Need some input on balancing a  rod/reel SPINNING combination set up.

Should the balance point be at the handle area right above the reel?

Should it be such that when you hold the rod at that point, the rod does not feel front heavy and the rod tip fall downward?

If this is the case, is it acceptable to add a bit of weight in the butt end of the rod to balance it? Any of you guys ever add weight there?

I am trying to balance a 9 foot spinning rod with a reel that I like. Unmodified it is weight forward. I have the end cap off and have been inserting different size metal pieces to test different balance.

What would be the best scenario:

Weight forward with the set up being lighter..no added weight in the handle.

Balanced with the overall weight being heavier.

What effects on casting distance do each of these setups have? I am not so concerned about accuracy here as I am with distance.

Thanks for the advice.

Instead of asking what "you should" better balance it the way YOU like it, no way is right and no way is wrong, it 's a matter of personal preference, I like neutral balance in my BC setups and prefer tip heavy (forward balance ) on my spinning setups.

Instead of asking what "you should" better balance it the way YOU like it, no way is right and no way is wrong, it 's a matter of personal preference, I like neutral balance in my BC setups and prefer tip heavy (forward balance ) on my spinning setups.

Thanks for the info.

What is the advantage you like for the tip heavy spinning set up??

It would also depend on the application. If you're throwing moving baits; cranks, spinnerbaits, etc, then a balanced rig makes no sense. As soon as you start cranking the rig is tip heavy, and you can't posibbly add enough weight to balance it out.

On the other hand, if you're throwing a jig, a balanced rig is something many people prefer.

As far as casting distance is concerned, that is determined by many factors; rod length, power and action, line size, lure weight, reel, casting technique, etc, with overall balance having little effect.

GHOTI"S idea of balancing a rod and reel goes something like this

Right hand: Said rod and Reel

Left Hand ; Stein of Beer

If they feel about the same wieght...It's Balanced

Instead of asking what "you should" better balance it the way YOU like it, no way is right and no way is wrong, it 's a matter of personal preference, I like neutral balance in my BC setups and prefer tip heavy (forward balance ) on my spinning setups.

Thanks for the info.

What is the advantage you like for the tip heavy spinning set up??

I cast differently with spinning than with bcs, with BCs I swing the forearm with no movement on the wrist, with spinning reels I cast with the wrist movement, being heavier at the tip the rod whips easily.

Casting distance has very little effect by the balance.

i always want mine to balance where my index finger meets the rod, its all personal preference.

GHOTI"S idea of balancing a rod and reel goes something like this

Right hand: Said rod and Reel

Left Hand ; Stein of Beer

If they feel about the same wieght...It's Balanced

Dang it Dom, a guy needs a few secrets. ;D ;D

Now, for the secret behind the secret. It only works with real beer. If you try it with one of those wussy "lite" beers, you'll fall over the side of the boat.

That expalins how my rods and reels keep winging up on the bottom of the lake I use Barqs Root Beer ;D

A beer in one hand and a burrito in the other.... A balanced breakfast.

imho it should balance neutral in the middle of your hand where you hold it when you fish.for me that's right where the reel stem meets the rod.i put 2 fingers on each side of the stem.it is acceptable to use balance weights.i balance all my rods.