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Rods
Weight- The general strength of the rod, in it's series, usually indicated by it's line class rating.
Speed - The stiffness of the top end of the rod (Medium to Extra Stiff) relative to the rod series.
Backbone - the stiffness of the lower end of the rod.
Butt makeup- Materials, diameter, reel seat or not, and length of the butt.
Guides - Some are specific to salt water, eyelets can be for braid or not.
Reels
Line rating- not really used much anymore since braid.
Capacity- same as above unless you prefer small reels.
Salt water capacity- Some are not nearly as salt water worthy as they state.
Drag strength- in pounds
Drag smoothness- subjective but can be improved with better washers usually.
Drag type - Star or lever.
Cast control- If you need or prefer it.
Clicker- with or without
Ease of freespool- needed for your casting setups.
Retrieve rate- determines how fast you can reel in your line/lure.
Speeds- 2 speeds can be handy in a few situations
there is a start on the characteristics. Basically, what you can make work for you will be almost directly related to your budget.
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