Hexrod - Online Rod Taper Archive

Online Rod Taper Archive

This is a small archive of some rod tapers. Most are "classic" rods or at least "old". Most are from the postings to the Rodmakers Listserv, as measured by the posters and generously shared with the rest of us. Please don't assume these are the "authoritative" versions of any of the rods.

You can call up any of these rods into the online hexrod program by clicking the button, or use the Rod ID that appears on the button, eg. #pymidge in either the Retrieve or Compare boxes in the other hexrod pages. Clicking on the little graph brings up the stress curve, without going through the intermediate stages. This is for viewing only; if you want to work with the numbers you will have to "Retrieve" the rod.

If you want to build one of these, I'd advise going to the source by clicking on the original poster's name (if its a hot link). Often there is some additional info such as guide spacing, ferrule specs etc. Some Notes on how things were entered are at the very end.

If you want to enter your own rod into the Hexrod program and work with the numbers, follow this link.

If you run into problems let me know by email at: stetzer@uwm.edu

David Ray distributed his taper library to the Rodmakers list in March 2004. These are not in Hexrod form (although there is a lot of duplication.) For a look, Click here.

Description	Retrieve Button	See Stress Curve
Walker Bampton
Walker Bampton "Joe Frost" 9ft 3in 2pc 9wt Posted by Ian Kearney on January 16, 1999. A premium New Zealand rod named after a well known guide. May be heavier than a 9wt. Varnish of 0.006 subtracted.
Walker Bampton "Special" 10ft 2pc 9wt Posted by Ian Kearney on January 17, 1999. May be heavier than a 9wt. Varnish of 0.006 subtracted.
Bristol
Bristol F7 - 8ft 6in 3pc 6wt Posted by Reed Curry, June 30 1995. Varnish of 0.006 subtracted.
Clifford Constable
Constable Wisp - 6ft 2pc 3wt Posted by David Ray November 3 1999 Varnish of 0.004 was subtracted by David. See posting for guide spacing.
Wayne Cattanach
Cattanach 7ft 2pc 4wt This rod by "St Wayne" Cattanach has been praised by many on the Rodmakers list, starting with "Sir D" Darryl Hayashida. Many of us "hobby builders" have made this as our first rod. Wayne says the original taper is a blend of a Paul Young Midge and a Cross Sylph. Note the "Cattanach hinge" at the 55 inch point; this assists in roll casting.
Sir D Special - 7ft 2pc 4wt This is Darryl Hayashida's modification of the rod above. It adds 0.002 to the 5, 10, and 15 inch stations, to lower the stress curve a little.
Cross
Cross Bataviakill 7ft 5wt 2pc First identified as a Cross Sylph, later a Bataviakill. "This rod amazed all who handled it at the Catskills Gathering. ...it looks like a 5 weight but it competently cast a 7 weight. ...It looks like this is explained by a strong middle." Posted by Tom Smithwick September 11, 1996. Takes a 13/64 ferrule and a 4/64 tiptop.
South Bend Single Built Cross Sylph 7ft 6in 5wt 2pc Posted by Bob Maulucci Aug 19, 1998
Cross Sylph 7ft 5wt 2pc From Herter's 1941 rodbuilding book, posted by Reed Curry on his website. See posting for guide spacing and other details. 15/64 ferrule size must be a misprint.
Cross Dry Fly Rod - 8ft 5wt 3pc From Herter's 1941 rodbuilding book, posted by Reed Curry on his website. See posting for guide spacing and other details.
Cross Bass Bug Rod - 8ft 6in 6wt 3pc From Herter's 1941 rodbuilding book, posted by Reed Curry on his website. See posting for guide spacing and other details.
South Bend Cross 1927 Light Duty Salmon Rod - 9ft 6in Posted by Bob Maulucci, December 25, 2001.
Devine
Devine Fairy - 7ft 6in 3pc 3wt Posted by Rich Margiotta, October 7, 2000. A varnish thickness of 0.004 was subtracted by Rich.
Devine Special #R5089 - 9ft 3pc 3/4wt Posted by Doug Easton, Decmber 7, 2002 No mention of varnish so I subtracted 0.004. "Has a very smooth medium slow action. It makes a nice presentation at a fair distance.
