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Alps reel seats fact or fantasy (51 posts / 7,183 views)
bigclanger bigclanger
Posts: 2,941
Post #1 17 Apr 2021 19:40
0
So does anyone actually know of any instances or experience of when a blank has snapped at the reel seat not just hearsay due to an Alps reel seat 🤔
jeffire jeffire
Posts: 4,442
Post #2 17 Apr 2021 19:57
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In reply to Post #1
Yes i have had 2 blanks cracked at the reel seat in my time building, one on a treb lite the other on an aviator, as you can see both distance rods and both apparently on casting.Not as much room underneath the seat as fujis and no flex in them.Lots of people have them with no issue so make of it what you want,.
carpbandit84 carpbandit84
Posts: 3,780
Post #3 17 Apr 2021 21:01
1
In reply to Post #2
Which alps seats were they though? I have heard the Alps CAH have more flex than the ard so are fine and the window seats are a no go as less area to glue..
Jamesvg Jamesvg
Posts: 1,165
Post #4 17 Apr 2021 21:27
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In reply to Post #2
How does that number compare to breakages with other types of seat vs number of rods with each type of seat? I wonder if it may be a reporting bias with the Alps?
Whilst I imagine it is a fairly rare occurence I have broken a rod at the seat on a cast - a fuji plastic jobby.
jeffire jeffire
Posts: 4,442
Post #5 17 Apr 2021 22:00
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In reply to Post #4
As i said i have had 2 back both ards , never had a fuji one back .No bias on my part .I use alps and pac bay on all fly rods i build never a problem but then blanks dont bend at the real seat on a fly rod .
Jimbo6745
Posts: 422
Post #6 17 Apr 2021 22:02
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Yup had them go twice in the same place on my c2ds. I'm booked on a casting tuition in July and I know I will break one I have absolutely No faith in them whatsoever. I am doing a session after the tuition and I'm taking 3 other rods as I know if I just take the c2ds one will break and I will end up with fishing 2 for a few nights and if another one goes it will be a mare. Bit mad for 500 quid casting rods I ain't even got the faith to take them distance fishing.
Doing_a_brew Doing_a_brew
Posts: 3,035
Post #7 18 Apr 2021 09:35
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In reply to Post #1
I was looking at getting some built by Mark Tunley and he doesn't guarantee against breakages when Alps seats are used. And Terry Edmonds won't cast properly with them (I saw him post about it on FB in the last week or so), though obviously he puts more strain through a rod than most people.
jeffire jeffire
Posts: 4,442
Post #8 18 Apr 2021 10:00
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In reply to Post #7
I try to put people off having them but if they are adament i won,t guarantee them either.
noj
Posts: 11,459
Social photographer...
Social photographer... Post #9 19 Apr 2021 06:51
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In reply to Post #8
Makes me laugh, you've got a bloke who's developed rods and teaches people to cast and various rod builders telling people not to use these seats and nobody cares.
It's like a mechanic telling you not to use mature cheddar as brake pads but you like yellow so you do it anyway
It's pointless too, most people have plastic bodied reels that will snap or fail mechanically long before a Fuji reel seat even flinches.
zinno
Posts: 1,381
Post #10 19 Apr 2021 07:00
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A rod builder in my area mainly uses alps reel seats
He has never had a problem with Alps reel seats and told me if there is a problem it is due to the bad gluing of the reel seat
Glenn_B Glenn_B
Posts: 1,804
Post #11 19 Apr 2021 08:56
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In reply to Post #9
My issue with this is that my Alps were fitted to my Trebs before any of this info surfaced. I have so far never had a problem but I'll admit that it is always in the back of my mind. I will probably get them removed at some point for Fujis just for peace of mind.
ip100 ip100
Posts: 12,494
Post #12 19 Apr 2021 09:17
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In reply to Post #10
Maybe because most on the continent use boats instead of casting?
Can't see how the glueing would make any difference Tbh as long as they are secure
Fara Fara
Posts: 2,113
Post #13 19 Apr 2021 09:28
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I was advised by a rod builder it's to do with the Internal diameter of the reel seat. When fitting alps, go for a larger ID to negate any issues.

