Heddon #14 vs #17

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jrpaquatics
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Heddon #14 vs #17

#1

Post by jrpaquatics »

What are the differences between the two rods? Did they use the same quality cane? Was it the number of guides? I have a nice #14 with wooden reel seat which seems like as nice of a rod as my 17.

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flyfishermann1955
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Re: Heddon #14 vs #17

#2

Post by flyfishermann1955 »

Per Sinclair's Heddon book (see page 85), the Model 14 and Model 17 were both made from "Grade C" bamboo, which comprised about 30% of Heddon's stock. At least 1 picture of the rod lineup in the book shows a Model 14 with 3 snake guides on the mid section while the Model 17 has 4 snake guides on the mid section.

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Re: Heddon #14 vs #17

#3

Post by Woodlakejag »

The 14 came out in 1927. The 17 cost a few dollars more when it appeared in 1931 because it had blackened ferrules, an agate stripper, and more snakes. Both models changed over the years and prices went up.
In my opinion, and I think many others agree, the quality of all models went down after WWII. So All things being equal, I would pay more for a 14 from 1935 with a cedar reel seat than I would for a 17 from 1953.
George
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16parachuteadams
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Re: Heddon #14 vs #17

#4

Post by 16parachuteadams »

I've owned and fished both and for my money they cast pretty much alike.

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jrpaquatics
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Re: Heddon #14 vs #17

#5

Post by jrpaquatics »

Thanks everyone, I think that answers my question.

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