First of all, im on my first rod kit, beginner. I had ordered the kit from Mudhole and in it was a rubber o'ring along with the guides. Was wondering where and how does this get used. The instructions in the catalog dont mention it, or else i read right over it without notice. Please any help would be appreciated

On a single foot guide does the foot go towards the reel end or towards the rod tip

That peice of rubber is a winding check. Before you start wrapping any of your under wraps for your guides and what not, slide that piece of rubber all the way down to the foregrip. It helps make a smooth transition from the foregrip into a decorative wrap on the rod, and it's easier to wrap thread right up to the winding check than up to the edge of a foregrip. Slide it on so it tapers towards the tip. so when you are done and go to put finish on the rod, don't apply finish all up over the winding check, just get it right up to the edge of it. Check out some of the pictures on the picture page and see if you can find some close ups of some butt wraps and see an example, there's some good stuff on there. And on single foot guides, the foot points towards the butt of the rod. Good luck with the kit, it will turn into an addiction.

Matt

Winding checks are for looks. Some use them some don't. I use toe rings. Or even no check and wrap a small thread pattern to match the guide wraps, about 1/2-3/4" packed up to the foregrip, then cleared. There are a lot of picks on the photo page