I just strung up an All-Star GXGC647 5'4" blank with a pistol grip. I tried 7 then 8 then 9 and settled on 10 guides plus a tip. I static loaded all configuration and settled on the 10 guides. THe rod is spiraled and cast really well with the guides taped. Am I an idiot for putting so many guides on this blank or has anyone else ever done this many on a short light rod. Guides are 10, 8, 6's on out.

Steve,
If you are happy with the action of the rod, with the number of guides on it - go for it.
However, for this blank - especially with a spiral wrap -- I would think that a smaller number would be appropriate. Actually, I would think that 6 or 7 would be about right.

How far up the blank do you have your first guide placed? If you place the first guide too close to the reel seat, you will need to make up for it by adding more guides. Generally speaking you don't need the first guide any closer than about 18-20 inches up the blank.
Good luck
Roger

With a blank as heavy powered as that one is I'd also think you have a few to many guides. I don't know what kind of spiral you're using, but try , just for fun, a spacing something like 5 inches from the tip, than 6 inches apart there after.
The good thing is that blank has the power to carry just about any configuration you come up.

A rod of that length really doesn't need that many guides. I'd back up and try maybe 6 plus a tiptop and see how that feels to you.

One thing - since it is spiral wrapped, are you using a good many guides making the transition? That would be where the seemingly high number comes in.

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