Blanks with a slow action have a very subtle lock up point around mid way of the blank, which when flexed under pressure, would produce a progressive curve along the entire blank all the way into the fore grip section of the blank.
Such blanks are commonly described as being “parabolic”.
A slow action blank will cushion and absorb the sudden runs and lunges of a fish as it is being brought boat side. Its softness enables the angler to play or work the fish, especially at close quarters, creating the most spectacular blank bending action.
However at distances, a slow action blank can work to the disadvantage of the angler in controlling a fish in terms of being able to pull it out and away from cover or snags.
Slow action blanks work best for soft mouth species of fish as they are able to absorb the shock of setting the hook and reduces the likelihood of mouth tear, including line and rod breakage. A softer blank will therefore allow for use of lighter gauge line and also permit an angler to cast and present a delicate bait from being torn from the hook with each cast.
On the down side, it is also more difficult to set the hook into a bony jaw fish with a slow action blank as less force is transferred to the hook.
Slow action blanks make for effortless casting within its specific design parameters. These blanks will easily load up and store more energy than any other faster action blanks without the angler having to expend much strength and energy to get the furthest distance and best accuracy.
However, beyond the blank’s design parameters, which are usually very narrow, such blanks will not be able to utilise and store up any additional energy no matter how much extra effort and strength is put in to load up the blank.
Note to reader – CTS uses the following rate classifications, slow, moderate, fast and extra fast, to describe the Action of their blanks.
