Please explain what is meant by the term ‘flat spot’ on a fishing rod?

ANDREW SMITH, BY EMAIL

DL says: Depending on its action, a rod should bend smoothly and progressively from the tip to the butt section, relative, of course, to its intended use.

When designing a rod with a fast tip action for maximum bite detection, some manufacturers use different types of carbon, or even fibreglass for the tip.

A flat spot is where there is a noticeable and sudden alteration in the curvature of a rod marking the point of the join, and all too often this is an inherent weak spot.