We have just completed a set of instruction for installing carbon sleeves (and grips) in PTS and TVS reel seats that we hope many of you will find useful. The information is at our website, scroll down to the "step by step" banner and click to download or just click here...

[anglersresource.net]

Thanks for the excellent instructions on how to install carbon sleeves in the new fuji reel seats. My question is: Does installing the sleeve take away some of the sensitive feeling you get when your finger can actually touch the blank though the window of the reel seat? I have had clients that did not want a sleeve.

While my digits are a bit numb from years of abuse and the brain may be a bit also from age, anything that insulates a blank (sleeves and the underlying) from actually touching it will diminish the vibrations (feel) from the blank. We may be splitting-hairs here but, after 4 hours or more, it only takes 1/1000 of a second to will the Indy 500.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Technically, it will reduce sensitivity. Practically, it will not.

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I agree with Tom. I don't think you could feel the difference with or without a sleeve but if the client wants direct contact with the blank that's what you provide. Thanks for your comments.

I cannot feel the difference and don't know anyone who can in a practical real life fishing situation. With a POINT Blank using a seat with a sleeve installed I can feel the wind against the blank, I can feel the vibration of the line cutting through the water on a tight-lined sinking lure (it will actually make the blank hum if the sink rate is fairly fast and water is deep-ish), I can feel if the rod butt accidentally barely brushes my jacket in cold weather, I can feel the exact retrieve speed needed to make the tail of a grub start to "paddle", I can distinguish shell from rock from mud from sand, I can feel the difference in the way the line travels through guides on a crosswind vs downwind cast, and I can feel a strike all the way to my spine. There may be a measurable difference. If you can measure it please let us know. ;)

Thank you for the installation guide.

Is it possible to use the PTS seat without the carbon sleeve? It looks like St Croix is using the seat without any sleeve on their Legend Elite series of rods. Is this a special part just for St Croix? I'd like to build with a blank exposed PTS seat if possible!