We have a mooching rod that we're building (A G-Loomis 10'6" GL2) with BC style grips. We did static testing last night and determined that we should add another size 8 guide toward the front to get a nice distribution of stress on the blank (a total of 12 guides without tip top). In order to accomodate this new guide we will be moving all the remaining guides a back a few inches. In doing so, the guide nearest the reel is getting to the point that I'm worried about the more acute angle that is forming for the line to run through. To remedy this, we've thought about using a higher standoff guide to get this angle down a bit, and perhaps using a size 16 as the next guide down instead of the 12. The question is, are there downsides to this or are we over worried about something that isn't a factor? The only reason I'm a bit concerned is that the blank is quite flexible down to the butt of the rod, and I don't want any failures when we hook up with that 50lb King!

-- Cheers
-- James

James:

There is nothing wrong with leaving the butt guide in place and moving all the rest. If the stress distribution test indicated to add one more, why not move some forward and some back, and then recheck the stress. Yes, it is a little more work, but it's OK to leave the butt guide in place, if in moving it closer to the reel, you create other stress problems.

My $ 0.02 worth.

Doug Weber
Weber Rod Works