Why are kite rods so short?

[AT Grimaldi]

OK. the first now is here and the obsessing has begun.

I ordered the materials from The Mudhole to make two (2) kite rods. I have two choices, to either cut some of the butt end of the blank off to get a smaller kite rod or leave them whole and have a longer kite rod.

Either way, I will only have one tip guide.

Is there any reason why I would want to chop the blanks down? I mean is there any specific reason kite rods are so short?

If I don't cut them down, the final rod will be about 5'8" long including reel seat and gimballed but section.

Any rules/advice/input/experience here?

Is it April yet?

- ATG

[Clint3240]

they are short so you can grab the kite...... if you want you can just take a crap rod and cut it down to the first guide....

[tomytuna]

my girlfriend asked me the same question! ooops! wrong rod...

[rarhomes]

Don't cut the butt.

Rods are short because you need to be able to grab and work your kite clips. You only need enough rod to guide the line on the reel ( about 12" to 16").

Also if you run your kites through the rigger rings you don't want a long kite rod in your way.

Capt Rick

[AT Grimaldi]

There you have it!!

Many thanks all. These could be the easiest rods I've ever built - er - I mean assembled.

- ATG

[blackhullcharters]

I keep 2 short kite rods on my boat, but if you ask me a longer rod is better getting the kite up & flying, especially when there is light wind.

[MACSON]

Second Blackhull.