Rod and reel. Selecting a harmonious pair

The feeling of comfort when spinning depends to a great extent on how well the elements of the tackle are chosen, first of all the two main ones – the reel and the rod. You may have noticed that abroad, especially in America, the so-called “combos” are very popular – it is when the “stick” and reel are already on sale as a pair. This is partly due to the fact that the “combo” costs about ten percent cheaper than if its elements were bought separately. But the main thing for the simple American fisherman is that he does not need to “turn on the brain”, because for him someone more competent in such matters has already thought.

In fact, those who make such “combos”, take into account all the basic principles of matching spinning and reel, which we will touch on below, so their choice can be trusted.

But this is all “at them”, “at us” things are different. “Combo” on our trading platforms did not take root and will definitely not take root. We are somehow more accustomed to forming sets and kits on our own. And if you are not sure about something, you can check with someone more knowledgeable acquaintances. Or, now here, find the answer on the net.

So, spinning and reel. Let’s not touch on the multiplicator tackle for now, and we will limit ourselves to the more familiar for most of the “meathead”. There are three basic principles that are important to take into account when choosing.

Price correspondence

Ideally, the price tags of the rod and reel should correlate as 1:1, well, or a little in favor of the reel – as 1:1,2. If you put a reel, for example, for 12 t.r. on a spinning rod with a price of 3 t.r., the reel will not fully demonstrate its positive qualities. This can be expressed in the suboptimal balance of the tackle, which indirectly negatively affect the throwing and sensitivity. The reverse situation (expensive rod and budget reel), as an option, may turn out to be unreasonably high loads on the blank due to rough and “sticking” friction.

The summary is that it is better not to chase after exceptional characteristics in one thing to the detriment of another, and pick up both “stick” and reel from the average for you price niche.

The question of weight

Quite often you can find recommendations to form a pair of rod and reel in such a way that in the assembled state the center of gravity of the tackle was located in a few centimeters from the foot of the reel.

About 10 years ago it was customary to equip spinning rods with removable weights placed at the end of the handle, just in order to achieve such a balance. But then the fashion for this passed and basically everyone came to the understanding that it makes no sense to bring the center of gravity as close as possible to the foot. At least, it should not be an end in itself. If someone likes it that way, they are welcome to it. Most of us will be satisfied with a balance where the balance point is about 8-10 centimeters away from the reel foot or so. So and the total weight of the tackle is acceptable, and the dynamics of throwing and wiring all is well.

But the other extreme, when the center of gravity is shifted forward significantly more, should definitely be avoided. Something like this happens in one of the violations of the principle of price conformity, which was noted above. This is if you put an expensive reel made of lightweight materials on a budget “stick” made of basic graphite. In other words, it is very desirable to adhere to a certain “golden mean”. Here are the approximate frames, in which the weight of the reel should fall, if we start from the “power” class of the rod: UL – up to 210 g, L – 195-230 g, ML – 220-260 g, M – 240-300 g, MN – 250-320 g, H – from 280 g.

Taking into account the “pulling power”

Spinning rods with the same test for the weight of baits often differ in “strength” data, which are reflected in the test for the strength of the fishing line. For example, bass or salmon spinning test up to 21 g can have a test on the fishing line up to 20 lb. and sea bass or squid – up to 14 lb. The same is true for reels: with the same size index they can differ greatly in pulling parameters. For example, a reel of size 2500 can be characterized by the maximum load on the friction (this is an indicator of the “power” of the reel) as 3 kg, and 7 kg. This parameter accompanies the description of not all reels, but indirectly determine the belonging of the model to the number of “non-powerful” help emphasize the small capacity of the bobbin and high(6.0:1 and more) reduction ratio.

Taking into account the above, spinning and reels of the power warehouse are combined with each other optimally, as well as light-speed with each other. But if, for example, we take a bass rod, and a reel – throwing-speed, then such a pair will not show itself, as it could be with a more careful set of gear.

Ask the expert

These days, tackle selection has become a much easier and more convenient issue than it was 15 years ago. If you already have a rod and need to choose a reel for it – or vice versa – ask your more advanced colleagues on specialized forums or at least in the “Consultations” section of the Spinningline portal.

Conclusion

How to choose a harmonious pair of rod + reel? The author of the article recommends:

1. Price ratio:

1:1. It is better to choose a spinning rod and reel of average price category for you, than to “chase” the exceptional characteristics of one gear, and save on the other.

2. Weight

The center of gravity of the tackle in the assembled state can be located:

• A few centimeters from the reel foot (the old, “traditional” version).
• About 8 to 10 centimeters from the reel foot.

3. “Traction.”

Simply put, a powerful, pulling reel should correspond to a powerful rod and vice versa. The author recommends to be guided by the test on the strength of the fishing line of the spinning rod, in the case of inertia – on the load on the friction.

4. Expert opinion.

It is better to ask 7 times than to buy once and be disappointed. Contact experts, read forums and do not be afraid to spend more time on the choice.