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Welcome to
skywaterrods.com
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Fishing rods can be designed to meet a broad
range of applications, the so-called multipurpose rod, or an extremely
narrow one for a single species, one line, lure or bait wt., under
particular environmental conditions. Performance enhancements are applicable
in the full range of cases. “Multipurpose” does not mean low performance.
Some of SKYwater’s most performance enhanced rods are saltwater designs for
casting, jigging, trolling, and live bait applications in one rod!
The configuration of a rod is derived through careful, detailed consultation
with the angler to identify requirements, application, and desires. Physical
traits are considered and any necessary modifications regarding rod length,
power, weight, and reach are noted and planned. The rod must be comfortable
to fish and provide the most efficient use of the angler’s power and skills.
BLANKS-- The selection of components is critical to proper
design, beginning with blanks. SKYwater takes great care in recommending and
choosing the perfect blank for a specific application. Blanks are available
in E-glass, S-glass, various generations of graphite, composites of glass
and graphite, and tubular titanium and graphite. Each material is
characterized by an inherent set of qualities, advantages, and limitations,
which suit it to a range of applications. (A note on graphite blanks is
appropriate here. A common misconception exists that higher modulus in
graphite equates to higher performance, and “fast” actions are limited to
high modulus graphite. NOT TRUE! A fast blank can be built of low modulus
material, and vice versa. Lower modulus blanks, such as IM6, many times
perform better than higher modulus 4th & 5th generation blanks. High modulus
graphite has serious limitations, which confine its use to a narrow range of
applications. Graphite, in its present forms, appears to have reached or be
near its apex as a blank material.) Of particular interest is the growing
variety of composite blanks, which exhibit the advantages of each material
and dampen disadvantages. Their greatest application is in saltwater
designs, followed by bass casting/spinning, and to a very limited extent,
fly rods. Blanks can be modified by trimming the butt, and lengthened or
stiffened with sleeves or inserts.
REEL SEATS-- Selection of a reel seat requires determining the
performance characteristics desired by the angler. Factors considered are
hand size, comfort, material, sensitivity, strength, durability, weight, and
aesthetics. Choice of materials includes various metals, woods, cork,
composites, and synthetics. In some applications, seats can be modified by
incorporating non-traditional combinations of materials to satisfy specific
needs. Typically, SKYwater shortens seats to remove useless threads, length,
and weight, based on the reel to be used.
GRIPS-- Selection of grips requires determining the
performance characteristics desired by the angler. Factors considered are
hand size, reach, comfort, material, sensitivity, durability, weight, and
aesthetics. SKYwater sizes and shapes ALL grips to fit the angler’s hand
size and reach based upon the application and specific requirements. In
certain applications, portions of grips may be greatly reduced or
eliminated. Here again, SKYwater’s commitment to performance is evident in
the willingness to depart from tradition. Grip materials include cork, EVA,
hypalon, non-skid and cork tapes, and combinations thereof. |
| GUIDES-- The singular, most misused component
in all of rod manufacturing is guides! It is this area in which
manufacturers have been most unwilling to depart from tradition, even when
doing so would greatly improve performance. Persistent, performance-robbing
misconceptions about guides, which are |
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| based in tradition, are perpetuated by manufacturers.
SKYwater makes its boldest departure from traditional designs when
specifying guides (see our sections on Vector Compensated and
High
Performance rods for details). Roller, ring, various ceramic, single, and
double foot guides are available in many different finishes. |
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