Daren't valley 0.75lb by The Tackle Box.

[Jeff Woodhouse]

Oh, I'm afraid Skippy is one of those we called in the computer trade, 'RTC'. (Reluctant To Change)

I still cannot understand why rod manufacturers put on these stupid screw up reel seats. It's like the accepted thing to do now or is it that it's the cheapest way of putting on a real seat to keep the cost down? It just doesn't make sense to put a device on where the bare screw threads will dig into the heel of of hand when using it.
OK, carp rods with them sit on rod rests for 99.99999999% of the time whilst the 'angler' lies down in his bivvy watching You Tubes. But for anyone wanting to trot a float or hold a rod feeling for twitching will find it damned uncomfortable. Or have you no feelings? :wh

 

[John Keane]

Oh, I'm afraid Skippy is one of those we called in the computer trade, 'RTC'. (Reluctant To Change)

I still cannot understand why rod manufacturers put on these stupid screw up reel seats. It's like the accepted thing to do now or is it that it's the cheapest way of putting on a real seat to keep the cost down? It just doesn't make sense to put a device on where the bare screw threads will dig into the heel of of hand when using it.
OK, carp rods with them sit on rod rests for 99.99999999% of the time whilst the 'angler' lies down in his bivvy watching You Tubes. But for anyone wanting to trot a float or hold a rod feeling for twitching will find it damned uncomfortable. Or have you no feelings? :wh
View attachment 7357

Definitely the cheapo option and a crossover with fly rods where downlocking reel seats are a big no-no!

 

[sam vimes]

I still cannot understand why rod manufacturers put on these stupid screw up reel seats. It's like the accepted thing to do now or is it that it's the cheapest way of putting on a real seat to keep the cost down? It just doesn't make sense to put a device on where the bare screw threads will dig into the heel of of hand when using it.
OK, carp rods with them sit on rod rests for 99.99999999% of the time whilst the 'angler' lies down in his bivvy watching You Tubes. But for anyone wanting to trot a float or hold a rod feeling for twitching will find it damned uncomfortable. Or have you no feelings? :wh

I'd have probably bought a Darent Valley float rod when they first appeared on the market if it wasn't for the up-locking reel seat. I've tried a few times, with otherwise good rods, but I simply can't tolerate float rods with that configuration. There are a few other quality rods that I won't buy due to them having up-locking reel seats and more than the odd custom maker won't fit down-locking seats.

As to why some manufacturers persist with it, I suspect that it's not as simple as costs alone. The reason is that the manufacturers rooted in the carp and specialist markets tend to believe that down-locking seats are poblematical. Supposedly, they don't lock as well and the foregrips have a tendency to come away from the reel seat. The latter certainly can't happen on an up-locker. Fortunately, the vast bulk of the mainstream companies producing match tackle tend to fit down-locking reel seats.

 

[nottskev]

I wouldn't buy a rod with that reel seat. Mind you, I've gone so far, when I like the rod but not the reel seat, to replace it with sliding bands on cork. I don't know a handle material that looks or feels better than cork, and although, through necessity, I've plenty of rods with foam blobs and plastic reel seats, I always think they're the worst feature. That funny cork bits composite - or whatever it is - in the pic is a deal-breaker for me. Sadly, Drennan use it a lot. Always looks to me like your rod has survived a fire.

 

[nottskev]

The reason is that the manufacturers rooted in the carp and specialist markets tend to believe that down-locking seats are poblematical. Supposedly, they don't lock as well and the foregrips have a tendency to come away from the reel seat. The latter certainly can't happen on an up-locker. Fortunately, the vast bulk of the mainstream companies producing match tackle tend to fit down-locking reel seats.

I've got a couple of Harrison barbel rods with down-locking seats. And it's true they are not 100% secure. Every now and then, and I do mean occasionally, I'll become aware that the foregrip has backed off a fraction and needs tightening up again. But it's no big deal - it's not as if it becomes an ejector seat and jettisons your reel! I don't see why it should be regarded by manufacturers as a big enough issue to merit fitting those up-locking things with their exposed threads. Barbel are powerful fish for sure, but they can usually be landed without recourse to a harness, fighting belt and someone holding the back of your jacket.

 

[sam vimes]

I don't see why it should be regarded by manufacturers as a big enough issue to merit fitting those up-locking things with their exposed threads.

You'll have to ask them. I have done so in the past, both manufacturers and custom rod builders. They state the reasons I posted and the good old "that's what our customers want". I've no doubt that time/costs are a factor too, but not the sole reason and it's not one that they'll shout about to a potential customer.

 

[John Keane]

Can’t see what all the angst is about, it’s a reel seat FFS, there’s a difference of an an inch either way on a long handle and it can’t hurt anyone’s delicate mitts, (but apparently hurts their feelings?)

 

[sam vimes]

Can’t see what all the angst is about, it’s a reel seat FFS, there’s a difference of an an inch either way on a long handle and it can’t hurt anyone’s delicate mitts, (but apparently hurts their feelings?)