Lyle Dickerson
Dickerson 7012 - 7ft 2pc 4wt Posted by Tom Nigro, Jan 22, 2000. A varnish thickness of 0.004 was subtracted from tip and 0.006 from butt.
Dickerson 8013 - 8ft 2pc 5wt Posted by Tom Smithwick, 14 Jan 1997. A varnish thickness of 0.005 was subtracted.
Dickerson 8014 - 8ft 2pc 6wt Posted by Gary Lohkamp , 15 Jan 1997. I am assuming this is an unvarnished rod.
Dickerson 801611-D - 8ft 3pc 7wt Posted by Jeremy Gray , Aug 30, 2000. Varnish of 0.004 subtracted. The measurements end quite a ways above the grip so I did some interpolation. Listed as 7 wt but that seems kinda heavy?
Dickerson 8615 - 8.5ft 2pc 7wt Posted by Gary Lohkamp, 15 Jan 1997. I am assuming this is an unvarnished rod.
Edwards
Edwards #25 Quad - 7ft 4wt light tip Posted by Chris McDowell, November 3 2000.
Edwards #25 Quad - 7ft 4wt Heavy tip Posted by Chris McDowell, November 3 2000.
Edwards #50 Quad - 8ft 5wt 3pc Posted by Rich Margiotta, April 21, 2000.
Everett Garrison
Garrison 202E - 7ft 4wt 12/64 ferrule and #4 tip top. From "The Book."
Garrison 204E - 7ft 3in 4wt 12/64 ferrule and #4 tip top. From "The Book."
Garrison 209 - 7ft 6in 5wt 13/64 ferrule and #4.5 tip top. From "The Book."
Garrison 209E - 7ft 9in 5wt 13/64 ferrule and #4.5 tip top. From "The Book."
Garrison 212 - 8ft 6wt 14/64 ferrule and #4.5 tip top. From "The Book."
Garrison 212E - 8ft 6wt 14/64 ferrule and #4.5 tip top. From "The Book."
Pinky Gillum
Gillum - 7ft 6in 6wt Posted by Rob Hoffhines on February 3, 2001.
Granger
Wright McGill Granger Victory - 8ft 6in 3pc 5wt Posted by Tom Smithwick on May 15, 1998. "a pleasant, moderate action." Varnish of 0.005 subtracted.
Wright McGill Granger Special - 7.5ft 4wt Posted by Marty DeSapio on March 12, 2002.
Goodwin Granger Deluxe - 7ft 2pc 4wt Posted by Marty DeSapio on April 21, 2000.
Goodwin Granger Special - 7.5ft 3pc 4wt Posted by Marty DeSapio on March 12, 2002.
Granger Aristocrat - 8.5ft 2pc 5wt
Goodwin Granger - 8ft 3pc 4wt Posted by Marty DeSapio on March 29, 20038. See the posting; this was difficult to mentally assemble. Varnish of 0.003 subtracted. Butt swell not shown. Uses stepdown ferrules.
Granger Special - 8ft 6in 3pc 7wt Posted by Darryl Hayashida on December 3 1998. Varnish of 0.004 subtracted. Butt swell not shown.
Unknown Granger - 9ft 3pc 6wt Posted by Darryl Hayashida on December 3 1998. Varnish of 0.004 subtracted. Butt swell not shown.
Hardy
Hardy "Palakona" C.C. de France - 7ft 2pc 5wt Posted by Dell Coppock, May 10, 1998.
Hardy C.C. de France - 8ft 2pc 5wt Posted by John Cooper, June 6, 1998. See posting for details about guide spacing, etc.
Hardy Marvel - 7ft 6in 3pc 5wt Posted by Christopher McDowell Sept 2, 1998. Measurements from unvarnished rod. Looks thick at ferrule stations.
Hardy Marvel - 7ft 6in 3pc 5wt Posted by Ted Knott June 24, 2000 Measurements from unvarnished rod. This one likes a 4wt line. "The rod has a very light full flexing action."
