I am working on a (bass) casting rod, layed out my guides, static tested, adjusted, re-checked... and am very happy with the placement. What I'm having trouble with is choosing a bumper guide. I read over and over about using a low framed bumper. I believe I have found "too low" in a BLAG #7. It sits almost flat on the blank. I then tried a #8 BLAG but it sits really high in comparison. (the #7 sits on the blank just like a #6)

Since I work most lures and fight most fish from my left side (and I reel with my right) the BLAG #7 (on the right side) will not keep the line off the blank when fighting a fish. But the #8 just looks real high. I took an extra #7 and tried to "modify" it's height profile but can't seem to get enough height without shortening the foot too much. The #8 will get the job done from the right side, but...

Have I read too much into the "low " bumper guide theory? Or should I just have the bumper opposite the reel handle? What do you guys use for bumpers?

Thanks for your suggestions!

Keith

I can't imagine why it wouldn't keep the line off the blank. Out of curiousity, how far apart are your first two guides? They shouldn't be more than maybe 9 or 10 inches apart with the bumper falling squarely between them.

The #8 isn't at all high, if you're talking about a standard casting frame type.

..........

Tom,

They are right at 9" exactly and the ring of the bumper sits at 4 1/2". My "modified" #7 only holds a taught line (with no rod load) 3mm off the blank. The guides are BLAGs, Alconite single foot fly style. The #8 BLAG gives me over 5mm of clearance... an extra 2.5mm of clearance appears to be plenty.

Sounds like my perception of small and low were a little off. I'll do a little more testing with the #8 BLAG.

Still curious what you guys are using for the bumper.

Thanks,

-keith

I generally use a #8 BLAG type with no problem

Mike

I believe I figured it out. The reason I had contact is that this is a +T handle rod and the butt guide is a couple inches further up the blank (for handle section clearance) than if it weren't. (resulting in more flex under load at the bumper point and allowing line contact) I mocked up the last 3 guides as if it weren't a +T and it clears fine. So I made another adjustment to the #7 and it looks like it will work well, so I can go with the #8 or my modified (bent) #7 and be fine either way. I can't wait until I have a few rods under my belt and some of this comes easy! ...lol I hate having to ask basic stuff.

Thanks again!

Keith



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/04/2006 10:54AM by Keith Neidhart.

Sounds like you're on the right track. I use #8's usually (if I use one at all).

..............

Tom, would you bring one of your spiralled rods (where you've left the bumper guide off completely and have some hours on the rod) to Charlotte with you please?

I'd like to see one before making one for myself...

Putter
Williston, ND