When balancing an empty reel to a rod, does anyone take into consideration the weight that line/backing will add? I want to take my rod into the store and try on some reels but wonder how much weight the line/backing adds to the equation. Is it negligible?

Sure, it's less noticeable on the heavier weight reels, but still. I'm looking at a reel for a 9wt, between the Redington GD@5.8oz and the Pflueger Trion@7.7oz. Rod is 4.35oz.

Better yet, is there a ratio of reel to rod weight that you think is most comfortable for a 9' rod? On my trout gear, the comfortable ratio seems to work out to about 3:4, where the rod weighs about 75% of the empty reel, on rods 8'-9'.

Thanks!


[This message has been edited by preast (edited 11 March 2005).]