Guys,
I am in the process of building some spinning rods (never made spinning rods before, have made baitcasters successfully) and I would like to know if you can help me out, I am currently doing some research on the make/model and size of guides to use…see below:

Blanks
St. Croix (3S70MLF)
St.Croix (3S76MLXF)
St.Croix (3S70MF)

Reel Seat
Deluxe Fuji Stainless Hood Graphite Reelseat (DPSD18)

Guides
Fuji New Concept / Black / SS-Alconite
Sizes:
BYAG (30, 20, 16)
BLAG (10, 8, 7, 6)
Tiptop (BFAT6)

I have three (3) questions:

1) After much research I have decided to use Fuji New Concept/Black/SS-Alconite guides. I really don’t like re-coil guides (too noisy) and don’t see any added value (sensitivity or weight) associated with the Titanium guides for the added cost…any thoughts on which guides to use?

2) Are the guide “sizes” listed above OK? This is what I’ve got out of St. Croix website…but I have also done some reading online and other builders use “smaller” guides.

3) I am planning to use 18mm reel seat, what would you recommend as filling…I found the following (http://www.anglersworkshop.com/Items.aspx?catid=2821) arbors for 18mm reel seats…is this ok to use? Also I was thinking 18mm reel seat would be more comfortable.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

I would highly recommend that you read the article on the New Guide Concept in the online library here. The desired line path should dictate guide sizes and placement. And, you only need about 3 or maybe 4 guide sizes for the entire rod, not 7.

You want to size the reel seat to fit your hand. A #20 is generally most comfortable for the average male adult, but if you prefer the 18 then go with it. You can shim with foam arbors or make shims from a variety of other materials.

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Carlos,

What reel and line are you planning on using? They will determine your guide layout. I assume from the blanks that you have listed, you are going to be using fairly light line- around 8lb?

The first thing most guys will tell you is that you don't need that many guide sizes. I would recommend something along the lines of BYAG 25, 16, 8 followed by BLAG's to the tip (I use 4's). On a 7 foot rod, you'll want 8 guides plus a tip top.

Are you familiar with the 27x method of guide placement? That the method that most rods builders are using now for spinning setups. There's a weath of info on it if you use the search button.

jeremy

Carlos,
For a conventional reel seat as you are planning on building, I agree that the size 18 reel seat is a good choice. I do agree that the size 18 seat is more comfortable for fishing than the smaller size 16 or size 17.
The guide selection that you stated will work very well.
However, as some of the other posts suggest, the use of the Concept system, necking down more quickly to smaller guides also work well.

If you were going to use line that is heavier than 8 lb mono - I would stay with the first guide as a size 30.
However, if you planned to use 8 lb line or lighter, then I would drop down to a size 25 guide for the first guide.
After that, I typically would go with a size 16, 10, 8, 7,7, 6,6 to the tip with a size 6 tip ring. Use as many size 7's and 6's as necessary to cover your needs.

For the fast action guides, I will generally use about a 4 - 4 1/4 inch spacing for the first guides down from the tip.
However, for the extra fast tip - due to the softer tip, I will typically drop down to a 3-3 1/2 inch spacing for the first guides down from the tip.
These are excellent blanks and I have built many rods on all of the blanks mentioned.

Good luck
Roger

By all means do a quick study of the NGC! I would recommend for 8lb line or under, high frame 20, 12 and then six low frame fly type 4's the rest of the way. For 10lb or 12lb line, I would recommend high frame 25, 16, 10 and then five low frame fly type 4's the rest of the way out.

Butt guide ring starting size - 1/2 the size of the spool face plate. Then this: [www.rodbuilding.org]

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/21/2009 01:46PM by bill boettcher.

Does Fuji make a NPS reeel seat in size 20?

At one time they did. I really can't keep up with all the offerings these days.

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I think this is what you are looking for: [www.mudhole.com]

Bill - willierods.com

WOW!!! Guys I really appreciate the feedback...

I would use 3 (no more than 4) sizes of guide. Personally I would start with a 20 0r 25, 10 and 6 BLAG's the rest of the way and static test for final size/spacing

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!!