I'm having trouble understanding EXACTLY WHERE the butt/choke guides sit against the "table edge". Volume 7, Issue #1 (and library) state:


3. Now set the guides between the reel and the intersect guide by selecting guide sizes and locations that put the guide’s outer edges so that they just reach the table edge.

To me, this says to put the outer edge of the guide's FRAME against the table edge.



However, in the earlier volume 3, issue #4 article it states:


“that you use the outermost edge of the guide ring as the contact point along the line between the spool centerline and choke guide. Obviously if you can get enough frame height so that the reference line passes through the ring center - do so”.

I read (3) different ways to initially set up your guides under the New Guide Concept from the blank to the table edge:

- outside edge of the frame
- outermost edge of the guide ring (inside or outside of the ring though ??)
- exact center of the guide ring

Am I to assume all three of these methods are correct and acceptable? Thanks.

It doesn't matter - what matters is a straight line path, so whatever you choose, just make sure you do each guide the same way.

You're going to find that it's almost impossible to obtain guides with frames high enough so that the table or whatever straight edge you're using, will pass along the center of the guide ring. Nor does it matter - putting the frame edge on the straight edge will net you just as much distance and it's far easier to obtain guides that are at least high enough to do this. Keep in mind also, that the actual line never passes through the center of a guide ring (if it did, you wouldn't need the guide there). The line, by virtue of gravity, will ride against the ring edge.

.........

I always use the Fuji Concept guides on these. They always seem to be the right height to get the line very close to center.
The Titans and the new Forecast VS III are the only other ones I know of that are similar in height.
Most otheres are an all purpose and lower in height. I feel the " M " guides are too high.

For what I build ( light tackle surf/sound rods), I almost always use Pac Bay "M"s (CMSG) for the butt guide and the guide next up towards the tip. From there on to the tip, various alconite guides are used. The color match is compatible and the "M" guides might add a little less weight. Don't know that it makes any practical difference as to what is used, within reason. Stan

Should have mentioned that I use Shimano spinning reel angles of spool center to reel seat for establishing guide height used towards the butt.end and the next guide or two.

Spool centerline angles of various spinning reels might vary by several degrees as measured to the reel seat. Setting up for a specific reel angle might not make a big performance difference in practical terms, but might make a slight difference for a fisherman interessted in optimal function. The blank is probably much more important than reel used. Stan