Ya I know this is kinda of a dumb question but - gimbals are always put on at 0-180 / 270-90 degrees. This is written in stone.

While we're on the subject, would you even need a gimbal on a spiral wrapped rod?

Not really ! But it came with the handle and I can always put a cap on .

The gimble should be in alignment with the guides , my 2 cents

Dave von Doehren
PRRODS......If man built it , man can fix it.and if man built it man can break it !

If a rod holder or fighting belt are used, that have a cross-pin, then a rod with a gimbal will fit better (deeper & seated) in the well or cup, whether trolling a lure or fighting a fish. You can leave the gimbal cap on or off, as it seems fit. But if you want or need a gimbal & cap, and you don't have it, you're out of luck. Nothing major, just a lost "plus". It's only another ~ $6-8 for it on a $200+ rod. - IMO, -Cliff Hall+++ Merry Christmas 2005

That's what I was thinking Cliff. Thanks

On a spiral wrapped rod you won't need it. The rod will self align itself to the load being applied to it.

The gimbal helps to stabalize the rod in the rodholder when in the tranport mode, especially in rough water, it keeps the rod from turning in the rodholder which causes the handle to wear.