Hardy "Phantom" - 8ft 6in 2pc 6wt Posted by Dell Coppock, May 10, 1998. I'm calling it a 6 weight; maybe its a 7?
Hardy Palakona - 9ft 3pc 6wt Measured by Chris Wohlford. This rod was signed 'The Fairy Rod' and was built in 1929. I assume Chris subtracted varnish.
Hardy 'The Fairy' - 9ft 6in 3pc 8wt Measured by Ian Kearney, January 16, 1999 New Zealand rod. Varnish of 0.006 subtracted.
Hardy Special - 9ft 6in 3pc 9wt Measured by Ian Kearney January 18, 1999 Build by Hardy for a New Zealand dealer. Each rod section is a little different length (not represented here). Varnish of 0.006 subtracted.
Heddon
Heddon # 14 - 6ft 2pc 4wt Posted by Marty DeSapio, October 21, 2001
Heddon Premier # 115 - 8ft 6in 3pc 6wt Posted by Rick Crenshaw, April 13 1998.
Heddon #14 (1-3/4F) - 8ft 3pc 5wt Posted by Don Burns, May 18, 1998. From an unvarnished blank.
Heddon #125 - 8ft 3pc 5wt Posted by Don Burns, May 18, 1998. From an unvarnished blank. No measurements between the 25 and 35 inch points.
Heddon #125 - 8ft 3pc 5wt Posted by Chris McDowell on April 1, 1999 From an unvarnished blank. Butt swell not shown.
Heddon #50 President - 8ft 6in 3pc 6wt Posted by Fritz Wiese on Oct 31, 1998. This is the light tip; see heavy tip below. From a rod stripped of varnish. He notes that guides are always on the thickest cross section.
Heddon #50 President - 8ft 6in 3pc 6wt Posted by Fritz Wiese on Oct 31, 1998. This is the heavy tip; see light tip above. From a rod stripped of varnish.
Heddon #17 Black Beauty - 8ft 6in 3pc 6wt Posted by Chris McDowell on September 23, 1999. Varnish of 0.004 subtracted by Chris; butt swell not included in taper.
Heddon Folsum - 7ft 2pc 4wt Posted by Dennis Higham on November 1, 1999. Varnish of 0.004 subtracted by Dennis; butt swell not included in taper. Takes a 12/64 ferrule.
Heddon #17 Extra Lite Trout - 8ft 3pc 3wt Posted by Bob Carlson on April 21, 2000. From an unvarished rod; butt swell not included in taper. See posting for more details.
Heddon #20 Bill Stanley Favorite Featherweight - 7ft 6in 2pc 5wt Posted by Marty DeSapio on Sept 14, 2000. Varnish of 0.003 subtracted; butt swell not included in taper. See posting for more details.
Heddon Jay Harvey Lincoln #1 - 7ft 2pc 4wt Posted by Marty DeSapio on October 15, 2001.
Horricks-Ibbotson
H-I Tonka Queen - 7ft 6in 2(?)pc 5wt Posted by AJ Thramer May 14, 1999. See posting for guide spacing. Varnish of 0.005 subtracted. "The rod cast pretty well, actually better than that."
Leonard
Leonard Baby Catskill - 7ft 2wt(1wt?) 2pc Posted by Dell Coppock, December 2, 1999. Very light tip. Maybe a 1-wt? Varnish of 0.003 subtracted by Dell.
Leonard Baby Catskill - 7ft 2wt(3wt?) 2pc Another one, Posted by Tom Smithwick, April 2002. Much heavier tip.
Leonard 37 1/2 ACM, 6.5 ft 2pc Posted by Christopher McDowell, March 2, 2001.
Leonard 38H - 7ft 5wt 2pc Posted by Ed Hartzell, January 7, 2000. Varnish of 0.009(?) subtracted at Ed's recommendation.
Leonard 38H - 7ft 5wt 2pc Posted by Dennis Higham, Jan 10, 2000. A second 38H, belonging to Harry Darbee. Varnish of 0.003 subtracted by Dennis; butt swell not shown. See posting for more details.
Leonard 39DH - 7ft 6in 4wt 2pc Posted by James Wilcox, June 16, 1998. Varnish of 0.004 subtracted.
