Here's something that I learned today but I'm sure the pros already know this. After you do the static deflection test and then start to do your test casting, make sure the spinning reel has the right amount of line on it. The less line on the reel, the more it will decrease the casting distance. I was tinkering around with a rod today that had about a half of spool of line on the reel and it kept making noise when I cast it. Thought maybe it was line slap. Nope! That wasn't it! It was the line coming off the reel. Since the line had a sharper angle coming off the reel it was making noise going around the rim of the spool. After I changed to another reel (same model) with a full spool, I was able to cast at least a 1/3 more distance. This is something for the beginner to keep in mind when test casting a rod.

Hope this helps somebody
Steve

Most reel manufacturers recomend that you fill the spool to within 1/8th inch of the spool lip for best performance.