Okay, so after doing several rods with micro guides, when doing rods with regular alconite or whatever guide, it seems like using a butt guide in the 12 or even 10 range is really big. I'm wondering why a guy couldn't start with an 8, bumper 7, then all 6's out to the tip.

I'm doing bass rods, not saltwater rods with big ol' reels. What do we think?

AC
FishinFreaks
Rogers, MN

If it works, you could. If not, then you couldn't. You'd just have to try it on one of your rods and see how things go. Tape up a set and see if it works with your reel, line, lure system. That's really the only way you'll know for sure.

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Even when I am not using micros, i usually don't use anything bigger than an DF8 as my first. Then I use a 6 or smaller bumper.

I did just build on a Lamiglas CCB845M (with micros) and I had to start with a DF10 after static testing. Even with a low profile reel, I still needed the height off the DF10 for my first guide. I think I went DF10, DF8, 6, 4.5, 3.5, 3 on out on a revolver style spiral. Can't remember exactly the order at the moment, but it was close to that.

Depending on the reel, there is no reason why you couldn't do all sixes if you wanted.

The Sinko rod I had at the show started with a 5mm guide, a different reel may have required a larger guide like a round reel that the top of the spool set higher off the top of the rod, don't know I didn't try a different reel.

The one reason you might want a larger guide would be on flipping sticks were you wanted extra finger room between the line and the blank to make grabbing the line easier

Like Tom said Tape a few up and try it out.

I also know one of the other builders is using all 3.5mm guides, not spiral wrapped, and is quite happy with the results.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/12/2008 06:10PM by Steve Gardner.

When the rod flexes, you do not want the line down on the foregrip or your hand (if you use one or have your hand there). This is the main reason for a higher or larger ring on the butt guide. That particular guide has to do more than just pass the line.

Just try a few combinations and see how it works for you.

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I have several outfits (all of my newer ones) with a sz8DF as the starting guide, these are freshwater striped bass rods and go: 8DF, and the rest sz6 flys. They work VERY well even with one of my friends using a big round Abu C3 5500 and thats a tall round reel. Like said, mock it up and go casting.

DR

I often use a 6 on the first guide and sometimes I go smaller. One of my favorite spiral combos is a DF 6, SF 5 bumper and 180, then 4's out to and including the tip.

Mick and Duane - what DF are you using? I think I will need a small ringed higher frame DF on my new crank rod.

Thanks!

Thanks for confirming my thoughts, guys. I have built several with an 8 as the first guide, and they have all cast very nicely. But I wanted to make sure my thought process wasn't convoluted or something. Anything to drop weight they say (my wife wishes that was my approach for myself) and still be strong.

AC
FishinFreaks
Rogers, MN

Chuck, I normally use Fuji BLNAGs. They sit low, but I don't have much trouble with that. If I use a high flex blank and want a little more height, I like the VLG types.

Chuck,

Baston's mostly, some Fuji TLNSG's and some NIC Titans as well. I have Steve Gardner to thank for this, his rods at year before last RB show were an inspiration to say the least. Since then he's helped me make some better changes to my rods in the guide department.

DR