Hi,

I hope to be wrapping up a new 12 wt fly rod in a few days, using single foot ceramics. Is there any significant value in using underwraps for this rod, or perhaps moving up to a heavier thread than the "A" size I have buillt other rods with?

No need for underwraps nor any need for heavier thread than A. However, on a rod of that size, if you did add underwraps or did use say, B, C or even D thread, it won't hurt you much. The only disadvantage is the weight increase which would be slight, but perhaps noticeable on a rod of that length (9'?). Still, it's not going to make as much difference on your 12 weight as it would on a 4 weight rod.

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The underwrap protects the blank from contact with metal. I agree with Tom, that no, guide wraps are not needed for the fishing rod to be functional. But if you want to protect an expensive blank I would lay an underwrap under the guides. Solid glass blanks, cheap "seconds", and some e-glass blanks, and some ultralights I do not underwrap. Everything else has an underwrap, unless otherwise specified by the customer. The very slight gain in weight is worth the protection.

Lou

I would think if the blank needed to be protected from the guides that the blank manufacturer would either recommend it or underwrap their own fly rods. I've never seen a factory fly rod with underwraps and they don't seem to break from being damaged by the guide feet. To each his own but I build a lot of rods and never underwrap any of them. I don't think I've ever had one damaged by the guide feet. Not so far anyway.

James:

If you carefully fit the curvature of the single foot to the diameter of the blank where the guide will sit, you should have no need for underwraps. A good guide preparation followed by carefull wraps and application of finish should be all that you need. Yes, a 12 weight is a stick, but I have wrapped a few and have not had a problem with the guides when properly prepared.

Doug Weber
Weber Rod Works

Don't forget to use the Forham Wrap to lock the guides on. It is easy to do