Has any one fashioned a bumper for a spiral wrap set up from a section, or sections of stainless steel spring wire? I have a supply of .040 diameter wire and have been contemplating attaching two or three sections parallel to the blank in place of a bumper guide. I would probably cut the wire to 3/4 " sections and wrap both ends to attach them to the blank. The wire would give good flexibility and bend with the blank flex. It would not be as smooth as ceramic is as a bearing surface however. The plus would be keeping the line closer to the blank and less easily damaged than a bumper guide.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

I've tried that and several other materials for the purpose of keeping the line off the blank. In the end, what I keep coming back to is a low frame ceramic guide. It's easier and doesn't move the line away from the blank enough to harm anything. It works remarkably well, so after many years I sort of decided that most of my other tries were really just attempts to solve a problem that really didn't exist to begin with.

But no reason for you not to try other things too. Let us know how the wire works for you.

I did want to mention that for those needing a larger ringed bumper for their surf rods, you can use a #16 ring. Just reshape/bend the frame to put the ring down close to the blank.

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