Now that I’ve read Dr. Bill’s article in the FAOL archives on the Common Cents system, I’ve got a couple of questions.
(1) Just looking over rodbuilding.org quickly, I didn’t think I saw much on Common Cents there. Did I miss the important stuff?
(2) Do I have to buy Volume 6 of that Rod Building magazine to learn about it?
(3) Is there a database that compares rods from the major rod makers (or blank makers) on the CC ratings?
(4) How do I get access to that database so I can find out how my favorite rod stacks up.
Seriously, I’ll probably never build a rod (never say never, of course), but I am interested in knowing more about the rods that I own, as well as all the rods that I passed up at the fly shop. Maybe there is a reason that one I tried won’t cast for me.
Here’s the article:
[url=http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/rodbuilding/ccs.html:5ab33]http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/rodbuilding/ccs.html[/url:5ab33]
BFB,
Tom Kirkman of rodbuilding.org has put together a compilation of the CC articals. Last I heard it is 4$. Much cheaper than buying 5 back issues
The thrill is not in the kill. It’s in the deception.
I think utilizing the CC system could be a great way to compare rods in a much more quantitative way than using the data available by the manufacturers (length, their subjective recommendations for line weight and action).
The major problem I see with it though (and why I haven’t really used it much when selecting blanks) is that the data is sort of uncontrolled and sparse. Just by looking at some of the data, there’s a lot of variability in the same rods, and I can’t imagine there’s that much difference between two or more rods that are the same model. I think user errors when measuring and using the system outweighs the benefits.
It’s a great starting point, but I think if you’re not building rods, and have the chance, side by side test casting is an important part of selecting a rod (if your a finicky rod buyer… like me).
No-Tye that is the link “superbob” right above your post…put up by nowindknots…just click on it if you want to see it
Jim
BigFlatBrook, if you do a search of the forum archives you will find a lot of discussion on this topic. You will find opinions that vary from it’s great to not worth 2 cents.
I feel that the manufacturers rating, based on better controlled testing methods and experts opinions on how the rod actually performs, is far better than a testing method that can produce a wide range of results. Without trained technicians, precision instruments and control, no test can be consistently accurate.
Joe
FFJ,
I hadn’t searched the archives, and so wasn’t aware it was it had been discussed a bunch already.
Thanks
I still would like to know how this system would measure a blank that has a very soft tip yet a lot of power in the butt section.
Seems to me it would label it the CS equivilant of soft.
The absolute best way to test a rod IMHO is to get your hands on it and cast it or, better yet, fish with it.
“Very” and “lot” are not extremely descriptive, are they? Certainly seems one man’s wet noodle is another guy’s broom stick. How soft? And how much power? I think real, descriptive, comparable and repeatable quantifications would be “very” helpful. 
IMHO, even given some error in implementation and interpretation, a numerical scale with multiple gradations just intuitively seems “better” than a system with slow/moderate/fast descriptors.
Jim
Jackster,
Your blank in question would have a relatively high ERN and a relative high AA. The term “soft” is not in the CCS vocabulary.
Of course, personally testing a rod is the best way to determine whether you like it or not. Since you presently have no way of describing or communicating to anyone what it is you like about a rod, there is no other way for you to go.
Unfortunately, even at the best of fly shops you will rarely find more than a couple of rods to choose from which are the strength you desire. Consequenty you always end up buying the least offensive of those available. Later you find a rod you like better and buy it too.
If you knew the ERN, AA, and CCF of a rod which pleases you, you could immediately eliminate most rods from consideration without ever touching them. This is an advantage for the mail order customer.
The CCS tells you what the rod is. It does not tell you what you will like. However, if you already have a rod you don’t like, Use of the CCS can tell you what to do to make it more to your liking.