Originally Posted by drynetter

As for the compression term, the blank is under a form of compression when a fish is on. The blank doesn't stay cylindrical but flattens out. Shimano have a rod that is supposed to have a dual test curve as the blank is built on an ovular mandrel The spine of the blank is either at the top or bottom (can't remember which), when side strain is applied it's on the widest part of the blank and gives a softer action. When the rod is pointing upwards the rod is supposed to be significantly stiffer. Depends what you want to believe? The price tag certainly puts me off.

Not seen the price. I dare not look, but it certainly would put me off too. Whether there is any significant advantage to be had from egg or oval shaped cross sections I don't know. It should in theory be stiffer when bent perpendicular to the longest cross section. So narrower blanks side to side would make sidestrain softer as you say. Why would anyone want this? Dunno.

Suspect any blank flattening will be very minimal. I'd be worried if it were not. Maybe I'll dig out the micrometer sometime. The inner part of the bent blank arc will be under compression, the outer part under tension. That's what does the work, rather than any flattening of the blank.