Hi Dennis,
I know your Dad was unhappy with the Payne Taper he got from Zietak because it wasn't the Weight Zietak stated,however I think his "Intensions" were good.I'm sure you and your Dad did research on the Taper and Casted the Rod that helped you come to the conclusion that it wasn't a 4wt.But with all the Info going around on the Payne 98 it's uncertain to say what the "Real" Line weight of the Rod is unless you Cast it.For instance check out these Sites. This Site have the 97 & 98 Tapers.http://www.canerod.com/rodmakers/.Go into Tapers and scroll down and click on Jim Payne.Then go to http://www.codella.com/bamboo/thramer.htm,and scroll down to the Payne Section,then go to http://www.pipam.com/rodmaking/taper1.htm,then go to http://www.uwm.edu/~stetzer/Tapers/drtapers/Payne_98_rod_1_84_4.html.
If one were to Build this Taper,after looking at the Taper Measurements and reading up on this Taper.One who only believe that it is a 4 Weight.After all most Info you'll see on that Taper says the same thing.I found 1 or 2 that Listed the 98 as a 4/5 wt but cant find the Site now for some reason.But as I said before,I think Zietak had good Intensions when he sold your Father this Rod.I don't think Tim as a Rod Builder would intensionally Sell your Father a 5 Weight when your Father stated he wanted a 4 Weight.
Anyway,you mentioned that your Dad traded 2 Rods for 1 and I was wondering what was the other Taper and what Rod did he decide to trade for?
I know your Dad was unhappy with the Payne Taper he got from Zietak because it wasn't the Weight Zietak stated,however I think his "Intensions" were good.I'm sure you and your Dad did research on the Taper and Casted the Rod that helped you come to the conclusion that it wasn't a 4wt.But with all the Info going around on the Payne 98 it's uncertain to say what the "Real" Line weight of the Rod is unless you Cast it.For instance check out these Sites. This Site have the 97 & 98 Tapers.http://www.canerod.com/rodmakers/.Go into Tapers and scroll down and click on Jim Payne.Then go to http://www.codella.com/bamboo/thramer.htm,and scroll down to the Payne Section,then go to http://www.pipam.com/rodmaking/taper1.htm,then go to http://www.uwm.edu/~stetzer/Tapers/drtapers/Payne_98_rod_1_84_4.html.
If one were to Build this Taper,after looking at the Taper Measurements and reading up on this Taper.One who only believe that it is a 4 Weight.After all most Info you'll see on that Taper says the same thing.I found 1 or 2 that Listed the 98 as a 4/5 wt but cant find the Site now for some reason.But as I said before,I think Zietak had good Intensions when he sold your Father this Rod.I don't think Tim as a Rod Builder would intensionally Sell your Father a 5 Weight when your Father stated he wanted a 4 Weight.
Anyway,you mentioned that your Dad traded 2 Rods for 1 and I was wondering what was the other Taper and what Rod did he decide to trade for?