Building an 8'9" 4 wt cant decide what type seat to use . I've only used uplocks on the 3 rods I built. Im going to put a downlock on the bamboo rod im redoing but wonder about the new graphite 4wt?

Im told that downlock seats balance the rod a little better and down locks are the classic configuration. Why did uplock seats get so popular?

Happy wrapping "John"

John,

Which way you choose the mount the seat is really just personal preference. One way may well balance the rod better than the other so that is something to consider.

In one of our previous issues of RodMaker this year, we showed how to modify a seat so that both hoods are moveable and therefore the rod can be balanced by shifting the reel fore or aft. Moving it just a little changes the balance drastically, as you can well imagine. Just an idea to consider.

.....................

I think the reason that uplock reelseats became popular is that you can lean your rod & reel against a wall or a tree without the reel touching the ground. (I know that I've had customers tell me that's why they wanted an uplock seat) Also, with the use of fighting butts, you just get a little more extension. I like the look of a hidden hood under the cork too which makes an uplock more "fashionable". One more point; I've always felt that I could put more torque on the nuts with an uplock seat thus having a more secure grip on the reel.

I used to use mostly downlocking. Now I use uplock a lot. I think the reason uplocks are so poplar is because there is a little less rotational torque with the reel close to the hand. And they look neat with the western grip and the recessed reel hood. Downlocks seem to be better for static balance while fishing the rod. But I find myself moving my hand down onto the reel seat while casting some of them.

I would want to be pretty sure I liked the downlock before I put it. Try taping the reel at both positions and casting the rod first.

When you finally hook that 30 inch trout that you have been casting to for 3 hours and he makes that really strong first run and a coil of your loose fly line wraps around your uplocking reel seat you might then wonder why you went to an uplocking reel seat.
I like to keep it simple. Same reason I'll not buy wadding shoes with speed lace type hooks. Just my 2 cents worth.-----JW

Good posted !