I've never had any issues with mine but like Glenn it's always at the back of my mind..
jeffire jeffire
Posts: 4,442
Post #14 19 Apr 2021 09:38
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In reply to Post #9
You cant educate people that don,t want to listen.Unfortunately rods and most carp tackle are bought on looks not on performance !
jeffire jeffire
Posts: 4,442
Post #15 19 Apr 2021 09:46
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In reply to Post #13
It still wont flex , you have to go bigger with alps reel seats or alot of people will find that there reels wont fit !
noj
Posts: 11,459
Social photographer...
Social photographer... Post #16 19 Apr 2021 10:01
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In reply to Post #14
I'm sure most of them will be fine, but if there's a known potential failure I don't see the logic in using them at all. Except as you say, for aesthetics.
Got these great seats, they're super strong. Thing is you have to have bloody huge ones and only glue the ends or your rod will snap. Yes, your old ones were fixed better and never failed in 20 years... but these are shiny and quadruple the price = I'll take 3!
And those high stand-off k series designed to downsize because a 40 is as high as a 50... give me 50s
ip100 ip100
Posts: 12,494
Post #17 19 Apr 2021 10:01
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In reply to Post #15
Something I learned the hard way Jeff. Bloody reels didnt fit my shiny new rods
blackfield blackfield
Posts: 2,651
Post #18 19 Apr 2021 11:33
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In reply to Post #10
Which one? Just asking.
jeffire jeffire
Posts: 4,442
Post #19 19 Apr 2021 11:45
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In reply to Post #18
Considering he lives in belgium it may be a bit far for you.
zinno
Posts: 1,381
Post #20 19 Apr 2021 11:58
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In reply to Post #18
Poelisrods (Belgium)
blackfield blackfield
Posts: 2,651
Post #21 19 Apr 2021 12:53
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In reply to Post #19
...... just curious if there was one. Easy to say wthout giving a name, so fair play to Zinno. FWIW always thought the ALPS were a good case of style over substance and will swear they get hotter and colder than fuji reel seats in extremes of summer and winter. From your experience as a rod builder, they do have some issues in real life use.

And for the avoidance of doubt guys, if you like or want the ALPS, fine, it's your dosh!
jeffire jeffire
Posts: 4,442
Post #22 19 Apr 2021 13:53
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In reply to Post #21
They do get hotter and cooler as you say , various models get filthy easier aswell due to holes, dimples etc , I agree they do look the part and make a rod look visually better . They are as said much more expensive than fujis . I know lots of people who have them and no issues whatsoever.
Jamesvg Jamesvg
Posts: 1,165
Post #23 19 Apr 2021 18:12
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In reply to Post #5
Wasn't accussing you of intentional bias - just wondering if breaks on blanks not fitted with Alps are put down to a faulty blank and then the same break on a rod fitted with Alps are put down to it being the seats fault.
After the first report of a breakage being blame on an Alps seat it would then become a self propogating myth regardless of whether it was a blank or reel seat issue.
Jimbo6745
Posts: 422
Post #24 19 Apr 2021 18:50
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I'm really surprised people still want these seats on ANY distance rod. I had my c2ds for a good price and unfortunately didn't do any research into alps real seats. More worryingly one cast was only 100 yards 15lb line and it just parted at the seat. There was no frap up or anything on both occasions the rig sailed out fine. I contacted Terry Edmonds and a rod builder and both took negative views on the alps. The rod builder said there was not enough flex in the reel seat and sometimes on compression the carbon comes into contact with it and it breaks. if your dead set on alps go for it, it will be an expensive mistake and one you will only make once.
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #25 19 Apr 2021 18:54
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In reply to Post #24
Never once had an issue with my harrison and alps seats
Tinhead Tinhead
Posts: 17,089
Post #26 19 Apr 2021 19:01
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In reply to Post #25
That's because you can't cast
braders1978 braders1978
Posts: 18,195
Post #27 19 Apr 2021 19:12
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In reply to Post #26
Glenn_B Glenn_B
Posts: 1,804
Post #28 19 Apr 2021 19:23
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In reply to Post #24
You have an issue with the blank there. No way is the butt bending on a cast of 100y. Definitely a flaw. I can understand it seeing some of the rods under compression going 180y plus.
Jimbo6745
Posts: 422
Post #29 19 Apr 2021 19:44
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In reply to Post #28
Glenn it's happened twice in the exact same place I have spoken to people who are specialists in casting and rod building and they both said it's the seats. I can only go on what I have been told by people far more knowledgeable than myself.
Goose Goose
Posts: 12,901
Post #30 19 Apr 2021 21:31
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In reply to Post #29
Maybe because the c2d is designed to flex in the butt to aid level line casting? Not heard of any issues with the fma2.
Jimbo6745
Posts: 422
Post #31 19 Apr 2021 22:01
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Yes goose I think I'm right in saying most crack offs occur in the butt section so they slightly softened the butt and made the tip slightly stiffer. What ever they have done I'm not a fan. Looking to replace with Harrison's
DirkDiggler DirkDiggler
Posts: 2,502
Post #32 20 Apr 2021 07:37
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In reply to Post #1
I've got Daiwa Infinity magnum tapers in 3.75lb tc with the alps reel seats on them.

