Rod Differences By The Same Manufacturer

[rrw4258]

I have been buying quite a few new rods the past few months... and they have all been Quantum.

I noticed that several rods of the same power and action have different tip actions (some have softer tips than others). One of the rods I have purchased was the new 7' MH Fast Quantum Energy PT. This is the new version of the energy rod, with an ACS seat and the Pac. Bay HiAloy Guides. The rod is epoxied all the way up the blank to the tip. I purchased another new KVD Signature Series (the new models, with ACS seat, Pac. Bay HiAloy Guides and Tour Edition Blank). This rod is not epoxied up the blank or anywhere for that matter (except for the wraps). The Energy rod has a tip that is quite a bit stiffer than the KVD Sig. Series.

With a reel (BPS Pro Qualifier Tournament - 7.1 oz.) on the rod , the Energy feels tip heavy, while the KVD Sig. Series feels really balanced. The balance point on the rods is about 3 inches off from one rod to the other.

I have noticed the same thing with my Tour KVD Crankbait Rods (which have epoxy all the way up the blank). When comparing them to the same Eglass KVD Sig. Series Crankbait rod of the same action, the rod w/o epoxy is better balanced by about 2.5 or 3 inches. The rods are both 7' M Moderate but the Tour KVD w/ epoxy is stiffer in the tip than the KVD Sig. Series w/o the epoxy. So on to my question:

Will having epoxy all the way up the rod blank make it a more stiff rod, versus a rod from the same manufacturer that doesn't have the epoxy? And will having the epoxy on the blank make the rod feel more tip heavy than a rod w/o the epoxy?

Ryan