Anyone ever use an Aftco Storabutt?

[FatTuna]

I bought these two rods that came with a butt type I've never seen before. It's modular. One cool feature is that you can service the reel without having to remove the butt. I'm assuming the design is to make storage easier.  I can't see many other uses for them. Perhaps one can get a straight butt to swap out. That would be the way to go for smaller stand up combos.

I'm debating on whether or not to keep them. I just bought new rods that came with generic one piece butts and could swap them.

I've definitely had way more issues with two piece rods vs one piece. Do you guys think the modular design makes them a lot weaker?

[conchydong]

 I have two bent butt rods with storabutts. I love them and have not found any weaknesses. Like any marine item that has multiple parts that join together, a little simple maintenance goes a long way. A great feature is that you can switch to a straight butt or a shorter curved butt if circumstances call for it. If you choose not to use them, you will have no problems getting rid of them.

[oc1]

I think that cradle reels never really caught on because a rod build on a one piece blank that goes from tip-top to gimbal will always be stronger than connections.  I often pull reels apart without taking them off the rod.  A disadvantage of not using a proper reel seat.
-steve

[FatTuna]

I sometimes will open a reel still on the butt if I know it's going to be a quick job but I prefer to remove them first.

What I like about this type of butt is that it's easy to throw the reels in the back of my truck if I'm transporting. I hate putting them in the cab with the full butts because they mark up my interior. With these, I could lay the reels down sideways.

Apparently these #6 butts retail for $399 each. I'd have to buy a third one as I have three rods. I wish they were silver so they matched the ferrules on my new rods.

[Shark Hunter]

Those look some nice butts.
I am partial to Stuart short #4's for my stand up fishing.
I store them in a soft side cooler bag for transport.

[FatTuna]

Those look some nice butts.
I am partial to Stuart short #4's for my stand up fishing.
I store them in a soft side cooler bag for transport.

Nice looking setup man.

What's the benefit of fishing shorter butts with that style of fishing?

I'm headed down to FL in two weeks. Might try doing some shark fishing near the inlet.

[Shark Hunter]

It keeps the reel in closer for stand up fishing in a harness.
I don't have a rail to lay the rod on and the longer butts puts it too far away for my liking.

[FatTuna]

It keeps the reel in closer for stand up fishing in a harness.
I don't have a rail to lay the rod on and the longer butts puts it too far away for my liking.

Makes sense. Stand up fishing isn't my forte. I'd like to get more into it. I have all the reels. Will probably need to get some new rods though. A harness too.

On a second note, I decided I'm going to sell these Storabutts. If they were silver I'd want them. I think it would look funny with the black. Rod has silver guides and a silver ferrule. My new Penn reels are all silver too. The butts need to match.