Balancing Rods - Reel to rod weight ratio 2024
Finessegenics reply :
Im sure theres quite a bit of info across the forums about this question already but im hoping for some new or different answers. I was wondering if there was a certain ratio of weight between a reel and rod to balance spinning setups. For example, if my rod weighs x amount of oz, how much should my reel weigh? Does the length of the rod come into play too?
I am asking because my current spinning setup is a St Croix Eyecon 6'6 ML (which weighs 3.6 oz) with a Pflueger President 30 (8.8 oz). Its not that bad but sort of feels bottom heavy holding in my hand. So i was just wondering how light of a reel I would need to balance the setup. I realize some of it may be personal preference but I want to hear your opinions. Thank you!
Glaucus reply :
It's as simple as a properly balanced rod should balance well with any reel within reason.
MN Fisher reply :
On 12/13/2019 at 5:01 AM, Glaucus said:It's as simple as a properly balanced rod should balance well with any reel within reason.
It also depends on how you hold your rod. For spinners, I have my pinky finger behind the stem, the other three in front of it...so a rod that's 'tip heavy' for others who hold it with more fingers behind the stem is balanced for me.
A-Jay reply :
On 12/13/2019 at 4:57 AM, Finessegenics said:Im sure theres quite a bit of info across the forums about this question already but im hoping for some new or different answers. I was wondering if there was a certain ratio of weight between a reel and rod to balance spinning setups. For example, if my rod weighs x amount of oz, how much should my reel weigh? Does the length of the rod come into play too?
I am asking because my current spinning setup is a St Croix Eyecon 6'6 ML (which weighs 3.6 oz) with a Pflueger President 30 (8.8 oz). Its not that bad but sort of feels bottom heavy holding in my hand. So i was just wondering how light of a reel I would need to balance the setup. I realize some of it may be personal preference but I want to hear your opinions. Thank you!
If or where a rig 'balances', may be difference for each of us.
To my knowledge - there is no accurate or even remotely reliable 'formula' available to help determine it.
Just have to figure it out.
Lastly, your rig, the one that weighs 12.4 OUNCES, could never feel heavy to me - ever.
A-Jay
MN Fisher reply :
On 12/13/2019 at 5:22 AM, A-Jay said:Lastly, your rig, the one that weighs 12.4 OUNCES, could never feel heavy to me - ever.
That's because you're our resident 'Hulk'. 
Seriously, I think my Trion rig weighs more than that and I have no problems tossing it around.
OkobojiEagle reply :
Rocking in my boat, holding the grip tightly I'm looking to balance my outfit at about 5lbs tip heavy...
oe
Finessegenics reply :
On 12/13/2019 at 5:33 AM, MN Fisher said:That's because you're our resident 'Hulk'.
Seriously, I think my Trion rig weighs more than that and I have no problems tossing it around.
Not because my rig feels heavy in any way, just off balance ! After hearing you guys, I think its just the way I hold a rod. You probably saved me from dishing out some more money for an upgrade
Glaucus reply :
On 12/13/2019 at 5:41 AM, Finessegenics said:Not because my rig feels heavy in any way, just off balance ! After hearing you guys, I think its just the way I hold a rod. You probably saved me from dishing out some more money for an upgrade
That's why "they" want us to overthink and over complicate things. 
From lure colors, to line choices, to everything being technique specific, to the little things like balance. It = $$$
MickD reply :
It's not just about weight; it's about weight and where it is. And the technique.
MN Fisher reply :
On 12/13/2019 at 5:46 AM, Glaucus said:That's why "they" want us to overthink and over complicate things.
From lure colors, to line choices, to everything being technique specific, to the little things like balance. It = $$$
Still doesn't keep the bait monkey off our backs though, my friend. ????
Glaucus reply :
On 12/13/2019 at 5:48 AM, MN Fisher said:Still doesn't keep the bait monkey off our backs though, my friend. ????
I solemnly swear to put up a fight next season.
MN Fisher reply :
On 12/13/2019 at 5:52 AM, Glaucus said:I solemnly swear to put up a fight next season.
I thought you said that LAST season?
I know I did...didn't help.
Glaucus reply :
On 12/13/2019 at 6:47 AM, MN Fisher said:I thought you said that LAST season?
I know I did...didn't help.
Lol well to be fair this past season was my cheapest in awhile because I didn't get to fish much.
stratoliner92 reply :
On 12/13/2019 at 5:41 AM, Finessegenics said:I think its just the way I hold a rod.
With a spinning rod that is definitely a factor. I like to put my whole hand in front of where reel foot attaches to reel seat when working a drop shot. If I'm working a tube, ned or Texas rig in a tip up application I like to wrap my pinky finger behind the reel foot.
Me personally with both spinning/casting in tip up applications I will use a chair leg protector from hardware store and put whatever amount of quarters in it to balance rod where I want it. When I purchase reels for new setups I will buy a reel that is 1oz lighter over another and put that extra oz. of weight on butt of rod where it does the most good for tip up presentations.
