By Alastair McKenzie, Sportsworld Invercargill

Rods are a lot like shoes. If they don¹t fit they are not much use or fun! Therefore we quiz our customers to ascertain their main objective so we can find them the best rod. The simplest method is to place the rod in the customer¹s hands, and if a novice, show them how to hold the rod correctly.

All rods need to be tried with the application of a normal working curve. Ideally this means threading a short length of line through the guides because rods are not designed to be point loaded in any area, including the tip. By threading the line through the guides and holding the end while the purchaser works the rod to their satisfaction, we can quickly establish if the rod is suitable. This procedure will also establish whether the rod grip is the right size and if the reel seat is in a comfortable position.

What to look for:

When choosing a rod there are several factors to take into account. Knowing what to look for will help the selection process enormously.

The label

The obvious place to start. All rods should bear a label stating the rod length, the recommended line weight or rating and the recommended lure or sinker weight. The label may also carry an indication of the manufacturer's warranty.

You should also check if the rod grip is trim wrapped or bound. Whilst not important to the function of the rod, any quality rod should be completed in this manner.

Materials

Solid fibreglass:

Fibreglass rovings are pulled through a resin bath, then heated in a die to cure in a solid "parallel" rod, which is then cut to length and shaped in a centreless grinder. The resultant rod tends to be heavy but extremely durable. The range of tapers and/or actions achievable is limited.

Tubular fibreglass:

"Flags" or shaped pieces of resin impregnated fibreglass cloth are laid-up to a design, wrapped around a stainless steel tapered mandrel and cured in an oven. The mandrel is removed, leaving a hollow "blank" which is very strong and light, yet quite durable. Infinite numbers of tapers and actions can be produced by changing the mandrel shape and fibreglass content in specific areas.

Fibreglass Composites:

Resin impregnated strips, layers or "flags" of graphite cloth are strategically placed in the lay-up, replacing or adding to the fibreglass flags to achieve additional stiffness or a weight reduction, perhaps both. Composite rods are not as durable as 100% fibreglass rods but are lighter for a given stiffness or strength. They are used extensively in spinning and surf rods, and some game and boat rods.

Graphite:

Resin impregnated carbon graphite cloth replaces the fibreglass cloth as the lay-up material, resulting in very significant weight reductions, increased sensitivity and more rapid recovery (time from flex to straight). Graphite rods tend to be fragile but are used extensively in fly, spin, jigging and some surf rods.

Performance factors

The following performance factors need to be considered by a buyer.

• Action/taper - Fast taper ("sport action") rods with their fold away tips for "pumping" fish versus a conventional parabolic (even) bend for more forgiving action, especially with lighter line.
• Length - Length generally assists control, however it may be a nuisance on a small boat. Long rods should not have a stiff action as they generate too much leverage on the angler (not the fish).
• Construction - Durability and abuse-absorbing ability of solid fibreglass versus the lightness and enormous variety of tapers available in tubular glass. Composites add sensitivity and reduce weight but are not as robust if mistreated or handled roughly.