I have an G Loomis blank. IMX 3 piece 4wt 9' and I can't locate the guide spacing chart. DOES ANYONE OUT THERE have the Loomis recommended spacing? I want to start wrapping tonight. Worst case, I'll call Loomis in the AM, but please help if you can! Thanks in advance, Doug in Oregon.

Hi Doug,
Unfortunatly I don't have the chart you are seeking but maybe I can get you started.
Because spacing charts are only guides and not writtin in stone just use your best
judgement and then stress test. You may end up doing this several times before
you get it "just right".
I don't know what type of guides you are placing ( wire or ceramics or both) but it really
does not matter as the process is the same for all.
You will most likely need 9 or 10 guides.
This is how I start guide spacing on most of the rods I build. 1) I start from the tip and work
toward the handle. 2) place the first guide about 3 1/2 or 4 in. from the tip. 3) The next guide
will be about 1/2 in. increase in distance from the first. 4) follow this until you get to the last 3
guides and then instead of 1/2 in go to 1 in.
I'll simplify,
3 1/2 - 4- 4 1/2 - 5- 5 1/2 - 6- 7- 8 - 9

Stress the rod real good and see where you need to make adjustments

Oh yea, also check the distance from the seat center to the stripping guide. The average is
about 23-25 in. for a fly rod I think? Any way you don't want to be too close.

This always gets me pretty close for a 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 casting rod. On some spinning rods
I'm able to deleat a guide and increase the spacing.

I'm not that experienced with fly rods but the concept is the same I'm sure. If not, maybe
someone can enlighten me.


Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

You can also go to St Croixs site for a spacing for that weight rod. THIS is only a starting point, the Liberary page has an artical about stress testing to find the proper spacing for that blank. No two blanks flex the same an thus the stress test
I usually start with the first guide from tip at 4" and the stripper guide at Holding the rod as if you will grab line to start stripping it place the stripper about an inch above that, addjust as to make it fell comfortable to the user.