Thread: Determining Rod Action, power, Cast Weight and Test Curve Ratings

Hi all. I have a number of rods that doesn't have the action, power and cast weights written on the them and I'm interested to know what they are, probably not that important but would be nice to know. Some rods do have writing on them but its all very vague like "F662MC". Is 'F' fast or freshwater? I know what 662 is. Is 'M' moderate action, medium power or both? And what the hell is 'C'?
I have emailed the manufactures for answers and some replies give me exactly what I wanted to know, some no answer at all and the rest left me with more questions than answers. So how would I determine/test this myself? The internet, especially youtube hasn't been much help, most answers I find are to read what's written on the rod.
Testing action seems straight forward but what's the best way to bend the rod and where do you measure the bend o determine the action? Start of the bend? Middle. Youtubers have different techniques with bending rods which gives different results. One youtubers moderate is another's fast
How does one work out a rods power and cast weight rating? There is nothing on the net to show how to work that out without looking at what's written on the rod.
While researching all this I come across "test curve", something the British came up with that no one seems to use. There's ton of websites and youtube videos explaining what it is and how to test for it but don't give any logical reason as to why it matters. Why does it matter how much weight it takes to bend a rod to 90deg?