Hi folks, I need your advice on this one. I´m in process of building an extra light 6´ 2pc 2-6lb line rating blank. I´m using the new guide concept system as described on the library page here on this board. The thing is, I will use for running guides number 6 flystyle guides. The intersection point is located about 19 1/2 inch from tip top. (50 cm). Now, how would you experienced builders set this up, 4 running guides or 5 running guides. I´ve tried both and heres what Í´ve found out. With 4 running guides the distance between the guides is 5 inch (about) and the rod feels better (faster) recovers better but looks kind of "empty" in the tip section. Static stress is not bad in fact mutch better than any factory made rod I have. Now with 5 running guides the rod feels slower , dont recover that good and the distance between the guides is slightly less than 4 inches (10 cm). But the rod looks better, have better stress curve but action is not that big difference, however I can tell theres a difference. I know, always use the smallest and fewest guiders that still will do the job. How is your experience, Could there be possible line slap in the tip section if running guides were 5 inches apart.? (Nr 6 flystyle). Or should I use 5 guides and live with a little slower rod? How would you do this? Appreciate any inputs, and/or advice. thanks Kim

Kim,

I used to build a couple of rods of the same class as you described (both on Rainshadow ISP781 blanks; great model BTW :-)). The rods came out having total 7 guides (#6 fly type for running, of course). Later, I saw 4.2 kg pike landed with this rod... So probably, if you prefer a bit "faster" feeling, it's nothing really wrong to stay with 4 "runners"
Just my couple of cents...

Pavel

I forgot to ask, the setup where I was using 4 guides 5 inch apart the distance from tip top to first guide was also 5 inch. Isn´t this a bit mutch for sutch a light rod? Thanks Kim.

Those extra lights have pretty wimpy tips. On all my light rods I start with the first guide at 4'. Then add a little as I go down the rod, say num. 2 at 4 1/2" then 5" and so on. I would think the less with the faster action would be my choice

Also what I have found is to use a fly line when doing the static test. Easyer to see the line flow with the blank

4 guides at 5 inches apart is fine. But I wouldn't go any more than that without adding one additional guide.

If you want it to look more like what you're used to, you could space those running guides slightly progressively - put the first one at 4, then one 5 inches behind that, then another 6 inches behind that, so on. But generally you can space them all equal distances and do just as well. You're just not used to looking at that type set up.

Line slap is an issue between the reel spool and the first guide, but not really anywhere else. By the time you reach the intersection point, the line will be traveling straight.

.............

Ditto what Tom stated. The line should be choked down by the first guide and any further wobble should be nearly gone by the second guide. You have already done a static distribution test and found that 4 guides are the way to go...why stress over that 5th guide as you already have found it kills your action? As Tom said, progressively space the guides on the tip and see how it looks. Best of luck! Jay

Allright that´s what I suspected, thanks folks. Later... Kim