| Spine Location - benefit: accuracy A top quality blank is just the start of a high performance fly rod. Virtually every section of every blank, regardless of cost or action, has softer and stiffer spots as the blank is flexed and rolled. This is the "spine". Factories tend to ignore the spine of the blank, and build their rods on the most visually straight axis as their only priority. I disagree with this concept, and feel that this can result in a fly rod that tracks poorly and casts inaccurately. I take the time, effort, and experimentation to construct a fly rod that is the best possible combination for perfect tracking and visual straightness. If you've cast a rod that tracks perfectly, I think you will agree. |
| Dave Crowther 31 Diamond Basin Road Cody, WY 82414 Home: 307-587-3950 Cell: 307-250-3118 Email: dave-crowther@hotmail.com |
| Static Stress Distribution Test - benefits: durability, casting distance Optimal placement of guides is determined using the Static Stress Distribution Test, instead of a standard guide placement chart. This produces a rod that distributes stress evenly over the natural arc of the blank. The benefits are twofold. There is less chance of a rod breaking under stress. And, the line is less likely to slap the rod during a cast, resulting in greater casting distance. |
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| Balance Point - benefit: light feeling tip The lightest feeling rods are not necessarily the lightest rods. What really makes the difference is a balance point at the proper point on the grip to make the tip feel light in the fly fisher's hand. A tip heavy rod is a tiring rod to fish for very long. I take the time and effort to test, experiment and adjust to achieve a customer's desired balance point. If you've fished a fly rod that balances perfectly, especially on a long fishing day, I think you will agree. |
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