Do you guys still see a large demand that fly rod seats (6 wt. and lighter rods) still have a wood insert? I am really liking Batson's RA701 seats, as they are light and lock the reel really solid with ease, but there can be a difference between what I like and the customers.

Thanks - Marc

Keep it simple - that's all I can handle!

A beautiful wood insert really dresses up a fly rod. It doesn't make it more functional, Just prettier

Marc

It's a form vs. function thing. Unless someone specifically requests otherwise, weights 0 and 1 get cork with nickel silver cap and ring, weights 2 through 5 get a wood insert with nickel silver hardware, and weight 7 and above get anodized aluminum to better deal with the salt. 6 weight is the in-between weight. If there is to be a fighting butt then it gets an aluminum seat. If a 6 weight without a fighting butt is intended for fresh water only, then it gets a wood insert and nickel silver hardware.

So, guess I'm with Randolph preferring the aesthetics of a wood insert until the possibility of salt arises.

Thanks Guys!

Thanks - Marc

Keep it simple - that's all I can handle!

My demand is based on what I like, since I do not have customers, just a hobby builder who sometimes hands off a fly rod to one of two buddies.

I was traditional, i preferred wood seats, but I'm also picky, i like satin finish, with a mortise since I find it easier to mount a reel when i can see and feel quickly where it goes. I hate searching for the almost-hidden pocket even though it only takes 2-4 seconds lol

But lately I've been liking the all-metal seat, downlocking screw design. they also help fill the gap for my latest preference, fiberglass fly blanks. I usually wrap 6wts down to 3wts.

eric
fresno, ca.