Just how do the manufacturers of rods decide on the ratings of their rods? I've only been into fishing now for a few months. As with so many other hobbies their seems to be gaps between brands with respect to certain criteria. I have a feeling this is no accident. Why is it that two rods could have the same power ratings, action,number of guides, and line weight, yet recomend different lure weights? The combinations change from brand to brand and even within brands depending on the line within the brand. So how do they decide if its a heavy, a med/heavy, etc, a fast, med/fast action and how heavy the lure you can use etc.? Why does there seem to be such a difference in opinions between manufacturers?

It's all arbitrary. There is no industry standard or benchmark for rod ratings. The same goes for hook size gaps or line break strength (except for tournament class line).

So what good are they then? Aren't you glad clothes, shoes, meds, etc. aren't that unregulated?

Rock Star, for only fishing for a few months, you are on a pretty steep learning curve, right on! Basically you have to hold a rod in your hand to get the real picture. Even then, everyone has their own style and some guys prefer one style of rod for a certain application over another. One thing that seems kind of consistent is the modulus rating for graphite rods, lots of times you'll see a rod rated as an IM-6 or an IM-7, the higher the modulus rating the better quality graphite (the way I understand it is the more actual graphite actually used in rolling the blank?) resulting in a more sensitive rod. And that's only one variable in selecting a rod! But I'm pretty sure there isn't anybody regulating manufacturers' claims, so go figure- go to a shop, talk to lots of people, pick up lots of rods, you'll find what you like for your favorite way to fish soon enough. Rod ratings are definetly NOT uniform from company to company, even one company that offers different blanks will vary from one line of rods to the other because of different materials. Soon enough you will have a house full of rods, your chick will be pissed, and you will still be chasing the dragon- welcome to the club! }(

>So what good are they then? Aren't you glad clothes, shoes,
>meds, etc. aren't that unregulated?

Chuck Taylor All Stars versus Vans: I have to buy one size smaller Chucks compared to the Vans.

I used to wear a size "large" Hanes Beefy-T but nowadays a size "small" fits like a dress or nightshirt. Same with pants sizes. Dang kids and their baggy clothing these days.

Manufacturer ratings are just a general guideline, IMO. One person might like a certain blank for 20# while another wouldn't use it for less than 30# or even 40#. Same with tapers. Some like slow, some like fast.

Some of the pros can give a pretty good technical explanation of ratings & actions etc. etc. I say find what feels good & go with it.

Fishslayer

Rod manufactures have almost infinite possibilities in rod design, based on cominations of blank materials, grade of materials, combinations of materials, design, ect. Therefore you will get many different types of rods, even from the same manufacturer. Some manufactures even have species specific numbered ratings that are the same for bass and salmon, but there are some general guidelines you can go by. Rod action is simply were the blank bends. A fast action will bend in the upper 1/3 of the blank, a moderate or medium the upper 1/2 and slow action bends all the way to the butt section. Power ratings, which are the most manipulated, are based on casting a certain weight without stressing the blank. The bottom line, buy from a top brand manufacturer, especially from those manufactures who make their own blanks. They have the most consistent rated rods. And always ask questions, knowledge is everything!

Thanks for the replies. However getting answers has been rather slow around here lately- kind of like the fishing for me the last couple of times I've been out. Sometimes this board is hot and sometimes its really sloooooow.
BTW-My wife tried to order me a Kistler KCBS7 (7' Crankbait Special) from Cabelas for Christmas and was told that Kistler is discontinuing that model. Anybody hear that to confirm it? So I'm going to have to settle for the 6'6" model-dang! Life is tough!!

rs: You can buy a KCBS7 here: http://www.kistlerrods.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=KCBS7&Category_Code=fresh-graphite-crank

Dan

Yes, I knew that from the gitgo. But I was hoping to save $20. Cabela's sells them for $119; whereas, Kistler charges $139. My wife went ahead and ordered me the kcbs66 from Cabelas. Do you think that I'll experience much difference in performance (especially from a float tube?). Would you rather have this rod in a 7' or a 6'6"?
BTW-I wrote Kistler last night and they wrote back today. They are NOT discontinuing the kcbs7. Whoever talked to my wife at Cabelas was wrong.