I purchased a cascade composite 11'2" RX7 4-8Lb Lt Medium Action 6.0Tip .48Butt blank for the Irish themed project I am working on for a friend. He has chosen to go with Mudhole's Mean Green spinning guides. I originally thought the tip on this was a 4.5, but found out when I got the paperwork that the website listing was wrong and it has a 6.0 tip. He requested that I go oversized on the guides to help with ice build up when fishing for manistee's in November - March here in NE Ohio.

Here's my two questions:

1. Those mean green guides from mudhole come in a 6 - 5.5 tip or a 8 - 6.0 tip. Is it possible to get a 5.5 tip top on a 6.0 without messing the blank up?

2. Given the action and overall feel of this rod and size of the blank itself, I would say that it could handle the size 8 rings without a problem, but I wouldn't mind getting comments from the pro's. Size 6 rings or 8's?

Thanks again ahead of time,

Domenic Federico

Domenic,

The eights seem a bit too heavy, have you talked to Kevin about using concept guides towards the tip? They are a ton lighter and the rod won't be so tip heavy after the finish is applied. Also line sticking (when wet) to the blank isn't really a factor if the spacing is done correctly. I had a baitcasting float rod (spiral wrapped) and the line didn't stick to the blank and my next float rod will use concept guides. You might want to try size 7 rings. These should be plenty large enough for our winters. These will also help keep the weight on the tip to a minimum. With the size 6 rings you will still get some ice build up but it wont be as bad as with size 5 rings. So if a seven is avalible go witht eh seven but, it it's not go with the eight at the tip (I ce build up is very common at the tip) and go with sevens down the blank. I think you should have some success with this set up.

Now getting to fitting the tip. I wouldn't try messing with the tip. Go with the tip that fits the 6.0 tip of the rod. This way the blank warranty will not be void if something should happen to the rod.

If you have any more questions you should have my # and email.

Hope this helps

Randy

Domenic,

Scratch what I said about the size sevens (just looked at the catalog). Have you discussed with Kevin the possibilities of going with a guide at the tip top instead of a tip top. This is a very popular way float rods are built. If you are going to go with a regular guide at the tip your could try this set up, eight at the tip, next 6, 6, 6, 8, 8, 8, 10, 10, 12, 16, 20. going with the 8 just solved your tip ice up problem.

Randy