Letters indicating a rod's action
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sam vimes
Well-known member
As far as I'm aware, most companies don't give any such indicator as to what a rods action might be. The exception being Shimano, which uses "FA" to indicate a Fast Actioned rod.
Drennan are prone to giving a full written description as part of the rod graphics.
Most specialist and carp rods use test curve (TC) ratings, usually stated in pounds/ounces. However, such a rating gives no hint of what the action might be.
There's a pic of differing actions here.
However, to confuse matters further, other terms are also used. A slow actioned rod might also be called a through action. A fast actioned rod described as having a tip action. You'll also see terms such as "parabolic actioned". I'm well aware of what a parabola is, how it really relates to a fishing rod action is quite beyond me. I accept that it seems to mean something to many, but it seems to be a bit of marketing BS to me.
Here's a link or two explaining test curves. As far as I'm concerned, it's a deeply flawed way of indicating the capability of a rod as it gives no indication of an action.
Drennan are prone to giving a full written description as part of the rod graphics.
Most specialist and carp rods use test curve (TC) ratings, usually stated in pounds/ounces. However, such a rating gives no hint of what the action might be.
There's a pic of differing actions here.
However, to confuse matters further, other terms are also used. A slow actioned rod might also be called a through action. A fast actioned rod described as having a tip action. You'll also see terms such as "parabolic actioned". I'm well aware of what a parabola is, how it really relates to a fishing rod action is quite beyond me. I accept that it seems to mean something to many, but it seems to be a bit of marketing BS to me.
Here's a link or two explaining test curves. As far as I'm concerned, it's a deeply flawed way of indicating the capability of a rod as it gives no indication of an action.
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robtherake
Well-known member
Shakespeare used to use a lettering system from A to D, A being tip-actioned and so on. This prefixed the suggested maximum casting weight in grammes.
Thanks robtherake. I had somewhere in the back of mind that the number was casting weight. So, far example, a 'C' prefix would be a more through action rod would it?
Silstar also used the letter system (at least some of their older rods have it on) like the Silstar MXA Match 300 (C20) or the Ian Heaps 13ft Multimesh (A20).
It was mainly on the Shakespeare and Silstar rods I'd seen it, but I think some of the DAM rods had it on too, though I may be mistaken there.
Thanks Sam for the links. I'd come across the tacklewharehouse one whilst trying to find the answer to the letter system.
Silstar also used the letter system (at least some of their older rods have it on) like the Silstar MXA Match 300 (C20) or the Ian Heaps 13ft Multimesh (A20).
It was mainly on the Shakespeare and Silstar rods I'd seen it, but I think some of the DAM rods had it on too, though I may be mistaken there.
Thanks Sam for the links. I'd come across the tacklewharehouse one whilst trying to find the answer to the letter system.
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sam vimes
Well-known member
I do remember that now you mention it. I'd not noticed them using it for over twenty years though.
Hi all, I have been gifted a Shimano Vengeance match 14ft FA max 20g rod.
I haven't a clue how old it is but It looks like a quite good rod to me.
Does anyone on here either have one or know how good they really are and what sort of fishing is it best for.
Silly question I know but would love to know.
TIA
I haven't a clue how old it is but It looks like a quite good rod to me.
Does anyone on here either have one or know how good they really are and what sort of fishing is it best for.
Silly question I know but would love to know.
TIA
mikench
Well-known member
Float fishing on suitable( little overhead trees and shrubs) venues with a maximum weight of 20g for the float.
Alan Brown of Hitchin generally marked his big fish rods CT or FT. Standing for Compound or Fast taper. The Jack Hilton glass Carp CT rods were rated at 1.50tc these fetch silly money second hand and seem incredibly soft.
Old fisher
Well-known member
An old style rod that bends all the way from the tip to the butt was said to have a PA action or a Parabolic Action