I got to use a 9 foot legend this fall and the one thing that kept me from buying it was from the ferrule down it was as flexible as a pool cue.
I don't know the answer to this, but is that why on some distance casting rods the reel is on the bottom ?
A rod with a zoned action will cast further than a "slow" parabolic action that bends in a nice, even curve tip to butt. A designed for distance rod will be of faster action with a soft tip that transitions into a moderate midsection and then yes, a very stiff butt.
Here is a fast action rod being test cast:
The thing is, zoned action rods need a different casting motion to maximize their performance and for some of the fishing done on the East End there just isn't the luxury of having solid footing and the ability to add rotation.
That means given the tactics that are demanded by your spot the "better casting" rod won't be better casting for you. For open beach work and on a flat jetty and with a refined casting motion, fast "stiff" rods will always outperform a slow action stick. As one's casting skills improve, the use of these slower sticks fade away because they just collapse under higher energy casts.
Of course there is the opinion that slower actions work some lures better, particularly pencils . . .
The primary reasons for low reel mounting in competition casting is for grip on the small baitcaster reels the guys use (typically 5500 Abu's) and unencumbered power application for the top hand. The entire thumb is on the spool in low reel and slippage is eliminated.
I use spinners in casting competition and I cast high reel.
Threaded Mode