New Design for 2008 Part 2

[noles]

After reading a great article on the Vibronic rod (originally designed by Steve Gardner); I had to build one. The principle behind the Vibronic rod is that by eliminating certain components from the rod, you essentially make the rod as light as possible; therefore you increase the sensitive of the rod. The rod utilizes a Tennessee handle style grip & micro guides (4 mm and smaller) for running guides. I couldn't get my hands on the micro guides so I used a 6 mm Fuji alconites. Anyway here are some pictures:


Can you guess what components I left out?



Why is the rod blank off-center from the grip you ask? By off setting the grip ; the rod blank will be in direct contact with your palm. Which is more sensitive than your fingers. Don't believe me? Run a finger across your palm then do the same with the fingers.

I think I may have found a design that will allow me to build the lightest possible rod. This rod weighed in at 3.5 oz. That's awesome. I think I can eliminate more weight by using a different blank (this one was a Lamiglass XMG) and using the micro guides. My lightest rod prior to this one were my CTS rods; which weighed in a 4.30 oz and 4.60 oz. respectively. Just for giggles I wieghed Nei's Calico Jack and Mako's Dogfish Stick. The Calico Jack weighed 5.50 oz and the Dogfish weighed 5.60 oz.

Next up is field testing both rods. Any volunteers?

[Todd]

No offense Noles, but that rod is ugly and I have to look good when I fish.

Interesting thought about the offset.

[mudfish]

Luv the matte black finish Noles. ...stealth. 8)

[dunfly]

I tried the feel test, but since have almost no feeling in my fingers, I couldn't tell the difference. Maybe in a month or so.

Very interesting rods. I'm not sure the 1 oz. difference makes up for the severe case of ugly though.

[JoeS]

Noles.......Field Test I am Game!!!!It's ugly but I am willing to try one out it is all about the weight.....

[yohan1973]

I have to look good when I fish.

Cover your face with your buff then! lol