Lightest of Five Rods

Comparing the rods on the basis of weight:

• $A$ is lighter than $C$, which is lighter than $D$: $D > C > A$
• $B$ is heavier than $D$: $B > D$
• $E$ is heavier than $D$: $E > D$

It is given that $B$ is the heaviest. Combining the above statements gives: $B > E > D > C > A$

Thus, $A$ is the lightest of all five rods.