Grains vs Grams

[say]

I have read with interest that some line manufacturers use grams, whilst others use grains.

I find it interesting that I own two 10/11 fly lines Loop Quattro and the Carron Jetstream yet the Carron line is some 200 grains heavier for the same rating.

Graham pointed out that the Loop Quattro is lighter when compared to other multi-tips, yet speycaster broke a sage rod when he used the loop line and believed it to be too heavy.

I think the benefit of the line pool is there for all to see and in future I will start using it, as the cost of fly lines is not cheap and it's very easy to buy the wrong line for your rod.

What I would like to know - when we mention grains or grams, does this relate to the weight of the complete line or just the head..??

[elwyman]

It's just the weight of the head on a spey line, not the full line incl backing.

[dangler]

Speaking from memory and without any particular expertise, I believe the original AFTM ratings relate to the weight of the first 30 feet (less tip) of a double taper line,there being a weight tolerance in grains for each AFTM number.

It is this standard which is shown on rods making the assumption that an average caster will aerialise that length of line and optimally load the rod. In the case of a speycast, a good deal more line is usually outside the rod tip leading to at least a feeling of overloading with a given line weight.

I don't, unfortunately have the AFTM(double taper) scale but if any member could publish it here, comparison could be made with the weights of the spey lines and hopefully achieve a closer match with stated rod weights.

Mike