Uplocking vs Downlocking

[JohnScott]

I have a vague recollection of seeing a thread on this subject here on the BB long ago - before I had any reel interest in rod building.

Not planning to build another rod for a while, but I will be adding a ferruled handle to my bamboo rod and am considering a downlocking reel seat.

Just wondering what you all think are the advantages / disadvantages to either style of reel seat.

Thanks for the ideas.

John

[Panman]

I have both & the only advantage I can see is the downlocking is a tad easier for me to keep clean.

Tim

[jklett]

I can think of a couple of advantages to downlocking seats. One is that they put the weight of the reel further back. They also don't have that "nub" sticking off the back end to catch the line on. And let's not forget the most important advantage: they look better(especially on bamboo).

[RS1]

John, I just like the looks of downlocking better. My favorite though is a sliding band style. Cap and band and double bands. With blued hardware.

[Lotech]

I think the downlocking is more suitable to the traditional type rods, i.e. bamboo and fiberglass. I think it's also easier to mount a cork grip when using a downlocking seat. I also have trouble with snagging line behind an uplocking seat. I just plain like the looks of a d/l seat.

[jkurtz7]

I like both Up and Down locking seats, but I'd have to say that I prefer down locking seats more.

J.

[Matt Penttila]

John, I would go with the downlocking for the short rod, mainly because when casting I find that my hand tends to move down the rod and rest on the reel. Because of this position, I found that by having my hand lower on the rod, the fulcrum point of the rod changes, and I can keep the same rythem in my casting with the 3'4" rod pretty much the same as when I use my 6' 1pc rod.

Matt

[fritz]

I have found the downlocking reel seats balance heavier rods such as bamboo better than rods made of graphite

[JohnScott]

Thanks much for the comments. Need to see what line weight the rod casts best and what reel I'll be using. At that point I'll be able to get a good idea how the rod and reel will balance best and make a decision. All things being equal ( or close ), I am inclined to put a downlocking reel seat on this rod.

John

[MontanaMoose]

Mr. Scott, I had a thought since I re-read this thread and it dawned on me you're making a handle to plug the tip section into, yes? If yes then it occurs to me that with a dl seat you might wind up with a very tip light shorty fly rod. Much as I don't like ul's I think if it were me I'd mock everything up both ways to see the effect on the 'feel' of the tip...i.e. light or heavy.

Thinking here that a shorty that is too tip light might not be as easy to cast as one that is nuetral or slightly tip heavy. Again, just random thoughts.

Cheers,

MontanaMoose