Leonard 39L- 7ft 6in 4wt 2pc Posted by James Wilcox, June 16, 1998. Varnish of 0.004 subtracted.
Post fire Leonard - 7ft 6in 4wt 2pc Posted by Marty DeSapio, June 28, 2000. Varnish of 0.003 subtracted. See posting for guide spacing, etc. "It was probably the finest 71/2'er I have ever cast."
Leonard Letort 40, 8ft 2 pc 4 wt Posted by Ted Knott, February 23, 2002.
Leonard 50DF, 8ft 2 pc 5 wt, tip #1 Measured by John Channer, January 17 1999, who entered it into Hexrod. There were two tips; each was entered separately. This is the lighter tip. This is one of the most requested tapers. Varnish of 0.008 subtracted by John. The butt swell is still in place so watch out if you try to change the rod length. There was some discussion to the effect that this rod should be a three piece.
Leonard 50DF, 8ft 2pc 5wt, tip #2 This is the second (heavier) tip for the Leonard 50DF measured by John Channer.
Leonard 50DF Tournament, 8ft 2pc 5wt This is the "mystery rod" from the Grayrock gathering 1996. Identified as "definitely a Leonard, probably a 50DF Tournament." Others say probably a Dickerson with Leonard hardware. "This rod cast with strength and punch." Posted by Richard Tyree, July 7 1996. There were 2 tips, which I roughly averaged into 1. Varnish of 0.006 subtracted. Guide spacing is given in the posting.
Leonard Tournament 8ft 3pc 3wt Posted by Chris Bogart, June 29, 1998
Leonard 50 1/2 Tournament, 8.5ft 5wt Posted by Peter Collin, October 28, 2001. "One of the best casting rods I've ever held."
Leonard 9ft 4wt Posted by Ted Knott, January 28, 2002.
Montague
Montague 9ft 3pc 3wt From Grayrock 1998. Posted by Dennis Higham, July 6 1998. "This is a really pleasant medium action rod that you could cast all day. It was also capable of casting a foot off the water across the river and dropping a fly under an overhanging bush." Varnish of 0.005 subtracted.
Montague Jay Harvey - 9.5ft 7wt Posted by Mark, July 6 1998.
B.F. Nichols
???B.F. Nichols??? - 10ft 3pc 6wt. From Grayrock 1998. Posted by Dennis Higham, June 30 1998. Calcutta cane owned by Reed Curry, who first considered it a B.F. Nichols, but now just a "Nice Unknown". "A medium wet fly action rod that pretty much casts itself." Nicknamed "The Dr Kim-Bob Dream Machine." Varnish of 0.005 subtracted.
Orvis
Orvis Mitey Mite - 5ft 2pc 3(?) wt This rod was submitted by AMC Smith on July 8, 1999. No varnish was subtracted.
Orvis Flea - 6ft 6in 2pc 5 wt This rod was submitted by Bill Fink on October 25, 1999. Varnish of 0.005 subtracted.
Orvis 6ft 1pc 6wt. This rod was submitted by Jerry Snider on May 12, 1999.
Orvis 6ft 6in 3pc 5wt from 1952. This rod was submitted by Tom Smithwick on July 31, 1996. "A very pleasant, moderate action."
Orvis 6ft 6+5/8in 2pc 5wt. This rod was posted by Ray Gould on April 4, 1999. From an impregnaged rod made by Wes Jordan himself.
Orvis Battenkill 8ft 2pc 6wt from 1971. Measurements by Chris Wolford. Probably built from an Orvis kit.
Orvis Limestone Special 8ft 6in 2pc 6wt. Taper supplied by Rich Margiotta. No varnish subtracted.`
Jim Payne
Payne 7ft 1in 2pc 4wt This rod was submitted by Irish George on December 19, 2003. This is parabolic rod with tip section longer than the butt. See posting for details & guide spacing. Varnish of 0.003 subtracted.
Payne 100 7ft 6in 2pc 4wt This rod was submitted by Dennis Higham on July 10, 1998.
Payne 101 7ft 6in 2pc 5wt This rod was submitted by Dennis Higham on July 13, 1998. A fast action rod that "would be great for a graphite rod user."
