Sensitivity Test

[Scud_Muffin]

Question: I recently set about a test with some of my rods and I’m wondering if it actually is indicative of a rod’s level of sensitivity. It’s stupid basic: take the rod and hold it as you do when using it with a reel on it. Tap the rod to something like a desk and feel the shockwaves. I tried tapping the blank itself and the top guide to see the difference, as well as holding it above the handle just to see.

Different rods yielded wildly different results. But that doesn’t necessarily translate to a way to test sensitivity. Is there an obvious flaw in this method?

It seems like rods with thicker paint jobs do worse at this test.

[ECobb91]

I drag a jig or weight on a twill or jute rug. A sensitive rod transmits the transition lines very well and you can count them as the jig or weight is pulled across. Rods with lesser sensitivity will feel dampened.

[ttranger]

Someone told me to tie about 12 inches of line to the tip, hold the rod out, and then have something just "tickle" the line. I haven't tried it, but you are supposed the be able to really tell the difference between rods.

[Menacer]

Try holding the rod as you would and placing the tip on someones throat about where the Adam's apple is on a guy. Have them hum and speak a few words. I make my wife do this with all my rods when I get them new. I also have a tight nap rug in one room, almost like a berber, that I will drag the tip over. Both work great IMO.

[Scud_Muffin]

Y’all have some creative ideas! Thanks!

[Nick D]

Try holding the rod as you would and placing the tip on someones throat about where the Adam's apple is on a guy. Have them hum and speak a few words. I make my wife do this with all my rods when I get them new. I also have a tight nap rug in one room, almost like a berber, that I will drag the tip over. Both work great IMO.

I'm sure she is just thrilled when new rods arrive

[Menacer]

I'm sure she is just thrilled when new rods arrive

She is a good sport. Actually loves to fish and is amazed by the difference between low end rods and high end rods.

[davidsa]

I have a pond near my house with medium size chunks of rock. I fish a shakey head jig around the edge. Having fished that pattern so many days I can get a very good read on sensitivity vs my current rods. A second test I will often do is throw a small senko just offshore of the rock and test to what extent I can tell a panfish bite vs a bass. On my better rods, I have no urge to set the hook on a bluegill. On the next tier down, I have to think what is this and make a decision.

[pabasshawk]

Do you make your wife do it with just your rods?

[DrewFlu33]

Do you make your wife do it with just your rods?

Was going to say something similar but decided against it! That said, I'm not the OP, but I'd feel pretty confident that it's just his rods that she does this with! There are all sorts of rods out there...



Back on topic...I've always done the carpet drag test. You can tell the difference between rods pretty easily with this test!

[pa17522]

Put me down for the “carpet drag” test.

[basscat21]

Try holding the rod as you would and placing the tip on someones throat about where the Adam's apple is on a guy. Have them hum and speak a few words. I make my wife do this with all my rods when I get them new. I also have a tight nap rug in one room, almost like a berber, that I will drag the tip over. Both work great IMO.

We used to

We used to this in the early 90s in the shop I worked at with Loomis. it was quite effective sales technique.

[LegendX]

Try holding the rod as you would and placing the tip on someones throat about where the Adam's apple is on a guy. Have them hum and speak a few words. I make my wife do this with all my rods when I get them new. I also have a tight nap rug in one room, almost like a berber, that I will drag the tip over. Both work great IMO.

You can feel someone talk with everything from a pool que to a snow shovel...

[NoZero]

I turn the tip over on the smooth floor at the store. I gently drag it back over the smallest of cracks. Any decent rod lets you feel it, but you find some that "explode" in your hand over the same tiny crack. Honestly - it doesn't feel like more--- it just feels markedly different.

[SWL_Justin]

Here is what I do. Drag it across the rocks. And across the carpet. And practice pitching in the winter LOL.
20210122_131435.jpg