I am not a rod builder nor do I want to become one, but I became engrossed last night in reading past threads about the simple spiral "bumper" system for spiraling guides on a baitcasting rod. I have a favorite 'traditional" baitcaster that I've been looking to mimic with a spinning blank but can't find the exact action. Since the simple spiral system sets all but the first guide 180 degrees from what the traditional rod would be... would it be difficult to retro-fit my existing rod into a simple spiral rod by removing the original tip and guides, then refitting them back on the rod 180 degrees from original -- with the addition of the "bumper" guide, of course.

You could certainly do it if you wanted. Assuming that the current guide spacing is good (some factory rods skimp a bit in this area) you would just remove them (all except the butt guide), and then rewrap them in the same locations except on the 180 degree axis. The bumper guide would be located exactly halfway between the first and second guides and on the 90 degree axis.

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Yes! Just place the guides/tip back in the same location only with the rings underneath. Place the "bumper guide exactly half way between the first 2 guides. If you have a 2 piece rod and all but the butt guide on the top piece, just turn the top piece and add the bumper guide in the right place - Instant spiral wrap!! Personally, if I were you, I would replace most of the forward guides with single foot guides the last few with single foot ceramic fly type guides (That's just my opinion)

Mike

Hi Steve,
If you do not want to become a rod builder I suggest you find someone to re-build
the baitcaster for you. There is a good chance if you do it yourself, you will contract
the dredded "rod builders addiction"! As of yet, there is no cure!!
Where do you live? You might be able to find a builder in your area by checking the
directory here.

Good luck in what ever you decide to do!

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

If it is a two piece rod it is even easier, just rotate the tip 180 degrees, add a bumper guide between the 1st and 2nd existing guides and confirm spacing of the rest. Add line up marks to remind yourself to rotate the tip and you are done.

Did this with a BUNCH of old 2 section rods as an experiment and it WORKS.

Derek

dsrtegl2004atearthlinkdotnet

As Tom alluded to, the rod could be made better yet by spacing and placing the guides where they really should go. This is something that the factory rods lack in with great regularity.

But simply changing it to the spiral will make it a much more efficient rod (easier to fish with, easier on the rod blank), too.

Putter
Williston, ND

Thank you for your supportive replies. If I decide to have this done I will most definitely find a local builder to assist. There is great information buried in these posts. Three solid nights of reading and I still haven't gotten past page five... I must be a SLOW reader!