Payne 102 8ft 2pc 5wt This rod was submitted by Dennis Higham on July 8, 1998..
Payne 200L 8ft 3pc 4wt, heavier tip. This is from Grayrock '96, measured by Dennis Higham and posted by Richard Tyree. Identification of rod is not absolutely certain. This rod was described as "A buttery-smooth transition of power from the hand to presentation of the fly on the water. The second tip (below) is about 0.005 smaller. Varnish thickness of 0.005 inch subtracted. Guide spacing is given in the posting of July 6, 1996.
Payne 200L 8ft 3pc 4wt, lighter tip. See description above.
Payne 202 8ft 3pc 5wt. A slow action rod from about 1920. Posted by John Friedman, Feb 15, 1995. Varnish of 0.003 subtracted.
Payne 204 8ft 6in 3pc 6wt. Posted by Dennis Higham, 9 Oct 1998. Varnish of 0.005 subtracted.
Payne 206 9ft 3pc 6wt. A medium fast action rod from about 1948. Posted by John Friedman, Feb 15, 1995. Varnish of 0.002 subtracted.
Payne 214 Parabolic - 7ft 9in 2pc 5/6wt. Posted by Marty DeSapio, May 20, 2000. Measurements are without varnish.
Pezon et Michel
Pezon & Michel, Super Parabolic PPP Midget - 6ft 2pc 4wt Posted by Marty DeSapio July 16, 2000. Note: Actual rod length is "faked" because ferrule is offset Actual rod length is 6ft. See posting for guide spacing and other details.
Pezon & Michel, Ritz Super Parabolic PPP Colorado 7ft 7in 2pc 5wt Posted by Morton Lovstad Oct 3, 1998. "Build it; its great." Note: Actual rod length is "faked" because ferrule is offset Actual rod length is 7ft 7in.
Pezon & Michel, Super Parabolic PPP Traun Type Hans 7ft 7in 2pc 5/6wt Posted by Marty DeSapio July 18, 2000 Note: Actual rod length is "faked" because ferrule is offset Actual rod length is 8ft 2in. See posting for more details. Varnish of 0.003 subtracted.
Pezon & Michel, Super Parabolic Progressive PPP 7ft 7in 2pc 5/6wt Posted by Mark Lee July 18, 2000 Note: Actual rod length is "faked" because ferrule is offset Actual rod length is 7ft 7in.
Pezon & Michel Fario Club 8ft 6in 2pc 6wt Posted by Michael Leithheiser on March 27, 1999. Marketed by Abercrombie & Fitch. From the estate of actor William Conrad. Note: Actual rod length is "faked" because ferrule is offset Actual rod length is 8ft 6in.
Creusevaut Power Plus - 8ft 3in 2pc 6wt Posted by Johan Nygaardsvold on July 18, 2000 Varnish of 0.004 was subtracted. Rod length was "faked" to handle unequal rod sections of 52 and 47 inches. I assumed it was about a 6 weight but Johan said its really a 7. See posting for guide spacing.
Pezon & Michel - 9ft 6in 3pc 8wt salmon rod Posted by Tom Smithwick on April 3, 1998. From an unvarnished rod. "The action of this rod is slow, and it is as comfortable to cast as a cane rod of this size and line weight can be."
Pezon & Michel Le Marvel - 7ft 2in 2pc 6wt Posted by Ralph MacKenzie on June 8, 1999. Varnish of 0.005 subtracted.
Bill Phillipson
Phillipson Peerless 7ft 2pc 5wt Impregnated 7ft 3.5oz 5wt. "This is a windstick. Great for throwing #2 4xl hex dries; but very fast action." Posted by Reed Curry June 28, 1995 Varnish thickness 0.005 subtracted.
Phillipson Peerless 7ft 6in 2pc 5wt Posted by Chris McDowell on September 23, 1999. Two tips were averaged; no varnish subtracted.
Phillipson Pacemaker 8ft 3pc 5wt Posted by Rick Crenshaw, Apr 13, 1998. Varnish thickness 0.008 subtracted. Note the large swelled butt and the step at the ferrule stations.
