It certainly has a lot to do with the materials used in the grip and reel seat as well as the reel. Most of the grips and seats I make will need a lighter reel to balance properly with as I like to use exotic woods for trim and such. Some of those woods are quite heavy so a light CNC machined reel will not only look sharp but balance well. A light cork grip without the accents will balance better with a large arbor or heavier reel.