MickD reply :
Come on guys, it is not about "they." It's about you. You make the choices, buy or don't buy. You are not being forced into anything. How this even got into a discussion about balance is a mystery to me.
On 12/13/2019 at 7:04 AM, stratoliner92 said:extra oz. of weight on butt of rod where it does the most good for tip up presentations.
It the tip is up, balance is not an issue. At 90 degrees balance has no effect on anything. As you go off 90 degrees, then it (balance) becomes an issue. It is at its max at horizontal. But for most tip up techniques, balance is not as important as many argue.
stratoliner92 reply :
On 12/13/2019 at 7:07 AM, MickD said:But for most tip up techniques, balance is not as important as many argue.
Apparently not for you???? ????
WRB reply :
The old rule of thumb was your rod weight should be about 1/2 the reel weight.
That was when rods were 6'6" to 7" and reels weighed about 8 to 9 oz.
Today rods are lighter, longer and rod handles are longer plus reels weight about 25% less.
If the rod builder places the balance point (fulcrum) in the center of the reel seat the reel weight is neutralized. Most off the shelf rods are biult in length grouping ie; 7' to 7'3 have the same handle length and directly affects the balance point. Custom rod builder will optimize the balance point and a few off the shelf rod makers balance each rod, Dobyns for example.
When you tie on a lure the balance issue changes with each lure weight.
Tom
Finessegenics reply :
On 12/13/2019 at 7:58 AM, WRB said:The old rule of thumb was your rod weight should be about 1/2 the reel weight.
That was when rods were 6'6" to 7" and reels weighed about 8 to 9 oz.
Today rods are lighter, longer and rod handles are longer plus reels weight about 25% less.
If the rod builder places the balance point (fulcrum) in the center of the reel seat the reel weight is neutralized. Most off the shelf rods are biult in length grouping ie; 7' to 7'3 have the same handle length and directly affects the balance point. Custom rod builder will optimize the balance point and a few off the shelf rod makers balance each rod, Dobyns for example.
Tom
This was the kind of response I was hoping someone would chime in with. Thank you
galyonj reply :
On 12/13/2019 at 5:41 AM, Finessegenics said:Not because my rig feels heavy in any way, just off balance ! After hearing you guys, I think its just the way I hold a rod. You probably saved me from dishing out some more money for an upgrade
If it's any consolation, every time I pick up a spinning rod I've got to fiddle with it for a while before I get my hand in a place where it feels natural. I usually end up with my pinky behind the reel foot for lack of anywhere better to put it.
Finessegenics reply :
the way I hold a spinning outfit is pretty unorthdox. Here's a photo of me holding the combo i mentioned. Its just what feels most comfortable to me. ????
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A-Jay reply :
On 12/13/2019 at 9:32 AM, Finessegenics said:the way I hold a spinning outfit is pretty unorthdox. Here's a photo of me holding the combo i mentioned. Its just what feels most comfortable to me. ????
That's how I hold my spinners as well.
Never thought it was unorthodox.
Now if it were up side down . . .
That might be a little wacky . .
But my favorite was to hold them is like this . . . .
A-Jay
Finessegenics reply :
On 12/13/2019 at 9:38 AM, A-Jay said:That's how I hold my spinners as well.
Never thought it was unorthodox.
Now if it were up side down . . .
That might be a little wacky . .
But my favorite was to hold them is like this . . . .
A-Jay
I didnt think it was unorthdox either! But I did a quick google and youtube search of "how to hold a spinning rod?". Seems like a lot of people put the reel stem between their middle and ring finger. Or, the stem is between the ring and pinky finger. Weird.
On 12/13/2019 at 9:41 AM, Finessegenics said:I didnt think it was unorthdox either! But I did a quick google and youtube search of "how to hold a spinning rod?". Seems like a lot of people put the reel stem between their middle and ring finger. Or, the stem is between the ring and pinky finger. Weird.
MN Fisher reply :
On 12/13/2019 at 9:41 AM, Finessegenics said:Or, the stem is between the ring and pinky finger. Weird.
What ever is comfortable for you and works. For me, between the ring and pinky finger works - lets me just drop the index finger to pick up the line prior to casting without stretching or having to use the other hand to put the loop on my index finger. It's the way I've done it since I got my first spinning rig back in '68.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
There is no formula or rule of thumb and can’t be. Too many variables. Mainly, how you grip the rod. Moving your hand forward or back moves the fulcrum changing the balance feel. It’s 1000% personal preference. No right or wrong. I tend to hold a spinner with the stem between my ring and pinky finger, pretty much center mass of the reel so its weight makes little or no difference where balance is concerned. Same when palming a caster.
Yumeya reply :
I hold mine like this guy and sometimes like Aaron Martins
So I think a lot of the balance depends on how you hold your combo.
Manly Studson reply :
This is how it’s done.
MickD reply :
On 12/13/2019 at 7:30 AM, stratoliner92 said:Apparently not for you???? ????
No, because if the tip is straight up then balance means nothing. All the weight is directly over your hand. It could be distributed over 7 feet or 7 inches. It makes no difference. As soon as you tip the rod down balance begins to show itself, and its effect is max when the rod is horizontal. It's physics, it's not I.
