I am going to build a flippin stick.I have never built one before so i have a few questions.First i have narrowed blank selection down to St Croix 76MHMF SCIV , 710HF SCIII , or loomis FS904X GL3. If anybody has used these blanks or has a suggestion i would appreciat your opions on them.Second question is on guides. I am going to use Fuji Alconite guides and am not sure what size. the number of guides or the starting point on the spacing. Finally my last question.On the telescoping models how do you go about the splining. Thanks For The Help Dave

I can not say anything about the blanks mentioned, have not used any of those. But for myself I like a fast tip on a flipping rod and stay with medium/heavy to heavy blank. Number of guide could vary depending if you are doing it conventional or spiral wrapped. Most of mine that I have made a 16 would be the biggest guide I have used. I spiral wrap all of mine and for the most part I have used a 16, 12, (2) 10's in double foot guides for the transition. Then I go to single foot fly guides and will go with like a 8 and run it out to the tip with 6's. The number of 6's used will be determined by the blank itself when doing the static load test. For finding the spine, do not use the short handle section, I just spine the rod portion. You will also want to make sure your first guide from the reel will be far enough to colapse the rod completely. I have heard of some putting a small wrap of thread on the blank right where it would hit the handle section when colapsed to keep the blank for rattling when you have it colapsed down.

Mike just walked you through set up very well, and I agree with Mike except on his butt ring. I wouldn't start with anything bigger than a 12. That sixteen looks too big, and going with a 12 isn't going to negatively affect casting, flipping or pitching with that rod.

Well,
I am a little different than Mike. I like a more moderate action flipping stick instead of the fast action blanks. The only rod I have used in your list is the 710HF. Personally I think it is too heavy and too fast, but it may be perfect for you if you like a fast action rod. As for guides if it is spiral I have been doing a 12 double, and Fly 10, 8,8,7's to tip. I used sixes once but they just looked unbalanced on the rod, so I settled with 7's instead.

I'd go with the 4C76MHMF, but I like to pitch and flip with the same blanks. Sounds closer to what Denny Bauer uses, which is where I got the idea years ago.