When using say 3.5 running guides on a spirel wrap why would the bumper be as large as a 8-10 ? If knots fit though the 3.5 runners why can a 4 or 5 be used as a bumper.

Bill - willierods.com

Because as the rod flexes deep into the butt (if it does) the line will move a bit between the 1st and 2nd guide. If the ring on the bumper is too small, the bumper guide will experience a side load. There is no need for this. A larger ring allows some movement without incurring a side load and without interfering with the line as it moves from the top to the bottom of the rod.

Obviously, many if not most spiral wrap systems put plenty of side load on the guides and they continue to work, but the Simple Spiral was created in part by a desire not to have any transition guides nor side loads on the bumper guide.

It should be mentioned that guides should be selected because they fulfill the criteria of what you're trying to do, not because they happen to be "micro" guides, or any other type of guide for that matter. There is a correct tool for every job. Things generally work better when you use the right tool.

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I understand what your saying Tom. When I do one I put load on the rod and mark for and aft of where the line moves along the blank. Mark that then start with the bumper in the center of the mark and adjust with load to try and keep the line at the center bottom of the ring, and all rings, closest to the blank.

Sounds like the same concept as a conventional casting rod with guides on top. Ring lower to the blank to try to keep the line close to the blank

Got to rig up a blank and play with it. Thanks.

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/18/2009 02:14AM by bill boettcher.

I have been very happy with rods I have built using micro guides for bumpers, but these are very stiff very fast bass rods which don’t flex much at all down in the transition area. If you are building a rod that flexes a lot in the transition area I would go with what Tom says.