grunde wrote:"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful."

Wise words.

I'm not following the whole discussion, but the definition of a 'wave' is that it transfer energy but no mass. Even if we look on a water wave the water particles are circularing, but they don't 'move'. So if the loop would be a wave, how could the line (mass) propagate?
Cheers

By the way if you want to compare with a broomstick on equal speed grounds, the broomstick has to be some 40% longer than the reference rod. I’m afraid that casting will be a nightmare. Efficiency is not synonym of lever arm; it is linked to dynamic characteristics of rods. We discussed the lever a...

Hi Paul, So going back to the original premise, yes we use stiffer rods for distance but the returns are marginal. I think what we are using for longer casts nowadays is however less efficient. I know I’m putting in a hell of a lot more force for not very much more results!! But I think where we hav...

Thanks Merlin, it takes some time to get into your explanations. If we define efficiency as the ratio of line energy divided by the total of energy then we typically have 60% to 65%, the higher figures corresponding to the slower rods. In the “test” conditions, a totally rigid rod would show 45% eff...

Let’s be practical Absolutely Merlin, in terms of the same input energy (~rotational energy) I see two possibilities for both rods to compare: a) The rigid rod has the same length as the undeflected flexible rod. In this case I expect a lower angular velocity for the rigid rod. b) The rigid fly rod...

Hi Merlin, I think there is an unique definition of efficiency, even if we look on the different subtopics according to Wikipedia : efficiency is determined as the ratio of the output and input, but why not using the definition of the mechanical efficiency subtopic . Quote: “Mechanical efficiency is...

Hi all together, Sometimes I read a comment like this: „As I’m able to cast further with an (almost) rigid fly rod, this one must be more efficient than a more flexible one”. So my impression is, that a lot of people are still focussing on the casting length only to make a statement on efficiency. T...

Hi Dirk,
interesting stuff - I just wonder about the practical benefit ?
Cheers,

By which mechanism can some kinetic energy of a (stiff) rod can be transmitted to a soft line? Wave on a string? Impedance would be a problem I guess. I don't know Merlin, my investigantions end up estimating the tip speed and with it the whip analogy too. As far as I know (from you) it is a very d...