Useing the new guide concept for this light to med plugging stick, paired to a VS 150, 20#-30# braid, I'll probably start with 30 stripper, 20, 16, Batson VS3 guides, size 8 Fuji T-ATSG intersects up to the top and a size 12 Fuji CMNST or T-MNST if I can get one. I would like to keep my intersect guides and top at the same height so the line makes a straight line from the first intersect guide out, thats why the jump in ring size at the top.

Does anyone know or think this is unnecesary and/or will this change in ring size effect the casting and fishing of the rod?

m

I would step down the guides more quickly - maybe VS3 30, 16 or 12; then running guides out to the tip. Also, I would look at the Fuji FST/BFAT concept tips. I used one in an 8 ring one time to match the height of size 7 running guides (my thinking was the same as yours regarding line path), and I suspect a size 10 would match the height of 8s; and I don't think you need a tip as heavy as the MNST style on a rod that size. I am unfamiliar with VS reels and I know that your first ring will be dictated somewhat by spool size; on the other hand, braid will shoot through small guides and I don't think you want guides that are too heavy on a stick as light as that one.

I would let the reel, handle and blank tell me what guide sizes I need to use.

The slight change at the tiptop won't affect much, but if you want the line path perfectly straight so much the better. Some builders no longer use tiptops but instead wrap a single foot guide on at that location. This gives you the same height all the way out.

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Are size 8 fuji L style guides too small as running guides on a 9 ft surf rod? I could see myself using these, and then a size 10 fuji FST would match heights perfectly.

I understand the purpose of using higher frame guides for the stripping guides (smaller ring=lighter weight guide) , but does the higher frame have anything to do with the running guides? I'm assuming no.

Thanks

No, you want the running guides as low as possible.

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