Thoughts on the LRH Dry-Wet fly rod

Upon the latest comment to the article "Hardy L.R.H. Dry Wet 9'3" (E90785, 1953年製) dated 23.Aug.2014" I would like to express my thoughts on this rod as follows.

1. Lightness:
Among Hardy Palakona rods, this model is one of the lightest split cane rods, for it is constructed by double-built method; combining hard and steely cane on the surface of the rod with light pine in the core of the rod.
According to the "Angler's Guide", it weights 5 1/2 ozs approximately. Comparing with 9'6" Gold Medal, 3pcs weighting 6 3/4 ozs described in the same issue of the Angler's Guide, you can easily have an image of the unique lightness of the rod.

2. Balance:
I do not know exactly what effects at most for one to feel a rod "top heavy". I heard that American rods reduce its weight of the top section to avoid the rods to become "top heavy". The picture above shows the top sections of LRH Dry-Wet 9'3" and Payne 206L 9'. From top to bottom: LRH Dry-Wet (Top for Dry Fly Fishing), LRH Dry-Wet (Top for Wet Fly Fishing) and Payne 206L. Very fine top section of Payne 206L distinguishes itself from those of LRH Dry-Wet.
The Payne rod is quite lighter at hand compared with LRH Dry-Wet, but without top sections of both rods, I do not feel much difference in the weight of both rods. Probably practical and durable top of LRH Dry-Wet, or Hardy Palakona rods in general, make one feel that those rods are top heavy towards the quite light feel in hand given by American rods.

Angler's Guide proudly presents the balance of LRH Dry-Wet as:

"The balance of the rods is so perfectly distributed that the user has a feeling of confidence and pleasure quite unique; and in practice it will be found that they deliver the fly true to aim."

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"The 'L.R.H.' 'Palakona' rods are the result of exhaustive experiments on the part of Mr L.R.Hardy, covering a long period of patient testing, comparison and adjustment. They are, Mr Hardy declares, the finest fishing rods for their purpose that he has ever handled."

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"The total weight of the completely assembled outfit is:

9-ft 3-in 'Dry-Wet' rod 5ozs 8drms approx.
'Lightweight' Reel 3ozs 10drms approx.
30yds No.3 Corona 1oz 7drms approx.
20yds 18 lbs B/S silk backing
Total 10ozs 9drms approx."

As far as I fished with the rod, with my Hardy Spitfire Perfect 3 1/8 Reel, LRH Dry-Wet is quite light in hand and it will not cause any fatigue on me during a day long fishing. Sorry I am too used to fish with Hardy Palakonas, especially with long rods such as 10' Gold Medal, to give fair judgement for modern anglers. I, however, can recommend to use this rod as long and light version of Palakona to enjoy your fishing at rivers and lakes for trouts.

Tight Lines!/Petri Heil!