MrBill, what is your standard in determining that a rod is maxed out at a certain weight? This is an issue that has been bothering me for a while as I switch to lighter gear and heavier line. I have historically resolved by kinda going middle of the road as to stated line rating (i.e. a 40-60# rod I fish with 50#line, a 20-50# I fish no more than 40# line, 50-130# I fish 80#line, etc.) But I want to try these tests and find the maxed out point myself since I am starting to push tackle to its probably limits. I assume around 1/3 weight for the given line's real breaking strength, but how do you really tell the rod is maxed and about to break, without actually doing so? I really don't want to be standing there with two pieces thinking "hmmm guess that Chaos maxed out 5 lbs lighter."
Oh, and any one else's opinions on this appreciated as well.