Rod Power (What it Takes to Bend)

 Rod Power

Rod power also known as power value or rod weight. Is the amount of pressure and angler must apply to the blank to make it bend. Manufacturers usually label power as heavy, medium and light. There are also combinations such as ultra heavy, med-light, med-heavy, ultra light and micro light. 

In general, the more pressure or force it takes to bend the blank of your fishing rod then the power value is considered as heavy. The less then the power value is considered as light.  

Notice in the above diagram where the blank of the rod starts to bend as the power value decreases.

Heavy rods bend more towards the tip, medium to the center and light more towards the butt.

The power value of any fishing rod will be found printed on the blank just above the handle. That way you do not have to physically bend the rod yourself and risk damaging it. You break it, you buy it.