Question about the casting weight of a rod.

Member Joined: Sep 13, 2009 Posts: 20

Hi

I have been looking at rods, specifically Shakeaspeare salt MX, but my question applies to all rods.

This rod like others specifies a lower casting weight of 4oz. What will be the consequence on casting and usage if I actually use a 2oz weight ?

If I intend using a 2oz weight should I only be looking at rods that specify 2oz in their casting weight ?

Also, a lot of rods like the MX in their blurb say they are a 'multiplier' rod. Does this mean you can't use a fixed spool reel with them ?

Thanks for any advice.

Member Joined: Nov 06, 2008 Posts: 50 Location: Somerset

Hi mate,

A multiplier rod will have smaller rings and more of them than a rod ringed for a fixed spool. Whilst you can of course use it with any reel if you choose, the smaller rings will mean that you suffer in terms of distance by trying to use a fixed spool reel with it. There's also an increased chance of the line looping off the fixed spool and catching on the small butt ring which could lead to a messy tangle. Some rods are ringed to suit both, a bit of a halfway house. Don't try using a multiplier reel on a rod ringed for a fixed spool though - the fewer rings will mean the line rubs on the blank when the rod is stressed, and also the line could be damaged by the increased angle to the rings.

Regarding recommended casting weights, obviously any beach rod will cast a 2oz sinker, it's just that a rod with a rating of say 4-8oz will be better suited to the heavier sinkers. However, personally I'd say that unless you are a top-flight caster it won't make that much difference.

Mark.

Member Joined: Sep 11, 2009 Posts: 96

A rod rung for multiplier will behave differently to a rod rung for a fixed spool :

1. The multiplier rod is rung the other way around to a FS rod as the spine of the rod is compressed from above the rod rather than from underneath the rod during the cast.

2. Just because a FS rod has larger rings, it doesn't necessarily mean that it can be used for a multiplier. Multiplier rods tend to be built for reel up or reel down positions - whereas FS are usually reel up only (although I do now people that can pendulum a FS reel down).

3. The number of rings depends on the bridge of the rod when its bent - either 7 + tip or 8 + tip - this depends on the rod rather than the reel.

4. The casting weight of a rod is usually over estimated on cheaper models (like Shakespeare Salts etc) - 8oz of lead with a pendulum or OTG cast would probably snap it - but it would probably cope with gentler over head thumps. The more expensive rods (Zziplex, Century, Conoflex) usually cast weigh above their ratings without a problem due to the better quality carbon used in their manufacture.

Saying that, people do OK thumping a FS rod with a multiplier but its not the best way to use a rod and reel combination.


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