Shooting heads DIY

AFTM system

By Martin Joergensen

This table shows the different AFTM classes and their corresponding weights. The AFTM system sets the standard for the weight of the outer 30 feet or about 10 metres of the line. This will normally be the belly of a Weight Forward line and some running line, but the number also applies to Double Tapers.
When calculating the weight of a shooting head, you can use this number as a guide line and increase the weight for a given AFTM class. The right side of the table shows suggestions for this shooting head weight. On top of that I personally prefer even more weight, and for demanding conditions like long casts under windy conditions I go two classes above the AFTM class. Each rod has its own performance, so you will need to test and adjust individually under all circumstances. Read the article.

AFTM Weight of WF 30' belly				Recommended shooting head weight
	Grains	Oz.	Grams	Oz.	Grams
3-Weight	100	0.23	6.5	0.26	7.5
4-Weight	120	0.27	7.8	0.30	8.5
5-Weight	140	0.32	9.1	0.35	10
6-Weight	160	0.37	10.4	0.42	12
7-Weight	185	0.42	12.0	0.49	14
8-Weight	210	0.48	13.6	0.56	16
9-Weight	240	0.55	15.6	0.63	18
10-Weight	280	0.64	18.1	0.71	20

Please notice that the above recommendations are just guidelines. I personally often cut my shooting heads slightly heavier than what this table recommends. Martin.

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