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By George J. Roth
When adding weight to the butt section of a rod, the overall weight of the rod will be increased. Anglers are divided as to whether this is beneficial or not. I believe that the tip of the rod will feel lighter in the hand of the angler. I am not typically a proponent of adding weight to a blank, however, when using long, heavier blanks, the weight system can enhance the rod's sensitivity. It will reduce the fatigue experienced when fishing long hours in pursuit of the "big one". This weight system is the "Cadillac" of weight systems. It is only available through Merrick Tackle, a whole distributor. It is not inexpensive, but what would you be willing to pay to gain an edge when fishing in a tournament situation? Give it a try...you won't regret it.
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1. These are the components that you will need in order to balance your rod. The male portion of the balance system (WBPA2) will hold a maximum of 2-P5 and 1-P2 weights. Three of the P5 weights can be applied, however, the length of the stem threaded into the female section (F20) is minimal. This may result in loosing the weight system, which would be unfortunate.
(Weights: P2= 0.3 oz / 9 g.; P5= 0.8 oz / 24g.; 2-P5 + 1-P2=2.2 oz / 65 g.)
2. This is how the components will be assembled within the butt end of the blank. You will notice that the Mooseskin (EVA) has been positioned flush with the end of the blank when it was glued. I prefer to use the graphite reel seat arbor due to its perceived durability. Some builders advocate the use of masking tape. I have a concern of the tape breaking loose when the weight system is tightened securely into position.
3. File the outside diameter of the graphite reel arbor until it will fit snugly into the blank. I like to have the leading edge (inside) a bit smaller diameter than the exposed (outer) section, resulting in a tapered profile. I will use a thinner, two-part epoxy glue to secure the arbor into position. With the blank set aside in an upright position, the glue will run down and seat around the arbor. I don't want this bond breaking when tightening the system.
4. The graphite arbor will now slide inside of the blank. I thread the rat-tail file into the arbor to aid in application and removal of the arbor during the fitting process. I will use the edge of the file to recreate grooves that were removed in the tapering process. The outer grooves, as seen in #3, act to collect adhesive, thus insuring a secure bond.
5. The graphite arbor has been glued into position and allowed to cure. It was placed flush with the end of the blank. A rat-tail file was then used to ream the graphite arbor to accept the female portion of the weight system. It is important to keep the hole centered, so the exposed portion of the balance system will be centered on the back handle section. When gluing the female section, I will again use a good, two-part epoxy. I insure that the glue is contained within all of the grooves and generous amount is also applied to the inside of the graphite arbor, prior to insertion.
6. This shows the system just prior to gluing the female portion into position.
7. The female portion has been glued into the graphite arbor and then placed in an upright position so the glue could fill any gaps around the arbor. The female portion was positioned flush with the arbor.
8. This is the finished weight system...ready to go fishing!
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"FEEL THE DIFFERENCE"
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