Figuring out Rod Sensitivity

[Todd_NE]

How do you guys figure out the "sensitivity" of a rod in the store?

I know the best way to figure it out is on the water using one, but I think a lot of people take a leap of faith that the more expensive the rod is or better the brand is, the more sensitivity he or she will have. But I also know I have a $25 Mitchell rod from 1993 or that is still the best hand held spinner rod I own, even though I keep trying to find a better one. I can "feel" a spinner vibrate twice as good as I can on my $100 plus sticks. Go figure.

I've seen the run the tip over wood grain trick, tip on the throat box while someone whispers, etc. I'm just not sure I buy it.

I may have opened pandora's box, but is there a good way, on land, without a lab, to figure this out???

Todd

[AquaMan]

Best test I have heard yet - Scream at it. If it cries, buy it. It's a sensitive one! ;-)

Other then that, there are not pat tests for rod sensitivity unless you have a seismometer. All rods produce similar sensation if you place the tip on the floor and rub it or hold the tip to your buddy's throat and have him talk. The trick is can YOU tell the difference? If you can, buy it.

Otherwise, go buy what feels good in your hand and your wallet.

AquaMan~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It all begins and ends at the water's edge...

[Cangl]

If she cries she is sensitive! Do they make a rod as sensitive as our wives? If so I wan't one. Unless it's a pure jigging rod I usually put as much emphasis on power as sensitivity. Lately I would perfer high modulous for all mono applications and deep jigging with mono. For the braids the IM7 & IM6 give you a little load and give and the ability to detect lifting hits. As for checking for sensitivity it is tough, with so many actions and types of rod materials. Most time I like to take the rod tip and tap lightly up under the rod rack tip only and then put bend on the rod also. With the 45 degree rod racks lineup the eyes and handle and drop about 2inches into its space. Then watch and see how quick it stills, if it rotates or it goes back and forth straight up and down. Use care and check it a couple of times, not setting it in the rack straight is useless.

Tip rotates in a circle :( Tighter rods "wiggle" straight up and down and settle down quickly much as a good companion would ;)

[Eyez]

When I pick a rod, it's all about how it feels in my hand, not necessarily whether I can feel someone flicking a piece of line hangning from the tip. If I can whip it around a little, it feels solid, not whippy (hate buggy whip rods), settles quickly like cangl mentioned, feels like it's balanced well -- not too tip heavy, has a nice flex and action for what I intend to use it for. I also prefer rods with smaller diameter handles for some reason. I think sensitivity is kind of subjective, in that if the rod doesn't feel comfortable in your hand, the ability to transmit vibration is kind of moot. To date, the best feeling rods I've had the pleasure to hold (in a store :) ) are the 6' 6" loomis imx's and the scheels rods with the grey blanks (understand they're loomis blanks). The newer scheels rods with the brown blanks don't feel as nice. Just my observation, haven't fished with them. Plan on picking a couple scheels rods up this spring though.


Eyez

[Todd_NE]

Number One, thanks for the emails, especially the rod builders who take some great care and time to reply.

I feel like I need to explain my question a little bit. Like many of you, I get asked to help others select new rods. Most of the time the request comes from someone who has fished for awhile and wants a "really good rod" which means different things to different people.

I can explain how the quality of the guides, reel seat, blank, blank covering, handle material, number & spacing of guides all make a difference. I also realize we each have our personal preferences for guide styles, etc., whether the rod is intended for superlines, advantages of certain actions and lengths.

But the number one question is.... Is rod A more sensitive than rod B, and at what cost? I just wondered if there a good way to tell or show someone, and even myself.

Thanks, Todd

[cmb]

my favorite test is to tie on a sinker or casting plug, tighten up the line (as if you were drifting a lure...) and close your eyes as you have someone else lightly tap, bump, or scrape the weight. after doing this it becomes evident what rods are more sensitive to YOU. handle size,type, and feel has alot to do with it.

A fun method of testing is to tie on a plastic casting plug, and play with a cat or two (my case 4) just make a short cast, drag it across the floor (can you feel it slide across wood? can you feel the texture of carpet? and finaly can you feel the cat's pounce and attack?! good entertainment for you and the cat/s.
cuation, they have sharp teeth and may bite you off!

[bob oh]

Todd, the best way I have come across is to talk my brother into buying one and then trying it. A lot cheaper that way ;-)

[BIG DOG]

Try using a steel leader or maybe spiderwire!!!!(pike and cat proof!)