I'm fairly sure if I manage to break one at the reel seat Daiwa will replace it for me.
Glenn_B Glenn_B
Posts: 1,804
Post #33 20 Apr 2021 07:41
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In reply to Post #29
That makes sense then if that blank is designed to be more flexible there. What baffles me is that rod is designed as a casting tool and Century have some big casters so surely they have been tested properly with those seats?
saddler saddler
Posts: 612
Post #34 20 Apr 2021 12:02
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In reply to Post #33
I have got a set of hand built Harrison Trebuchet Lights and I have only used them 4 times and one of the rods started to crackle from the Alps reel seat so I took them back and the glue had cracked under the seat, I was warned about using Alps on distance rods and I wished I had taken notice because I have since been told a few distance rods fitted with Alps have had the blank explode
carpbandit84 carpbandit84
Posts: 3,780
Post #35 20 Apr 2021 12:44
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In reply to Post #34
Has anyone heard of this occurring with Alps CAH seats? Don't forget there are a few different types. The ARDs have been referenced, and I have heard the window seat versions are not good due to less surface area to glue however not getting the same issues with the CAH 18 sears..
Jimbo6745
Posts: 422
Post #36 20 Apr 2021 12:56
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In reply to Post #33
You would think that wouldn't you glen hence my purchase. Unfortunately I think we are in a age where nothing seems to get tested properly or over long periods. If that was the case alps would not be recommended for distance rods and century would of found the problem. Instead after spending a grand on a set I'm stuck with a useless set of distance rods.
carpbandit84 carpbandit84
Posts: 3,780
Post #37 22 Apr 2021 22:49
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In reply to Post #35
I guess from zero replies this is only occurring on ARD seats not the CAH seats
jeffire jeffire
Posts: 4,442
Post #38 23 Apr 2021 09:43
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In reply to Post #37
No idea mate sorry.
dogspencil dogspencil
Posts: 129
Post #39 23 Apr 2021 14:52
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In reply to Post #38
can only answer from my own experience, i have cast my custom c2'ds with braided shock leader's for a solid 4 years and my rods are still fine, i have had no issues at all

obviously this is just my experience with my builds
carpbandit84 carpbandit84
Posts: 3,780
Post #40 23 Apr 2021 18:00
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In reply to Post #37
Guess not then
Fara Fara
Posts: 2,113
Post #41 23 Apr 2021 19:11
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In reply to Post #40
My rods are fitted with CAH seats and I've experienced no problems so far..
carpbandit84 carpbandit84
Posts: 3,780
Post #42 25 Apr 2021 08:49
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In reply to Post #41
Thankyou for the feedback Fara
scozza
Posts: 18,421
Post #43 25 Apr 2021 10:14
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In reply to Post #34
I was warned about using Alps on distance rods

That's interesting, when I first started reading through this. I was thinking, are they breaking down to the blank flexing right down to the reel seat on a more through action rod, I would have thought a distance rod with a poker type butt would be less susceptible. Sounds like they also have trouble with the glue and metal?

I have had some Century FS customs with the full metal reel seats, no problems but horrendous if your a winter angler, freezing. Also had some Century NCS with the hybrid type handle, Half aluminium, no problems, with either of these, sounds strange with these alps, got to be the blank vs. Alps compatibility?
jeffire jeffire
Posts: 4,442
Post #44 25 Apr 2021 11:00
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In reply to Post #43
A few people have pmd me on this , I can only speak of the experience i have had , some have asked should they change the reel seats they have already fitted and i have said no as the breakages are only a small percent and removing a metal alps reel seat will probably cause more of a problem its a dremmel job extremely close to the blank ! I have seen lads casting rods and they would break them regardless of what reel seat is on the blank.
carpbandit84 carpbandit84
Posts: 3,780
Post #45 25 Apr 2021 12:54
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In reply to Post #43
Century C2Ds coupled with the bigger alps ard seem to be the problem area on a limited number. Extra flex in the butt section on a powerful rod.
scozza
Posts: 18,421
Post #46 25 Apr 2021 13:43
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In reply to Post #44
I wonder if the metal may be too rigid and creates a pivot / stress point then?

Wouldn't fancy doing that to my dream rods!

Must admit they do look OK for the tart amongst us I suppose
noj
Posts: 11,459
Social photographer...
Social photographer... Post #47 25 Apr 2021 17:09
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In reply to Post #46
That's exactly it mate. I'm not sure how there can be any confusion really.
They won't help you cast further, so they're pointless on a distance rod.
They don't like rods which bend, so they're pointless on a light rod.
They won't catch any more fish, so they're pointless on all rods.
If however you want admiring glances from other men, they are just the ticket!
I think they look bloody awful too, the beauty of a Fuji (or Fuji style) seat is it's simplicity
stuart666 stuart666
Posts: 4,779
Post #48 25 Apr 2021 18:19
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In reply to Post #47
I dont think any reel seat will catch you more.carp. I think nearly all custom built rods are solely built to get admiring glances from fellow anglers. Carp fishing is sadly a fashion statement these days and the majority of people i see on the bank are more concerned about how good the setup looks over actually catching a carp. I have got a set of 2.5lb century stealth graphens which bend right through to the butt and they have alsp reel seats and so far fingers crossed I havent had any problems. I also personaly dont like the alps seats but they grown on me since i got them.
scozza
Posts: 18,421
Post #49 25 Apr 2021 18:38
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In reply to Post #47


Out of interest Noj. Do you know which reel seats are the best ones to get glances from the ladies?

Maybe just a popularity thing and the Alps highlight an underlying problem with metal reel seats?
noj
Posts: 11,459
Social photographer...
Social photographer... Post #50 25 Apr 2021 19:12
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In reply to Post #49
A Fuji dps 24 strategically placed in tight chinos
scozza
Posts: 18,421
Post #51 25 Apr 2021 19:18
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In reply to Post #50


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