OTI rod question..

[Mitchw123456]

Why are the graphite seats used (I'm guessing for weight?) Personally I'm scared of graphite seats especially when you are talking about $500+ reels. Do the aluminum seats really weigh that much more?

[Ragman]

Hey Mitch!

Remember that we use all Fuji components. I'm not sure why you're scared of graphite seats, but they do enable us to make lighter rods.

What in your experiences caused you to now be scared?

You have to look at the rod as a whole, rather than just a particular component.

Meaning, if the rod is built so that ALL components match (blank, guides, wraps, reel seat, build quality etc.) and you use the rod to its specifications,
the rod should work exactly as designed.

If not, that's where the OTI warranty comes into play!

[Mitchw123456]

the reason I'm not a big fan of the graphite seats is because I had one break on me a few years ago and to this day I'm still leary of them. The particular one that broke on me was a Fuji and the lip that slides over the seat broke off, luckily the rod clamp held it on. I may just have to give one a shot again..

[Ragman]

Glad you had the rod clamp for a back up!

I also use the rod clamp designed for spinning reels as it is very cheap insurance!

[gman]

The purpose of teh graphite reel seat is to limit the weight. If your jigging and or popping all day or night the weight really comes into play. All major brands of jigging/popping gear use high end fuji components. I have my stella 20,000 on a graphite seat and its perfect

[papio]

Rod clamp for spinners?? Never knew any exsisted, course I've never had a need for one but since u mention, most tackle stores got em?

As for aluminum seats, wish I never replaced the graphites with them, not so much the weight but it I just can't get them to lock/secure tightly on the reels (spinning) and needs constant retightening.

[txseadog]

Originally Posted by Mitchw123456

the reason I'm not a big fan of the graphite seats is because I had one break on me a few years ago and to this day I'm still leary of them. The particular one that broke on me was a Fuji and the lip that slides over the seat broke off, luckily the rod clamp held it on. I may just have to give one a shot again..

What type of Fuji reel seat was it? I'd bet it was one of the HD ones that have all graphite/plastic/polymer hoods as I broke one myself several years ago because of over tightening. The standard and deluxe fuji seats have aluminum covers on the hoods and don't seem to have the same problem.

[tass]

For my spinners and conventionals that don't have clamps. I use tie raps to double secure to the rod. if the clamp fails the straps don't, but I have never had a seat fail on me and I do a lot of jigging with heavy drag.

[ksong]

Originally Posted by Mitchw123456

Why are the graphite seats used (I'm guessing for weight?) Personally I'm scared of graphite seats especially when you are talking about $500+ reels. Do the aluminum seats really weigh that much more?

I used AFtco slip-over reel seat on my custom jigging rod for the intention of catching cow over 200 lbs in PV or long range boats out of San Diego at the suggestion of Japanese rod builder. But I feel it was not necessary as I've never had any problem with my other tuna jigging rods which have all Fuji Heavy Graphite reel seats. I seldom use cramps.