Phillipson Smuggler - 7ft 6in 4pc 6wt Posted by Ron Huff, November 28, 1999. Varnish thickness 0.005 subtracted. Butt swell not included in taper.
E.C. Powell
EC Powell 7ft 6in 2pc 6wt. Posted by Chris Raine on March 2, 1999.
Walton Powell
Walton Powell 7ft 6in 2pc 6wt. Posted by Brian Thoman on March 2, 1999. Tung oil finish so only 0.001 subtracted. "A very powerful taper that takes little or no effort to cast."
J. S. Sharpe/Farlows
Sharpes 'Fario Club' - 8ft 5in 2pc 5/6wt Posted by Danny Twang Aug 28, 2000. Impregnated rod; no varnish subtracted. See posting for guide spacing. "It was a real cannon. I've never had so much line in the air with any rod, in complete control." Compare with the P&M Fario above.
Sharpes 'Ritz' - 8ft 4in 2pc 6wt Posted by Craig Naldrett June 26, 1999 Impregnated rod; no varnish subtracted. See posting for guide spacing.."it speaks to me".
Sharpes 'Scottie' - 10ft 6in 3pc 9wt Posted by Ian Kearney January 17, 1999 Impregnated rod; no varnish subtracted. "This is a very solid rod, maybe suitable for salt water, but may be a little heavy." No doubt heavier than a 9wt but thats as far as the program goes.
Lee Wulff Ultimate - 5ft 10in 6wt Paul Blakley September 22, 2001
Lee Wulff Midge - 6ft 2pc 7wt Posted by Paul Blakley February 12, 2002
F. E. Thomas
F.E. Thomas Special - 6ft 6in 2pc 4/5wt Posted by Marty DeSapio, June19, 2000. Varnish of 0.004 subtracted; takes a stepdown ferrule.
F.E. Thomas - 7ft 2pc 3wt Posted by Reed Curry, April 21 1995. From a FE Thomas blank "shortly before they closed in 195(8?). and represent the fine swelled butt dry-fly rods that were their hallmark."
F.E. Thomas - 8ft 3pc 5wt Posted by Dennis Higham July 6, 1998 From a rod measured at Grayrock 1998 Varnish of 0.005 subtracted.
F.E. Thomas Special - 8ft 3pc 4wt Posted by Tom Smithwick December 29, 2000. "The rod is simply the best lightweight wet fly rod I have ever handled." Varnish removed. See posting for details and more details in second posting.
F.E. Thomas "Dirigo" - 9ft 3pc 6wt Posted by Reed Curry, Feb 3 1995. Varnish thickness 0.001 subtracted. There is a large step at the lower ferrule; see posting for details.
F.E. Thomas "Special Streamer" - 9ft 3pc 7wt Posted by Darrell Lee, Feb 3, 2000. Varnish thickness 0.005 subtracted.
Nat Uslan
Uslan 8014: 8ft 2p 4wt Posted by Darrell Lee, December 1998. No varnish subtracted (impregnated).
Uslan 8014: 8ft 2p 4wt A second, heavier penta. Posted by Kyle Druey, June 2003. No varnish subtracted (impregnated).
Richard Walker
Richard Walker 7ft 2pc 5wt Supplied by Robin Haywood.
Richard Walker 8ft 2pc 6wt Supplied by Robin Haywood.
Richard Walker 9ft 2pc 6wt Supplied by Robin Haywood.
Paul Young
Paul Young Midge - 6ft 3in 3pc 4wt. This is a classic American midge rod. Supplied by Larry Blan, from an unknown source. There are other recipies for this rod in circulation which are quite different from this one. I'm not sure whether PHY made a 3 piece Midge, or if this someone's modification.
Paul Young Midge #2 - 6ft 3in 2pc 4wt. This one supplied by Marty DeSapio on March 22, 2000.
Paul Young Midge #3 - 6ft 3in 2pc 5wt. This one supplied by Chris Obuchowski on Sept 29, 2000. No varnish to subtract. This is a little heavier than some other Midges; takes a 12/64 ferrule instead of 11.
Paul Young Smidgen - 6ft 1pc 4wt. Measured by Harry Boyd and sent for inclusion. "This rod is a sweetie!"