The guy in the video is right. For the reasons he gave. IMO. I have not been able to break my grandson of holding the rod by the butt as he ends his casts, and if he overshoots on the cast he cannot do anything about it.
Derek1 reply :
I hold a 8 pound skillsaw or a 6 pound nail gun in my hand all day. Or a hammer/sledgehammer. In all positions from down between my feet to standing on one foot above my head. So all these talks about trying to balance out 10 ounces while standing up straight on two feet just seem a little silly.
Finessegenics reply :
On 12/13/2019 at 8:22 PM, MickD said:
The guy in the video is right. For the reasons he gave. IMO. I have not been able to break my grandson of holding the rod by the butt as he ends his casts, and if he overshoots on the cast he cannot do anything about it.
Yea. I get it now. Not sure if It has anything to do with the balance problem but it makes sense to have the stem between your ring and pinky finger so that you can stop overrun casts with your index finger. Gonna give that a shot next season and see how it goes.
WRB reply :
While I agree a rod maker can't know how the angler will hold the rod they should strive to start with a balanced rod at the reel seat center point. Most of today's off the self rod the balance point is further forward at the reel seat locking ring.
Spinning reel held position varies more then casting reels, between little and ring finger is how I hold them. Casting reels 2/3rds of my hand is foreward of the reel spool somI can keep in touch with the line.
Tom
Yumeya reply :
On 12/13/2019 at 4:13 PM, Manly Studson said:This is how it’s done.
this offends me.
LOL
Derek1 reply :
On 12/13/2019 at 4:13 PM, Manly Studson said:This is how it’s done.
No joke, I seen a woman using one like that. She was also holding the line with her reeling hand with four fingers about a foot off the side of the reel to do this kind off lob cast. Kinda like I used to see guys casting off the jetties when I was a kid. I really wanted to help her out. But she was wearing her carhart trucker hat backwards and camo sweats She looked tuffer then me so I didn’t interfere.
kayaking_kev reply :
I think balance is just as important if not more important than weight.
I have a Dobyns Xtasy 755c that weighs 5.1 oz. and a Shimano SLX 7'5 Heavy that weighs 4.9 oz., but holding them in your hand, the Xtasy feels way lighter because the balance is great, and the balance on the SLX is not good.
Similarly, the Dobyns Fury 703c weighs 4.5 oz, compared to the 2" longer Shimano SLX 7'2 MH that weighs 4.4 oz., but the Fury feels a lot better because of the balance.
And, for reel pairings, the Dobyns rods seem to balance with any reasonable reel,whether it's 8 oz. or 6 oz., but I can't find a heavy enough one to balance the SLX and I wouldn't want to go that heavy if I could find one.
The only time I ever felt any arm soreness was when I started using the SLX. The pain wasn't in my casting arm, but in the arm and shoulder that I hold the rod with, which is my weak arm. If I had to use the SLX all the time, I would consider getting a LH reel, so I could hold the rod in my dominant hand, but I will most likely just sell the SLX's.
I also find that similar to baseball players using weighted bats in the on deck circle, that if I make a few cast with my heaviest rod and then switch to a lighter rod, it makes it feel even lighter. I might have to start doing that to start off each session.
LionHeart reply :
Reel weight does not counter balance the tip weight of a rod unless you place the reel behind where you hold the rod. Is that what you plan to do?
Finessegenics reply :
On 12/20/2019 at 11:32 AM, LionHeart said:Reel weight does not counter balance the tip weight of a rod unless you place the reel behind where you hold the rod. Is that what you plan to do?
My issue is not with the tip being being off balance, but rather the reel feeling too heavy for the rod. I know a lighter reel (which usually means more $$$) would solve my issues. My question was just if there was a ratio to determine how light of a reel I would need for the rig to feel balanced. So if my rod weighs 3.7 oz, how light of a reel would feel “right” on that setup. Of course there’s a lot of variables like rod length and the way you hold your rod and so on.
LCG reply :
On 12/20/2019 at 3:19 PM, Finessegenics said:My issue is not with the tip being being off balance, but rather the reel feeling too heavy for the rod. I know a lighter reel (which usually means more $$$) would solve my issues. My question was just if there was a ratio to determine how light of a reel I would need for the rig to feel balanced. So if my rod weighs 3.7 oz, how light of a reel would feel “right” on that setup. Of course there’s a lot of variables like rod length and the way you hold your rod and so on.
Weight of the reel is really not a factor as much as the rod. The most balanced set up I had was a Fenwick HMG 6'9 ML-F which I believe weighed 4.2 oz with a reel that weighed 7.6 oz. The reel weight had little factor, the rod handle has an extra two inches behind the reel seat than other rods. That's what helped balance it.
I now use a Carbonite rod which I think is 3.8 oz and a stradic fl which is 7.8 oz, not perfectly balanced, and I don't care at all. The rod has the right feel and action for what I want and that reel is perfection.
If I wanted a perfectly balanced set up I would look at full cork rods with longer handle lengths.
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