THE COMMON CENTS SYSTEM

A Universal Rod Rating System

The Common Cents System (CCS) is a Universal Rod Rating System. It objectively and relatively measures the action, power and speed of any fishing rod or blank. Designed by Dr. William Hanneman in the late 1990’s, it was first published in 2004 by RodMaker Magazine.

Dr. Hanneman’s intent was to codify all the various rod rating systems used by various rod and blank manufacturers into one “across-the-board system.” Unlike those company specific systems, the CCS is applicable for comparing any rod or blank to another rod or blank regardless of its manufacturer origin. It is applicable regardless of the type of rod or blank, whether it be an ultra-light spinning, fly or heavy saltwater casting rod. The action, power and speed scales remain relative regardless of the manufacturer or rod category. Any rod or blank can now be objectively and relatively compared to any other rod or blank with perfect accuracy.

The term “Common Cents” is derived from Dr. Hanneman’s use of the common U.S. Cent (post 1985) as the single measurement weight standard which ensures accuracy and ease of use by manufacturers and rod builders taking the measurements.

*Since its inception the Common Cents System has been copied by others. These “knock-off” CCS systems do not always maintain the same measurement constants nor the defined measurement terms. Only those that maintain the original constants and terms should be trusted to provide authentic and accurate CCS information.

Definition of Terms:

ERN - Effective Rod Number The higher the number the greater the power

AA - Action Angle The higher the number the faster the action (where the rod initially flexes)

CCF - Common Cents Frequency The higher the number the quicker the rod speed (reaction and recovery time)

DBI - Defined Bending Index The combined listing of ERN and AA which provides the consumer with a quick reference to the relative action and power of any rod or blank.