I'm contemplating options for a 30-40# boat rod destined for trolling #1-#3 planers. This (these) rod(s) will be spiral wrapped and I need help with my guide ideas. I plan on using Fuji Harloys and I know what the BHNLGs look like spiral wrapped. What I'm wondering is how the BLRLGs would look? This rod would be built on a two transition guide setup. How about a BLRLG-20 stripper, BLRLG-16 transition, BLRLG-12 180 guide, then BLBLG-12s to the tip (BULT-12). I think the concept is sound, but I'm wondering how the three Turbo guides on the butt section will look. I don't have any of these guides on hand to play with so is my need for outside opinions. If this 'look' isn't right, I'll just stick with the BHNLGs & BLBLGs.

I only ask this because I like the use of Turbo guides on conventional rods, but I've not seen any spiral wrapped. Thanks! Jay



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/23/2004 12:57PM by Jay Lancaster.

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This isn't the best picture but the same general type of guide. I think these are RSG's if I remember correctly.

You're right Clyde. The RSG is the double footed version of the LRSG. Basically the same guide I'm talking about with the Hardloy ring. Great work and I appreciate the picture(s). I think the Turbos look fine spiral wrapped. Think maybe I'll try one after the new year. Thanks again. Jay

I've spiraled wrapped 2 7' 30-40# glass composite rods that I use for Tarpon with the turbos. Gotten a bunch of compliments!!! They wrap real good and look great also,,I'll try and post some pictures later.

Ditto. I used the Forecast black frame/blue ring turbos on a Halibut rod. Did the transition in three guides. Looks nifty.

You would neither need, nor want, the three-legged turbo type guide on the underside of the rod. The straddle-legs are intended to keep the guide from twisting on the rod blank under load. Once you put the guides under the rod, however, these same forces don't exist in the amounts that would cause any guide twist. So dispense with them on the underside of the rod.

What I have done on similar rods, is to use a combination of RSG and LRSG guides. The turbo type for the butt guide and the LRSG for the rest. I generally don't use transition guides but if you do, you may want to look at some lower frame boat type SIC guides for any transition guides. Something like the USG for any transition guides.

The main thing to remember, is that you don't want the line to have to conform to you choice of guides - you want the guides to conform to the proper line path.

..........

I certainly understand what is said about the line path, and I do set up casting rods with a straight path. As this is strictly a trolling rod line path isn't as important. This is why I decided to go with a two guide transition using BLRLGs with one BLRLG 180 guide and BLBLGs for the rest. The transition angles will be a bit radicle, but no more than they are on my @#$%& roller. Thanks everyone for your insight. I'm glad Clyde had pictures of the Turbos. Now I know that it looks 'right'. Jay

Hi Jay,

My first spiral wrapped stand up rod has LRSG guides. They worked to perfection.

I finally saw the new rod I had built for AA Roller Co. and for Dick Meirowitz to use on the EXCELL. After catching all those powerful big tuna, the guide wraps looked great. Too many guys had concerns about the transition guides twisting in place. No such problem. I use the Aftcoat finish, which I feel produces a softer finish. It held up great.

I am anxious to spiral wrap a short stroker. After the holidays I will have time to think it out.

Keep up the great work building those spirals.

Capt Neil Faulkner