Hi folks

I am looking for a couple of new reels for my rods. I use a Hardy Graphite De-Luxe 6/7 rod and really like the action. I am using two older dragonfly reels at the moment. While they work ok I would like a newer reel and possibly a lighter one as I get some strain on my wrist after a long days fishing. I admit this might be down to technique rather than weight.

So does the weight of a reel affect how the rod performs? Do I need a certain weight to match the rod as you do with chosing line? Will a lighter reel make much difference?

Many thanks in advance.

AAAAAAAAgh. there must be more pages/ threads on this subject on this forum than any other tackle/fishing topic.
IMHO.lighter is better.

Jim

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The Fishermans Friend is the Flirty Fly,Fickle Food for Fleeting Fish.

Sell the Hardy rod, (or keep it ) and get a modern lighter one.

find a reel that balances the rod, ie where your thumb is. That will reduce the stress on your wrist, it may well be that you need a heavier reel not a lighter one.
Mick

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www.bloke-rods.co.uk

I think maybe we need a sticky!

question about balance when choosing new tackle

Ideal reel to rod weight ratio.

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Wanted: A polarised monocle.

This is sound advice ^ Sometimes it is necessary to find a heavier reel to balance a "Longer Rod" Or a "Tip Heavy Rod" Or an "Older Cane Rod" I f you have a short light Rod? Then a really nice light reel will Balance nicely!

I think a balanced Rod & Reel combination make fishing more pleasurable!

wrist strain comes from rotating it back and forward against the leverage of the rod, if you lever from the elbow or use a shorter rod perhaps the strain will lessen, im guessing that if the reel were too heavy your whole arm would get sore

lightest reel possible every time

Good answers all, but just one small thing into the mix vis a vis rod/reel balance. Before you check out the balance point pull out the 'average' amount of line you'll cast before you decide if you need a heavier/lighter reel.

With single hander rods only the first 30 feet are considered in the line weight calculation, and that's not very much. The following link is probably 'over-kill' on explaining fly lines, their (common) configurations, construction, etc., but it's the most comprehensive I remember seeing.

Choosing the Right Fly Line

2-hander lines can be all over the map (grain weight) depending upon the design of the line/head.

fae

Oh not this old chestnut again.

The lightest reel possible is what you want. We now have rods that weigh next to nothing, yet there are still those dinosaurs who say that the reel must balance the rod!

Some are even more silly and say it must balance at some specific point, on or even above the handle.

This is not good physics at all.

The lightest reel to hold the line plus backing it what you need, and if you can get it, a wide arbour too.