I think this balance malarkey is a bit of a red herring and is only an issue on certain styles of fishing where the rod needs to be constantly held like fly, lure or trotting. Chucking out a waggler or feeder and then putting the rod into a rest is neither here nor there.
Im afraid when the rod is balanced,everything improves,well what matters anyway,casting and striking,it makes the rod respond better...
Always the pessimist eh John
I do have a couple of carp rods that have never felt right and felt top heavy. So much so that they were only used once and now collect dust in the shed. I think they are 12ft Fox Warriors.
Yes it is,until someone puts a good rod in your hand you would never ever know,ive yet to show an angler the 12ft titan 2000 without a wow coming from them,you might be the first Ed...