Vintage Fenwick Fiberglass Rod Action

Question
Specifically focusing on FS83C fiberglass fenwick rods, I have found certain versions (rated 6-17# line) to have a much "softer" tip than others.  One in particular I found is a "Classic Glass."  However, recently I purchased an FS83C (6-17# line) thinking I would get the same action and did not - just a little more stiff.  I have also found in FS83C (6-15# line) varying actions and none as soft as the Classic.  I have aslo had similar experience with the FS86C but that may or may not be another question and answer.

My question is this:  is there a way for a person to know the difference by identifying marks?  Perhaps a code number system or something else?  Is there available a guide for understanding the variations in vintage Fenwick fiberglass rods?

I hope I have provided enough context for you to understand the nature of my question.  Thank you so much.  David

Answer
Hi David,

I do understand the question but I'm not sure I can answer it yet.  Fenwick has gone through some changes over the years in materials used and place of manufacture, including offshore manufacture.  Blank color is sometimes a clue as is series name. I don't have any sort of guide but there is some useful data on fly rods at:

http://fiberglass-fly-rods.pbworks.com/w/page/5182977/Fenwick

be sure to follow the link to the Japanese manufacturing.

If you wish, you can send me some pictures of the various rods and I'll review them for you.  Send to [email protected]

In general, it would be very difficult to find any two rod blanks that are exactly the same in all respects.  Rod blanks are still made one at a time and the process of preparing, trimming, gluing, rolling on mandrels, wrapping, baking, unwrapping, sanding, polishing, painting and cutting to size is still a human being involved effort at every stage.  Tolerances are close and quality control is tight, but minor differences are inherent to the process of manufacture.

Rod action and line weight and lure weight associated with a specific rod blank are somewhat subjective values assigned by the manufacturer of the rod blank.  This is why it is difficult to compare such values between rod manufacturers and would also be difficult to compare blanks within a manufacturer and expect to find exact duplication from blank-to-blank.  Bottom line, there are probably too many variables involved, including constant human interaction, to be able to get the exact duplication you are looking for between and among rod blanks. What you should expect to find is variation within some acceptable tolerance levels.

Hope this helps rather than confuses things more.

Thanks,  Joe