8642 and Reel Weight

[BambooNut]

I have a W&M 8642 coming and i'm thinking about what i'll need to balance it. I normally need a rod and reel to balance under my thumb. That may be a little further back than some like.

I have a Medalist 1495 I was going to use. It fits into the era of the rod. I'll be using a DT 5wt line. Will it balance what i'm looking for or will need some weight added? I don't want to load it up if i'll need to add some weight.

Anybody have a similar setup that can help?

[jimwright]

I have a 8642 with a 1495 Medalist DA. If you want that balance point you will have to add some weight. An easy way is 18 lb. lead core trolling line under your backing. If memory serves (and mine just turned 75 so check) it weighs 11 grains per foot so 40' gives you an ounce.

[BambooNut]

Where does it balance for you with no weight Jim?

[Shrimpman]

I just had my 8642 Aristocrat out for a wiggle this morning (a sanity break as I do some tech writing while wet snow comes down) with a 1495 on it!
Spooled with a WF5F, it balances at the winding check, which is OK for me because I like my rods to feel slightly tip-heavy.

[BambooNut]

Very good. Thanks.

[jimwright]

Glad you got an answer. On my GG8642 Special with the nickel silver up-locking seat it was past the cork into the cane a little but I don't remember how much.

[BambooNut]

For me that's too far forward and good to know. I'll add some weight before spooling on the backing and line.

Thanks guys.

[ibookje]

A Pfleuger 1494 might be a nice match too? Especially if it's a round guard version

[BambooNut]

I have one but it's lighter and i'd have to add more weight. I like the looks of a 1495 on an 8 1/2' rod. Of course we all have different tastes. The 1494 seems just right on a 7 1/2' rod. To me anyway.

[bluesjay]

Hi Guys, I love a Pflueger Gem on several of mine. But I have an early 'The Granger' that I have always used for Greenbacks that I used with a Meisselbach Rainbow. If I ever get to fish for Greenbacks again in our fire ravaged area I think I'll start using a 'horse shoe latch' Gem with silk line. The reel was a gift from the widow of a friend and the rod the last one I worked on for him. It was the rod Jim asked if I had it done, and he said, "I'm seventy eight years old you know." I didn't get it done, but I bought it from Lessie.

Jay Edwards

[samsonboi]

I have one but it's lighter and i'd have to add more weight. I like the looks of a 1495 on an 8 1/2' rod. Of course we all have different tastes. The 1494 seems just right on a 7 1/2' rod. To me anyway.

if it is a model with solid spool rather than the early birdcages there is a hole under the latch cap you can put BBs into. Then to prevent rattle you can wad it with something if you like, a piece of an old nylon stocking would resist rot better than a tissue as usually advised. I don’t bother to weight mine.

[BambooNut]

I might experiment with putting my hand farther up the grip. That will let me use a lighter reel. I normally hold the grip down the grip, so under my thumb is pretty far back. Easy enough for me to change.

[Skimpole]

I added shot as mentioned above to an Akron made 1495. Still a bit tip heavy for my taste but not bad at all. This is actually an Old Faithful model of that taper which has a shorter reel seat, so an 8642 with the 1938 patent seat may be just right.

[wineslob]

My favorite reels were Young Beaudex's, seemed to balance the 8642's I had perfectly.