Size D. Can I use this for the guides? Single wrap... Strong enough?

One more thing Gents, is CP necessary for metallic?

Hi Fred,

Size "D" threat is the strongest thread we use. Most use "A". No need for CP with metallic as it does not get absorbed into the thread. The only time I use CP on metallic is to lock the thread in when doing an over wrap. I don't know what type of rod you are building but in most cases "D" thread will be strong enough.

Hank
On The Rocks Fishing
Wells, ME.

I use "A" metallic thread on over 90% of all my rods. I will say that I don't do big salt rods, though. Musky rods are the biggest I do and A works fine.

Mike

I recently switched to A after years of using D metallics. Dog gone camera is too unforgiving! Most (non-rod builders) peoples' eyes don't see the difference, though.

Putter
Williston, ND

The only reason to not use metallic at any size is that it's ugly!

"Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder" Kind of rough on us "artistically challenged" guys aren't you, Jeff

Mike

If you don't think it's appealing to you, don't use it on your rods. If others like it, use it on their rods. Given the choice on a guide wrap, I wouldn't go with anything but a metallic on my own rods. In my eyes, it's WAY nicer than the regular threads; but that is my eyes. None of the threads are "ugly".

Comments like that can be easily taken as combative; it's hard not to lash back right now...



Putter
Williston, ND

I'm in love with metallics! I've been away from rod building for a long time. Currently building 6 rods. Metallic thread and Rod Bond was'nt on the scene back where I left off. My only concern with metallic is its long term durability and performance vs regular nylon.

All my rods are wraped with metallic A thread . The only non metallic thread I use is black . The re- wraps on rods I rebuild and repair are done with metallics .
So far there have been no complaints . Most say that the rods look much better than they did when new .

I like metallics for underwraps and regular thread for the guide wraps / no CP. The metallic "glitters" through the overwrap. I also like metallics as trim bands. I've also used metallics (pewter on gold under or pewter with gold trim bands) on several rods. I think they look just fine although I'm not too fond of the brighter color metallics (reds and bright greens) for more than trim bands but the dark blue is nice.

Not only is "beauty in the eye of the beholder" but "necessity is the mother of invention." Being a small stream native brook trout fisherman, I would never dream of putting a glittery wrap on one of my rods. What is interesting is that over the years when I have ordered blanks and, at the same time, my "artistically challenged" thread selection, on four seperate occasions the supplier has thrown in a spool of metallic gold. Now that I am branching out into surf rods, I might have a use for it.

I build only fly rods and the fishing I do is strictly fly fishing, mostly on small streams. When I decided that I could stand the color of the wraps I had put on my first rod, I went to a shop in Minneapolis that sold lots of od building materials. The thread that caught my eye was Gudebord Bronze Metallic. I re-wrapped the dark brown rod with this stuff and it's absolutely beautiful. I recently built a Pac Bay Tradition and used Rice Burgundy Metallic for the guide wraps. I'll be building another of these and I'll use the same thread again along with Amtak Holographic guides. It will most likely also have metallic trim bands on each wrap.

I've fly fished for more than 40 years and long ago quit buying a lot of this stuff about "stealth" rods and dull threads. In my experience, it makes no difference, even on spring creeks. I'm still casting to fish that are at least 20' away and I will never be convinced that the fish can see the wraps on my rod. If I can catch fish on the Railroad Ranch section of the Henry's Fork with metallic guide wraps on my rod, I don't see what the problem is.

It's only my opinion, but there it is.