After doing static deflection on a St Croix 2C66MHF, I came up witht the following spacing:
4 3/8, 8 1/2, 12, 15 1/8, 19 3/8, 25 1/4, 34 3/4, 38 1/4 (Bumper guide), 44 3/4. It's a simple spiral. The 3rd and the 4th guides seem to have really odd spacing, based solely on my intuition, but if I set them further apart, there seems to be too much stress in that area. I would guess that the rod has a "soft spot" beteen 12 and 18" from the tip. Does this all seem reasonable? Is there any cause for concern?



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 10/20/2008 02:32PM by George Forster.

I've had similar spacing, usually on rods that had a very fast action. In fact, my spacing on my tip to first guide is almost always greater than my spacing between guides 2 and 3 or 3 and 4, depending on action. I typically narrow the first gaps to match the narrowest gap. I may end up with an extra unneeded guide, but it's easier than trying to sell the spacing to clients. I've found that they understand why it is, but still don't like the look and prefer a more traditional spacing.

It happens from time to time. Robert's solution might be the best. If you keep your guides small and light, having an additional one there isn't going to have much overall effect on the rod.

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