I guess you guys are getting sick of guide questions..but seeing how I'm still waiting to get my back issues of RM..I'm going to post another one...I was wondering what system ya'll use to determine ring size on a guide...the concept is fairly easy to figure out..just basicly get the line to hit the center of the guide from the reel to the tip in a straight as possible path...but with the new guide concept you go to more and SMALLER guides. is there a certain rule of thumb as far as what guide is to small? obviously one must must take in consideration the size line you are using and if there will be knots...as an example lets say I was using 60# mono maybe as a top shot with braid backing..what would be the smallest guide I could use and still have the rod cast and function properly?


Dave

The line will never pass through the center of a guide ring - gravity won't allow that.

The only way to determine how small is too small is to put some guides on the rod and try it. No one can tell you what size guide is going to pass your 60lb mono and knots - only you can determine that. It's going to be trial and error until you gain enough experience to be able to make pretty good guesses right out of the gate.

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Get the reel with the 60 mono and braid you are planning to use . Purposely add some extra knots to the line .Place the guides you would like to use, attach the reel and start experimenting.

If you have any spare guides or old used guides lying around. If they are similar to what you are using. Play with them instead of guessing what to buy or buying more than what you need and having them collect dust.

I would add one thing - always buy more than you need. This reduces your shipping fee per item and if you ever plan to build additional rods they won't collect dust - you'll use them at some point. Plus, it allows you to start building additional guide sets so you'll have them on hand for whatever testing you do in the future.

No offense to your answer George, but in my opinion most rod builders simply don't keep enough extra guides on hand. With only a few exceptions, guides just aren't very expensive.

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I build surf rods and use a shockleader. The way that I test new knots is to take a guide and pass it over the knot. If it clears easily , I'll put it. on a rod If not, it's back to trying another size. C2