Admit it...You've probably done it before. You know, standing in a tackle store, grabbing a new rod off the rack and then going through a series of "tests" to see if it meets your discerning criteria. Things like waving it in the air, bending it with your hand, or tapping or dragging the tip on the ground. Could you tell a diiference between the glass, composite or graphite rod choices? What about between manufacturers or models within a line based upon price points? Parabolic or X-Fast tip? Whippy or pool cue? Where are the cool studies that we could reference concerning fishing tackle? The best I've come across so far is the "Common Cents" rod testing that a small group has undertaken (see 'Tackle' archives). The more recent postings on fluorocarbon lines is another interesting piece of work. Not much beyond that though outside of some "one off" individual tests. As such, we're left to find similar studies that have cross-functional applications, at least as far as our learning or understanding abilities. That leads up to today's study of interest.
Materials Testing in Long Cane Design: Sensitivity, Flexibility, and Transmission of Vibration by Mark D. Rodgers and Robert Wall Emerson, published in the Nov. 2005 issue of the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness. An interesting look into what materials and material properties are best for transmitting vibrations to users of long canes, those extended walking sticks used by the visually impaired. Not exactly fishing rods but definitely applicable at least in principle to the cause, and certainly similar to some of the impromptu "testing" I've seen anglers carry out in stores.
And as a bonus, perhaps you've heard of the Carrot Stix rods by E-21. They are made from a material called Curran which is derived from vegetables. An intersting write-up provided by The Providence Journal:
Forget graphite, fiberglass fishing rods -- think carrots
Curran -fantastic! But, I'll wait a few years for that technology to mature.
OK, now someone has to get busy on making the next generation of ultra thin, but rigid, fishing line.
Posted by: Paul Roberts | July 05, 2008 at 02:25 PM