Rod Breakage

[custheyder]

There has been some talk about higher quality rods using carbon fibre that is a higher modulus. Trey Kistler did a great write up quoting Gary Loomis about these rods. It's not about IM7, IM8 or even IM12. It's about the strain rate. Just how much these rods can take before they bust.

In summary the higher the IM number the thinner the walls because they are much stiffer. Thin walls means they are much more easy to damage. Considering how light our Tenkara rods are and the thinness of the walls I think the article is very much worth a read especially the part about breaking a rod with a customer.

Click -> Gary Loomis talks about rod breakage

Do you really want to put your Tenkara rod down on the ground? Especially if you are leaning it against a rock? Just something to bear in mind if you are thinking of buying very expensive high modulus rods which are lighter. They perform brilliantly, but they do need more care.

[daves]

Interesting. Thanks for posting the link. As with many things its all a balance between strength/longevity & functionality.

[phil]

Good stuff, glad you posted this.

[custheyder]

I've not had many breakages of my own rods *touch wood* .... All have been tree/leader /child related. However, because I'm looking at the really top end (expensive) manufacture I think it's good information for people to have about caring for rods and what to consider when making a purchase.

If you are rough on your tackle or fish in extreme places then the super high modulus/strain rate rods might not be the best fit for your fishing.

Although I must admit, I'm a sucker for wanting to own beautiful things that perform amazingly well.

[paul1966]

I've only had one breakage so far due too heavy handedness trying to free a stuck tip, however the amount of times I accidentally wack the tree canopy when I'm fishing with a high end rod I would probably have many more.I would still probably want one though as I'm a sucker too.

[daves]

Yet another sucker here.

I've only had 2 breakages in  3 years 8 months of Tenkara fishing 2 plus days a week, 52 weeks a year & well over 3000 fish up to just short of 4 lb caught. The first was my fault (an over enthusiastic strike when a violent gust of wind blew on the exposed, upper Tees & the second an unaccountable failure whilst playing a rainbow of just over 1 lb.

With care breakages are very rare, as far as I can tell.