Hello all

Set up test via Tom's instructions in the library. This is my first rod so I need some expert advice. Rod Specs:

6'4" SCIII Spinning Rig
Test Photo 1 5 guides + TT 16,10,8,8,8
Test Photo 2 6 guides + TT 16,10,8,8,8,8

Which looks better? I'm leaning toward photo 2. Thanks

John


Photo 1 [www.rodbuilding.org]

Photo 2 [www.rodbuilding.org]

#2 without a doubt.

.......

Definitely go with test two

I think it has too few guides ? On that 6'4" I would have started with 6 guides at least. Spacing seems far apart ?
How far is that first guide from the tip top ?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/01/2006 09:36AM by bill boettcher.

Thanks for the comments all. I was pretty sure test 2 was the right one.

Bill- It is 5 1/4" from the TT and seems to work just fine. Adding another guide to the top makes the tip awefully heavy ;)


John

If it feels good and casts well. ??? I would have tried to do a shorter 4 1/2 or no more then 5 in. from the top. I always worry about the tip snapping. Looks like a " off the shelf " spacing ? If the guides make it too heavy, I would have stuck maybe Titans on. Or some of Andies burl for a little weight in the handle for ballance. Fly guides would be lighter. They look like small spin guides ? Guess I really should have blank in hand ?
Just my 2 cents.

Thanks for the comments Bill. The balance is spot on and as far as casting goes, she casts farther than my factory St. Croix with the same reel. I can only get about 35 yards but that is with the guides taped on so if I cast any harder they skewer sideways on me. I used the New Guide Concept Primer in the library and did the best I could. I was using guides sized as follows; 30,20,16,8,8,8,8,8TT. Things didn't look, feel or cast as well as I thought so I took the rod to a local rod builder. He (Ray Rigby) was kind enough to do a little re-aligning of the guides 16,10,8,8,8,8,8TT and showed me the difference on the test casts. I have since slightly adjusted the spacing and am pretty happy with it overall. I'll truely know once I get the guides wrapped and take her out on the water. Thanks for the suggestions.

John