Picky, picky, picky - I know that, traditionally, stamped double foot guides are oriented with the single post forward and the double post aft. However, I just purchased four Fuji TSVSG #16 "V" shaped strippers to use on 9 - 10wt rods. Per Tom's advice I am now using these i/s of the TNSG because the rings are about the same height as a #20.
The only problem is that they seem to be cocked a little forward when placed on a level surface. And, when placed on the tapered blank it is worse. If I oriented them "backward" with the double post forward, they were perfect. Now I know the frames can be bent using two opposing pair of pliers, but that takes a lot of trial-and-eror bending to get it just right where the feet are snug to the blank. I would prefer not to do this.
Has anyone dared oppose tradition and mounted them backward?
And, is there some structural reason that they should be mounted with the single post forward.
Herb

Scott or Thomas & Thomas used to mount them "backwards" some years ago if I remember right. Some of the Japanese spinning rods have the stripper single foot on backwards. I don't think it makes a difference performance wise.

I have a couple of old T&Ts left over from my factory days. The stripper is on "backwards". I think from a thread back awhile ago this was discussed. It seems that the thinking or at least marketing was this helped with line flow. I'm not really sure if it does or doesn't. I do know that these are excellent casting rods. However I don't think the performance is helped or hurt by the orientation of the guides in this case. I think if you place them temporarily and test and one orientation is better than the other then use it. Performance trumps tradition in my way of thinking.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/15/2006 12:23PM by Steve Rushing.

I would venture that the "right way" is the one that best suits you for the purpose you have in mind.

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

In this case, the line will never know which way the frame is oriented so it really doesn't matter.

Bending the guide is really not much trouble. In fact, for the problem you have there, you can place your thumb and forefinger solidly across the ring area and then press the guide feet down onto flat table, and then simply apply pressure to the ring area to bend the upper frame back to the alignment you wish. I assume we're only talking about a little adjustment.

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I am going to have to bend the 16's. My 12's came in today and they are perfectly upright.
Tom, the frames are pretty heavy guage Ti. I don;'t think they will conform to the shape I want with finger pressure. Also, afraid I will cause the ring to pop out; if not now, maybe sometime in future.
Fiji does turn out some nicely finished guides.
Herb

You have to grasp the ring area so that the bend will take place below the actual ring. You may be able to grasp this area under the ring with a pair of fine needle nosed pliers and bend it back a bit that way.

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