I thought I was all ready to begin guide placement on my first spiral wrap. However, I have seen a number of posts which make me question my choices. On a 6' medium power, fast action blank, I had planned on using a #12 guide, a #10 guide as the bumper, and a #10 as the first 180 degree guide. From there it would be #8, #6, #6, #6, and a #6 tip. These were my selections based on reading Bill Colby's article in Rod Maker magazine, Vol 8, Issue 2. Now, I have read in various places that some builders prefer to use a #8 as the bumper guide. Is a size 10 guide too big? It is not too late for me to change, but it would be annoying for a variety of reasons. Any advice? Thanks.
Tight lines,
Hunter

From ghoulies and ghosties,
and long leggedy beasties,
and things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord deliver us!

The bumper should be low to the blank, no matter what ring size you use. If an 8 will pass the required line and connections, use that. If you need a 10 , it's okay, but you might want to bend/shape the frame and legs to get the ring in close to the blank.

I wonder about your other guide sizes, however. I think I'd go right on down to #6's on them.

Best bet is to tape up a set and check it out. Try a couple different set ups and see what looks and works good for you.


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I'm with tom, I'd dump the last 10 the 8 and go with 6's all the way

Check also that all your guides are LOADING when there is a good hook-setting bend in the rod. The tendency may be for the First 180 degree guide to not have the line touching it, depending on your rod's action-taper, rod power, and guide sizes / height & guide spacing.

With little bending, non-loading at this First 180 degree guide in a Bumper Wrap is less of a risk. But if your guide layout still has the First 180 degree guide in a non-loaded condition, then there is likely to be 16 or even 20+ inches between the Butt Guide and the 2nd 180 degree guide, and this can be too far between loaded guides. -Cliff Hall, FL-USA.