I decided I'm going to build my 9' 5 wt on a Dan Craft Signature V blank. I'm now looking for suggestions on guides and real seat. The guides I am considering are Forecast TiCH single foot guides vs. Recoils. The real seat I'm looking at is the Struble U-20. Any feedback on these components would be appreciated. Also, if I want to order a metal winding check, how do I know what size to buy if I'm ordering the rod at the same time and can't measure?

ed

the TiCH single foot wire guides work great on that rod, i used them at dan's suggestion. the U-20 is a nice reel seat, can't really go wrong with that. if nickle silver, keep some silver compound to work out the tarnish down the road unless you don't mind that patina.

on my 8'-4" Sig V, i used a bellinger NS downlocking cap and ring reel seat. works great too. most don't use cap and ring for 5 wt though.

if you settle on the reel seat and know the length of grip, dan can estimate the size of the blank where the winding check will be installed knowing those two lengths. it would be a great safety measure to order one size larger and smaller, just in case. consider the unused ones as the start of a stockpile of misc parts. i useda TiCH winding check. of the two styles available, i chose the unknurled version.


eric
fresno, ca.

Ed - I think you are considering the SF wires based on your post. I thought that I would toss into the equation that I've used the Forecast SF Zirconium's in the light TI plating (LTCFL series) on a number of rods and really like them for all the pros usually discussed concerning ceramics. Also, the Struble is a great seat, but I've also really liked matching the Forecast guides with the matching BUL skeleton. I like the continuity of the materials' colors. Also, if you turn your own insets it accepts a round insert (no mortise) opening up some additional options for aesthitics without sacrificing functionality.

Thanks for the suggestions!

Thanks for the suggestions!

If you click on Dan's website, Dan Craft Ent., and download his catalog you will find Forecast guides, Struble, Bellinger and REC reel seats. Email or call him and he will fix you up with all the componets you need. If you are ordering a blank from Dan he will make sure you get the right size tip top and winding check for that blank.

Also if you go to the RainShadow/Forecast,Baston, site on the left you can see all the Forecast Guides along with ring colors and sizes.