Hi,

I am about to build my first rods, and before I place my order, I would like to have an opinion on whether these guide sizes are ok.

Guides are Batson XTCYTCG

Blanks are Batson RX7, 2 piece 7 foot.

ISP7842F - ISP7843F - IP843F - IP844F

Spinning Reel is 2500 - 4000 depending on fish species, but the 2500 will be used mainly.

Braid line will be used.

Sizes:
TT= 5 or 5.5

Then: 6 6 7 7 10 16 25


Thanks again,

Richard

Read the article in the library on the New Guide Concept. I think it will offer you an option that will work better.

If you already know that the #5 will be your smallest guide/top, you could even do something like this 25 - 16 - 10 - 5 - 5 - 5 - 5 - tiptop.

I'd rather plot the line path and do it that way, but what I mentioned above will certain work okay. You don't need a bunch of different sizes.

....................

I agree with Tom, although I generally use size 6 fly guides from the 10, unless I need a 6 then 6Fly which is all dependent on the line path at that point. The 6's will pass any connection knot you can concoct with relative ease. IF you know for a fact the 5s will work plenty fine for you go for it. I know they are too small for my 10# braid to 20# mono albright, but the 6's pass it well.

I agree with Sean on his selection of the size 6 for knot passage.
Also, if you intend to use a size 4000 reel on it, you might consider using a size 30 guide for the first guide. With the larger reel, the size 30 first guide will give smoother casts and retrieves.
Note, I did not say longer casts, only smoother casts.

I like to do some test retrieving with the guides taped in place on a new rod build with the proposed reel in place. As I slowly retrieve, I like to see the line follow the first guide all the way around the guide as the reel executes its full spool rotation. If the line does follow the first guide all the way around the guide as the line is retrieved, you will find that the rod is much smoother in operation, compared to a rod that is built with a guide such that the line tends to make only partial rotations around the guide as it is retrieved.


Take care
Roger

Roger - how would a smaller stripper guide not allow line travel around the entire interior circumference of the ring? How does a larger guide provide smoother casts?

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AD

Alex,
Just try the experiment.
i.e. first tape on a smaller stripper guide so that during the retrieve much of the time the line is only pulling from one or a few points on the guide. Try doing some casts and RETRIEVES with a heavy plug, say 2 ozs.

Then, tape on a larger guide, checking to insure that the line follows the full diameter of the guide as the line is retrieved.

I think that you will find a substantial difference.

If you aren't doing a lot of casting, or if you are casting with light baits - like am 1/8th oz jig - I doubt you will see any difference.
It is only when you are casting heavy weights - with appropriate line that you see the difference.

Just give it a try and let me know how it works for you.

p.s.
The reason that I began doing this was from advice from a particular client who made hundreds of casts a day with heavy spoons and plugs for northern and musky from his spinning rig.
I had tied on a size 25 guide, but he brought the rod back and requested that I take off the 25 and tie on the 30. Ever since then, when making these type spinning rods, I make sure that I get the smooth line transition that can only be accomplished by the larger stripper guide.


p.p.s.
Note, in my post - I did not suggest that Casting was the issue with the guide size. I stated that the Retrieve of heavier weights was the issue.
Take care
Roger



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/03/2009 01:18AM by roger wilson.

Sure you did - "With the larger reel, the size 30 first guide will give smoother casts and retrieves. " You did say it didn't relate to longer casts.

I'll give it a try on my next spin rod - what comes to mind is it the guide height and not ring ring size where you are finding benefit? The larger guide is taller.

Your comment "I make sure that I get the smooth line transition that can only be accomplished by the larger stripper guide." I'm assuming you mean a nice flow from the reel through the guides - basically a straighter line path. At least that is how I am interpreting it.

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AD

Alex,
Correct.
One of the issues with guides that are either shorter and or smaller is that as the line comes off the high side of a tall reel spool, the line will meet the top of the shorter and or smaller guide and even as the spool is rotated to the lower position, the line still tends to stay toward the high side of the smaller or shorter guide.

Take care
Roger