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Is there any major disadvantage to building a spinning rod with a downlocking reel seat? I seem to loosen traditional uplocking seats while fishing/casting sometimes with my hand. I have saw some high-end Japanese spinning rods with downlocking seats and was curious about why we don't see more rods built in that configuration.
For me the comfort factor would be the number 1 reason. Your hand would be on the reel seat threads and farther away from the grip. And the top hood (which would be on the bottom now) is bigger and would seem uncomfortable to hold. I build conventional rods with a down locking reel seat because of how you hold the reel. Doesn't make you grab the threads and when casting you are holding the reel and grip not the reel and reel seat. For function I don't think it makes a big difference.
A friend that builds rods, chooses to put the threaded lock forward thus eliminating the chance to loosen with the hand (Backwards from most conventional builds)....he lives down there and a local.....when he told me that years ago it did make sense.....but what do I know????.