I'm building a 8' 5 piece 3 weight Dan Craft Sig III rod... and after locating the stripping guide, commenced the static deflection test to determine guide placement.

The first time, I used all 10 guides that Dan provided (They were already taped on to test cast the stripper placement). I got a good line flow, then decided to try it with only 9 guides.

I couldn't get a very good flow... in my inexperienced opinion. So I put the extra guide back on. I'm now am requesting a little assurance that 10 guides on this 8' rod is not insane. If I remember correctly, the distance between the butt guide and the next one up is about 11-13 inches or so... just seems awful close. But with 9, I just didn't feel comfortable with the line flow, especially in the mid to butt end of the rod (I had about 4 or so at the tip to just past the bend or the rod under fish-fighting like load).

Am I just being paranoid?

Is there any pictures online of static deflection tests where one shows a not-so good one, and with one more guide added shows what to expect with good line flow?

I have done 9' rods with 9 guides plus a tip, so I'm a little surprised that you couldn't get a nice line flow with that same number on your 8 footer. But sometimes owing to the differences in action, two blanks of the same length may require a different number of guides. So be it.

10 guides is not neccessarily out of bounds on an 8' rod. If it looks better, casts better, and you have more peace of mind with 10, I'd use them. If you have time to play with a 9 guide set up a little more, do so. Maybe you can get it to work, but if not, fall back on the 10 guide set up.

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

Mike,
i would try to get to 9 if I could but I would not worry too much about an extra guide unless it resulted in the guides spacing being significantly closer toward the tip. A little extra weight toward the tip can have a significant effect on performance but that same additional weight toward the butt of the rod will not have a significant effect on the rods performance.

Well, if it is insane, I am ahead of you. I just finished an 8 foot, 6 piece Dan Craft. Because I wanted a guide on every ferrule except the butt section, it has 11 guides (including the stripper) and a tip top.

Well, if it is insane, I am ahead of you. I just finished an 8 foot, 6 piece Dan Craft. Because I wanted a guide on every ferrule except the butt section, it has 11 guides (including the stripper) and a tip top.