This would not be an issue if I were using a "regular" grip (e.g. cork, foam, etc.), which places the last piece of cork flush with the actual butt of the rod blank. However, I am not using such a grip. I intend on using one of the old "pistol grips" -- a rubber Fuji Speed Grip. This grip includes both the grip AND the reel seat in one piece. As such, the butt of the rod blank does not extend all the way down to the bottom of the grip, as is the case with most cork grips. In this case, the butt of the blank sits just above the upper portion of the reel seat, where the upper foot of the reel would rest. Therefore, when the assembled rod is stood up with the bottom of the grip resting on the ground, the length of the entire unit ends up being 8-9 inches longer than the length of the blank itself.

My question is regarding guide sizing, number, etc. As we all know, the basic rule of thumb for determining the number of guides is Rod length (in feet) + 1 + tiptop. However, in my setup, this is somewhat problematic, since the whole unit is considerably longer than the blank by itself. On most rods, this is not the case, and the rod length can thus be measured either as an assembled unit, or alone as the naked blank, since the measurements will be the same.

How should I make this measurement? Do I use the length of the blank by itself? Or do I measure the entire unit (grip and blank)?

How long do you wish the rod to be? You're not locked in. You can trim the rod from the butt so that the final length, including the handle, is the same as if you had built the rod straight-through, full length. In effect, nothing changes since you are replacing whatever you trim with the handle itself.

The general rule of thumb for using 1 guide per foot of rod length, plus 1, plus a tiptop is for the overall finished rod length. Even then, you're not locked in. It's not a requirement, it's a general recommendation to ensure you have enough guides on the rod. Moving up or down 1 or 2 is within reason depending on the rod, the guides, etc.

.........

You use the entire length of the rod. You want to base your number of guides off the functional length of the rod, regardless of how far the blank passes through the handle.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/03/2009 10:15PM by Robert Russell.

That "number of feet + 1" is just a guide line at best. Do a static test as outlined in the library at the top to determine the optimal set up for your rod. You may end up with more (or less) guides. The length of your rod would be from one end of the rod (not the blank) to the other.

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Thank you all. My question is answered.

Keepin' it REEL,

BN