Paul Young Para 11 - 9ft 4in 3pc. This one supplied by George Aldrich on October 20, 1999.
Paul Young - 7ft 2pc 4wt. This is the rod known as "JJ's Rod". It was posted to the listserv by Reed Curry on June 28, 1995 and again (slightly modified) by Chris Bogart on June 29, 1998. This is from Chris's version. See the November/December 1998 issue of The Planing Form for the story behind this rod.
Paul Young Para 14 - 7ft 9in 2pc 5 wt rod. Posted by George Maurer, Mar 11, 1998. From an unvarnished blank.
Paul Young Para 14 #2 - 7ft 9in 2pc 5wt. This one supplied by Chris Obuchowski on Sept 29, 2000. No varnish to subtract.
Paul Young Para 15, Dry Fly Tip, an 8ft 5 wt rod. This is the version from the actual Young beveler setup, as posted by Wayne Cattanach on Oct 7, 1996. There are at least a couple other versions in the archives. This is identified by Wayne as the "P. T. Kellum version". I'm guessing its a 5 wt; maybe a 6 is better? There is a wet fly (heavy tip) version next, with the same butt section.
Paul Young Para 15, Wet Fly Tip, an 8ft 5 wt rod. Same butt section as above, but with a heavier tip. Posted by Wayne Cattanach, Oct 7 1996.
Paul Young Para 15, Heavy Tip, an 8ft 5 wt rod. Posted by Dean Burrill, Oct 15 1998. The measurements at the 10 and 15 inch stations are identical. Is this correct or a typo? Varnish of 0.008 subtracted.
Paul Young Para 15, Light Tip, an 8ft 5 wt rod. Same butt section as above, but with a light tip. Posted by Dean Burrill, Oct 15 1998. Varnish of 0.008 subtracted.
Paul Young Para 15 #2 tip #1 - 8ft 2pc 6wt. This one supplied by Chris Obuchowski on Sept 29, 2000. No varnish to subtract. Dry tip.
Paul Young Para 15 #2 tip #2 - 8ft 2pc 6wt. This one supplied by Chris Obuchowski on Sept 29, 2000. No varnish to subtract. Dry tip.
Paul Young Para 16 - 9ft 4in 3pc. This one supplied by Jojo DeLancier on February 7, 2001.
Paul Young Para 17, Dry Fly Tip, an 8.5ft 2pc 7wt rod. This is the version from the actual Young beveler setup, as posted by Wayne Cattanach on Oct 7, 1996. There are at least a couple other versions in the archives. This is identified by Wayne as the "7/49 version". I'm guessing its a 7 wt?
Paul Young Para 17 #2 - 8ft 6in 2pc 9wt. This one supplied by Chris Obuchowski on Sept 29, 2000. Varnish of 0.005 subtracted.
Paul Young Driggs River - 7ft 2in 2pc 4wt. This is the version from the actual Young beveler setup, as posted by Wayne Cattanach on May 17, 1997. There are at least a couple other versions in the archives. The Driggs River is one of the most praised rod tapers on the Rodmakers list.
Paul Young Driggs River #2 - 7ft 2in 2pc 5wt. This one supplied by Chris Obuchowski on Sept 29, 2000. No varnish to subtract. Is this rod 7ft 2 or 7ft 3?
Paul Young Perfectionist - 7ft 6in 2pc 4wt. This one supplied by Chris Obuchowski on Sept 29, 2000. No varnish to subtract.
Paul Young Perfectionist #2 - 7ft 6in 2pc 4wt. This one supplied by Wayne Cattanach on March 16, 2003 No varnish to subtract. There is also a version with a .285 butt; Wayne prefers this one.
Paul Young Brightwater - 7ft 6in 2pc 4wt. This one supplied by Chris Obuchowski on Sept 29, 2000. No varnish to subtract. This taper looks just about like the Perfectionist.
Paul Young Princess - 7ft 2pc 5/6wt. This one supplied by Marty DeSapio on July 6, 2000. See posting for guide spacing etc.
