer" feeling rod?  when i chose a rod i just grab that sucker and shake it a bit..if it feels good, i buy it...i just choose MH or whatever based on what i think i will use it for...currently i have only MH rods, but i would like to get a medium...let me know if any of this is wrong, there is a good chance it is    ;D

I think it is a good article for someone who is very new to the sport.  I get your point about power and action, but almost all inexpensive rods and even some highly regarded ones (i.e. XPS Extreme) are simply rated by "action".  When I see a rod described as MH, I pretty much know what to expect (i.e. 3.5-4.5 power and medium fast - fast action).

I think is clear, simple and well written. Agree with RW, there are more than 10 times where the word " action " is use instead of " power ".

Seems like a good article.  It covers some basic info but correct me if I am wrong, I think the term "Power" should be used instead of "Action" and the number ratings like "7-8=Heavy Action" seems wierd.  

When I think of power, I think in terms of how stiff the rod is and how much hook setting power the rod has and when I think of action, it is how the rod bends.  As far as the number rating goes, I usually refer to a rod on a 1-5 Power scale, 1 being an Ultra-light and 5 being a Mag/Extra Heavy.

But all that aside, I get the point of the article and diagram at the bottom.

It is very important that as you build your arsenal of equipment and your knowledge of its use is compensatory.

I don't know who Mr. Ratley is.  I'm sure he is a well intentioned Gentleman.

But I would like him to explain the meaning of the above quoted sentence.  

I think the article is poorly written, contains erroneous information, and demonstrates no real knowledge of fishing, let alone bass fishing and it's equipment.

I would NOT recommend it to anyone.

PS> I think it's the "dollar a word" guy getting even with us  

Thanks Avid, I was trying to be polite. The more I read this article, the more holes I find in it.

I did a google search on the author and it seems he has written several articles.

I have typed out 2 lengthy responses and deleted both...  going to take Mom's advice here.

Can mods delete an article, like they can a thread?  This is one that does more harm than good to people who read it.  I hate to be the one to say this but it probably should be removed.

It is very important that as you build your arsenal of equipment and your knowledge of its use is compensatory.

I don't know who Mr. Ratley is. I'm sure he is a well intentioned Gentleman.

But I would like him to explain the meaning of the above quoted sentence.

I think the article is poorly written, contains erroneous information, and demonstrates no real knowledge of fishing, let alone bass fishing and it's equipment.

I would NOT recommend it to anyone.

PS> I think it's the "dollar a word" guy getting even with us

Well now,

That's why I brought it up. I had a few things to say myself, but between you (avid), Fish Tank and Keith (flechero), it's enough.

...going to take my Mom's advice here... :

Classic.

I think you should just re-write it RW  

For those who are confused about power vs action, please read the thread RW wrote regarding the subject

power and action defined

Certainly not one of the good quality articles we are use to reading on Bassresource.com.