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[Spawn Sack]

I'm loving my new baitcaster (Currado 301E), but it is 1.3oz lighter than the reel I was using previously on my 11"6 rod. I have no issues casting/fishing with it, although it does feel a tad tip heavy now compared to fishing with the other reel.

It seems counterintuitive to me to add weight to a rod/reel setup, but I've heard of guys doing it and being happy with the results? Has anyone tried this? Opinions?

I asked at my local tackle shop and they said I could have another (heavier) butt put on the rod, but it would be permanent. I don't want to do this, as I will still use the other reel from time to time. I have heard you can buy a slip on cap that goes over the butt of the rod, then you add/subtract weight inside the cap until you are happy with the results. And if you like you just pop the cap off and your rod is back to it's original weight/balance. Has anyone tried this and know where I can buy such a product?

[SteelheadAdict]

cabeles they work awsome

[Spawn Sack]

SteelheadAdict, thanks for that. I checked out Cabela's and they carry 8 different rod butts. However, none of them are marketed as a "rod balancing" butt. In other words, they do not come with weights to insert into the butt. I imagine you could add washers, coins, etc., instead.

I found one product on Basspro.com that looks like what I want:

http://www.basspro.com/The-Balancer-Rod-Balancing-System/product/16515/

This one looks alright too:

http://www.tradetalk.com/Normark-Rod-Balancer-Adjustable/p/255743/82/en?utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=products-us

From what I have read if your rod/reel is well balanced, even if you have to add several ounces to the butt, it will feel and fish better that without the weighted butt.

I've never tried this before, but I figure what the heck it's cheap and if I don't like it I can just take it off.

[Ken D]

Late, but what the hey. Most shops carry cast wheel weight, or lead pencil weights with the swivel incorporated in it..... they run several thicknesses, and several lengths. My last balance job for the client was 3+ ounces, epoxied inside the blank, then the butt box affixed.

I posted these results several years back at a famous rod building board, and typically, The American posters "dissed" me big time, saying I should use a wrecking ball from a crane, etc.  Funny thing: a while after that, the Yalls invented butt caps with varying weights, and touted them as the best thing since sliced bread. Rah Rah Siss Boom Bah...
 
Try using the lead of a diameter fitting inside the blank, to a weight that keeps the rod very nicely on a 45° or whatever angle you like to hold.. be it pinning, or casting. Yalls just don't get holding a mis-balanced 11 footer all day with the tip always wanting down.  Very hard on the wrist after a few days hard fishing.

[Spawn Sack]

Thanks for the post! I was actually on the river yesterday farting around with my new reel on the old rod...trying to find what balance I liked.

Without added weight on the butt the rod definitley feels tip heavy. Not so bad at first but after a few hours I was starting to notice it.

I tried the butt cap with 3 lead weights inside that it came with: I'm not sure how much each weight weighs. I guess I could put one on a digital scale if I really wanted to know. Here's the kit I'm using:

http://www.basspro.com/The-Balancer-Rod-Balancing-System/product/16515/

Without the cap + 3 weights the rod balances about 5-6 inches in front of the end of the cork. With the cap + weights it balances a little in front of the cork.

I wouldn't want a permanant cap put on as if I use on of my heavier reel (such as my Calcutta 400b) on this 11"6 rod it balances fine.

I would reccomend such a kit if you like to swao reels around and one or more is too light for the rod.