Paul Young Martha Marie - 7ft 6in 3pc 5wt. Posted by Tom Smithwick on Aug 4, 1997. Varnish thickness of 0.006 subtracted.
Paul Young Martha Marie #2 - 7ft 6in 2pc 6wt. This one supplied by Chris Obuchowski on Sept 29, 2000. No varnish to subtract.
Paul Young Boat Rod - 8ft 6wt 2pc Posted by Rob Hoffhines on Aug 18, 1998. From an unvarnished rod; I'm assuming its a 2 piece.
Paul Young Texas General - 8ft 6in 2pc 7wt Posted by Rob Hoffhines on March 19, 2000. Varnish of 0.004 subtracted.
Paul Young Texas General - 9ft 2pc 8wt Posted by Larry Blan on June 30, 1996. I'm assuming this is an unvarnished rod.
Paul Young Bob Doerr - 9ft 2pc 9wt. This one supplied by Chris Obuchowski on Sept 29, 2000. No varnish to subtract.
Miscellaneous
Paul Young Driggs as a 3 piece This one modified by Danny Twang No varnish to subtract.
Earl Osten 9ft 11wt tournament rod Posted by Paul Blakley
Earl Osten 9ft 9 tournament rod Posted by Paul Blakley

Notes on what I did

These are some notes on how rods were selected for inclusion and how I entered the numbers:

If you like tapers, you will find The Lovely Reed by Jay Howells and Fundamentals of Building a Bamboo Fly-Rod by George Maurer and Bernard Elser to be indispensible. Many of the same rods that I have on this web page are listed in these books (and more) and are probably the more authoritative versions of these rods. For example, Howells' taper for the PHY Midge is reportedly from "the best" of 20-some Midge's cast by master rodmaker Daryll Whitehead. I figure anyone who has the ability and ambition to collect and verify rod tapers should be allowed to make a buck, so I've not included any of their tapers here.
In addition to these older rod tapers, there are excellect tapers by contemporary makers such as AJ Thramer, Don Anderson, Wayne Cattanach and Ray Gould in the the archives of the Rodmaker's Listserv, in books, in The Planing Form, and on web pages linked to Jerry Foster's Rodmaker's Website. These contemporary tapers are not included here either, just because the line had to be drawn somewhere. Wayne's 7ft 4wt is included here just because its so popular with the Listserv's beginning builder's, like me. Someday our contemporary rods will be classics and people will collect our tapers :-)
If measurements were indexed on the unassembled rod sections, I "mentally assembled" them as best I could from the information. This could not always be done with confidence.
If the rod had a butt swell, I made the "action length" end above the swell. I did this because the swell would foul up any calculations based on stretching or shrinking or extending the stress curve or dimensions. I mentioned this in the "design notes" for each rod. If you want to replicate an original with a swell, you will want to check the original posting for dimensions of the swell.
If dimensions for the entire rod blank were available, I assumed a 10-inch handle section and stopped the action length there. For the same reason I removed the butt swell.
If line weight was not specified I made a reasonable guess. A few monster rods probably take a line heavier than a 9, but I stopped at 9.
If the measurements for all three flats are available, I chose the middle one. Easier than averaging :-)
It there was a second tip which seemed to be the same, I roughly averaged the two.
Sometimes the source estimated the varnish thickness. If so I subtracted that amount. Sometimes the source says "unvarnished". But sometimes the source says nothing about the varnish. I tried to make a guess whether the measurements are from a varnished rod or not. If so, I subtracted 0.005 inch as a compromise. Some rods were impregnated so I subtracted no varnish, unless they were impregnated and varnished.
If ferrule sizes are given, I used them. Otherwise I let the program figure them out. Some rods (obviously?) take stepdown ferrules so watch this...it shows up as a big drop in the stress curve at the ferrule. I assumed standard length (ie. standard weight) ferrules for all rods. Ferrule weights are from Wayne's program and from Bailey Woods' Super-Z ferrules I've weighed and from some weights people have sent me.
For 5 weight rods and under, I assumed 30 feet of line is cast; for 6 and above I assumed 40.
For more information on classic rods and their makers, see Collecting Split-Cane Rods by Len Codella and Ernest Schwiebert.