+2. So much difference in the balance of various rods. That is why I do not like to buy a rod without handling it and putting a reel on it. I have seen some of these really popular high dollar rods that felt terrible because they had poor balance. That applies to some production rods as well as to some custom made rods.

A better balanced outfit also is a big help in making longer and/or accurate casts.

I agree with the balance point. I don't like heavy rods and reels but most middle to high end equipment is fairly close in weight. I would much rather fish a moderatly heavy rod and reel than a Steez and very light rod that is not balanced well.

When you've been around as I have and fished for over 60 years, you've seen the huge improvement in even the bottom end of rods and reels. For me, balance is and always has been more important than just weight. I have a couple of flipping sticks I've ADDED weight to an already heavy rod to put balance point right under reel. I can use these rods longer and with less fatigue then light rods that are forward biased on weight.

As for balance and feel, I recently bought a combo outfit with the first St. Croix spin rod I've used. I bought it because a friend so highly recommended St. Croix as a mid-priced but high end rod. It just doesn't balance well and I'm disappointed in it. I'm sure they make some great rods since so many in the north swear by them, but I have lower cost rods from other mfg'ers that just FEEL so much better.

I've gone fishing for 12 and 15 hours straight before, actually one time i fished for 18 hours straight (at Fork, fished sunrise then picked up my buddy and fished until midnight).

So yeah when fishing all day I want something that is going to be easy on my arms after a long day.

I feel like a samurai with a well balanced rig in my hand.

I hear the fish scream while giving the smelly pirate hookset!!

Good post and nice debates...thanks all for the input.

The Lighter the rod the better.
It's got to have a long handel, I don't like the shorter handels.
Balance is most importante

The better the balance,the better the bite detection.
Especially on tip up applications.

Weight is overrated.

From my experience, it is a bad idea to pick up a Steez rod and reel combo...LOL

Balance and weight make a difference when fishing long hours. Also, sensitivity is usually better with a lighter rod. Rod size is also important when choosing a style of fishing. Lighter lures and worms can be thrown on lighter rigs with better sensitivity and control. Heavy jigs thrown in thick cover require a heavier setup.

Fatigue. It's weight and balance. I have a note from my doctor that says I am required to fish only GLX rods and Steez reels.

must be a quack doctor...

I pay ZERO attention to weight if its the right rod its the right rod. I throw a lot of big baits so big rods are gonna weigh. My buddy and I laugh about this a lot. Its not that much weight to begin with. I do believe in balance like some have said its all about how it feels with whatever your doing.

I would suggeat getting a gym membership instead of a $400 lightweight reel that's only going to shave off maybe 2 oz from the weight. Another benefit to this is you will start looking like RedRanger with this technique...

Your doctor must have never tried Dobyns...

It's 4.3 oz difference or a quarter pound. If you cast once a minute over a 12hr day, that an extra 180 pounds of force exerted weight per day. The wear and tear on the carpal and metacarpal bones will cause issues as well as potential bursitis, arthritis and an aggravated ulnar nerve. I don't need a gym membership. I need longevity of muscles, tendons and bones. Thanks though.

I'm talking reels: calcutta 400 versus Revo Winch. Big difference in weight and ergonomics.