OK, using Dan Craft 3 wt, 4 piece FT blank. Using the top 3 sections and 'dumping' the butt piece for future use. This makes a 6'4" 3 piece UL rod. Will be using 12lb braided line which has the diameter of 4lb mono (supposedly) on an ultralight reel. 2-4 lb fluorocarbon leader.

I'm going to pick up guides in these sizes and configs:
SIngle foot spin - 20, 12, 8
Fly - 6,6,6,6
Top - 6

Is the above correct? Probably going with something like the TItans for lightweight. Originally wanted the Recoil for even lighter weight but decided against that.

Since we're going for minimum weight possible, using Perma-Gloss Urethane which Tom Kirkman mentioned in his book and putting a very thin finish.

Cork Tennesse handle.

Please confirm that the above is OK.? Any changes you would make?

Thanks,
Mo

Mo, that's just fine. I used Fuji Alconites on my 6' light spin, with the exception of a BYAG10 instead of a BYAG12, and also 1 CLAG7. It cast like a sniper's rifle. The high frame guides (A-style) suit that setup particularly well. The AmTak Titans are more than light enough not to add too much excess weight to the rod. As far as using Permagloss, that will also work fine, but the downside is you'll have to put on something in the line of 5 coats to even get it to just cover the thread smoothly. Epoxy you can apply thinly enough to get what you want in one shot.

One thing you could do is if you have another set of concept guides, try them on to check the line path before ordering.
Like Ted says one coat of epoxy is a lot quicker.

Only you can confirm those guide sizes. Follow the article on the online library page on the New Guide Concept System and see if those guides provide you with a straight line path from butt to intersect, and then from there to the tip. If so, you should be fine.

..........

Since you use soft braid line and UL mono, you could go even smaller -considering that Fuji's Lowrider surf series (braid/spin) first guide is a 20. Just finished a 5-1/2 UL w/16-10-8-6-6-6 alconites. Cast great.

THANKS to all who responded. You guys are just GREAT and much appreciated.

A couple of follow up queries then:
1. What epoxy finish will allow me the thinnest/lightest finish?
2. James (* others) IF I can indeed use a smaller guide to start with (i.e. 16), that would be great. Anyone else care to dialogue/confirm this? (Lighter, smaller, lower cost is always welcome....:)

Thanks!
Mo

What you really, really, really want to do, is go out and cast some different set ups. Nobody can confirm what is going to work best for you on your rod with your reel and your line. You'd only be talking a few extra dollars to buy an extra guide or two and then you could go out and confirm for yourself which set up will work best in your particular situation.

Almost anything will work with line that light, but you can still find the best set up by trying these things yourself.

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

Greetings Tom,

You're absolutely right. I'm realy, really going to go out to cast, and I'm really, really going to pick up some additional guides for testing. :)

Was thinking of getting the extra guides anyway and your post pushed me over the top in that direction. THANKS! You've been incredible and much appreciated.

Mo

Mo. I would try to use a 16 if at all possible, if you are trying to get into the smallest possible rod tube. On one project I placed the guide on the male blank, just ahead of the female ferrule (which I also reinforced) to save a fraction of an inch to get into the rod tube. Buy the 20 and experiment. The thinnest finish you can get might be a undercoat of Gudebrod 840 with a coat of Klass Kote epoxy paint over that. You can also use 2 coats of Klass Kote alone, but you can often discern the individual wraps of the thread underneath, requiring a third coat if you care. Either way, much easier on the nose than the Permagloss.