There's no angst, and they certainly don't hurt, I just don't find them comfortable in use. If you do, or don't care, good luck to you. Personally, I believe that screw up reel seats are the best way to spoil an otherwise decent float rod.

 

[nottskev]

Can’t see what all the angst is about, it’s a reel seat FFS, there’s a difference of an an inch either way on a long handle and it can’t hurt anyone’s delicate mitts, (but apparently hurts their feelings?)

What angst? Just chipping in to a discussion of what people like or don't like about rod fittings. It's ok to leave off what we're having for dinner to talk about fishing rods? As for delicate mitts.... that's uncalled for. I'd never accuse you of delicacy.

 

[mikench]

There is only one rod I possess with a reel seat which I do find somewhat uncomfortable and that is my Tricast John Allerton which has a screw up version. The rest of my rods have a mixture and I couldn't tell you in which direction the reel seat moves on any of them.

 

[steve2]

This reel seat up or down seems to follow on from the Mitchell reel spool going the wrong.I have had both and like the reel never taken any notice. On my old rods they don't have either just those nice reel holders. Lets just put it down to personal choice.

 

[nottskev]

The rest of my rods have a mixture and I couldn't tell you in which direction the reel seat moves on any of them.

Mike, I think your Hardy's, Shimano Antares and Normark have down-locking seats. Your Daiwa Amorphous Whisker has sliding rings. I salute your liberal attitude.

 

[103841]

This detail never bothered me......til now!

 

[S-Kippy]

Blimey....and I get accused of being an RTC fusspot !

Its nor RTC...its simply what each individual prefers. I prefer down locking reel seats but an uplocker is not a deal breaker for me. I've only one rod where I find the uplocking reel seat a bit uncomfortable and curiously its one of my more indulgent purchases. Manufacturing convenience I suspect. Double handles As you all know I do not like but I have had to get used to them on a pair of dinky Shimanos...they are tolerable.

And I prefer to carry most( not all) of my rods broken down not ready made up. Its just what I prefer and I dont personally think the time saved is worth a light.....and I dont have anywhere I can store a load of ready rod holdalls which are THE most awkwardly shaped buqqers and IMO extraordinarily difficult to transport. They dont fit quivers or holdalls well ( if at all) and given that where do the banksticks and landing net handle go ? Gimmick I say.

 

[mikench]

Cheers Kev. Lloyd George is my middle name.

 

[John Keane]

Blimey....and I get accused of being an RTC fusspot !

Its nor RTC...its simply what each individual prefers. I prefer down locking reel seats but an uplocker is not a deal breaker for me. I've only one rod where I find the uplocking reel seat a bit uncomfortable and curiously its one of my more indulgent purchases. Manufacturing convenience I suspect. Double handles As you all know I do not like but I have had to get used to them on a pair of dinky Shimanos...they are tolerable.

And I prefer to carry most( not all) of my rods broken down not ready made up. Its just what I prefer and I dont personally think the time saved is worth a light.....and I dont have anywhere I can store a load of ready rod holdalls which are THE most awkwardly shaped buqqers and IMO extraordinarily difficult to transport. They dont fit quivers or holdalls well ( if at all) and given that where do the banksticks and landing net handle go ? Gimmick I say.

I use the Drennan Rod Sleeves to carry made up rods. If I’m only taking one, it has a carrying handle. If I’m taking two I have cobbled up a carrying sling from a webbing strap and 2 Velcro rod wraps, so they can go over the shoulder or across the back with the Trakker Quiver. Gimmick? Fixed spool reels and carbon rods were once gimmicks to the RTC stalwarts.

 

[shane99]

Blimey, it is just a reel seat guys & I have not had a reel fall off so far from my DV's .... mg:

As for taking a made up rod to the bank, its fun to do on a saturday for your sunday morning session but not really neccessary as I bait up to get things going & then set up but its one less job to do to actually get fishing ?

 

[S-Kippy]

I use the Drennan Rod Sleeves to carry made up rods. If I’m only taking one, it has a carrying handle. If I’m taking two I have cobbled up a carrying sling from a webbing strap and 2 Velcro rod wraps, so they can go over the shoulder or across the back with the Trakker Quiver. Gimmick? Fixed spool reels and carbon rods were once gimmicks to the RTC stalwarts.

Each to their own. I find the Drennan compact quivers much more versatile than ready rod sleeves and easier to store.....plus there are pockets for banksticks etc. The 2 rod version will take 4 rods comfortably.

 

[steve2]

Each to their own. I find the Drennan compact quivers much more versatile than ready rod sleeves and easier to store.....plus there are pockets for banksticks etc. The 2 rod version will take 4 rods comfortably.

I use Drennan double rod sleeves for all my set up rods they have pockets for landing nets and bank sticks. No different to carrying a rod holdall or quiver.

 

[S-Kippy]

I use Drennan double rod sleeves for all my set up rods they have pockets for landing nets and bank sticks. No different to carrying a rod holdall or quiver.

I beg to differ. I foolishly bought one of those things too and it got used about 3 times. The additional pockets just arent big enough ( for me) and I found the sleeve too short ie it was a bit of a tight squeeze to get the rod in. I cannot be having with that.