Building this blank for a customer (Med/Hvy, Fast action 10 -17 line)
He'll be using 20-30 lb.braid and a flourocarbon leader 12 - 14 lb. test
and attaching using a uni-knot.
He'll be using a variety of baits from top water to spinnerbaits to plastics.

I am planning on using a #10, 8, 7 double foot guides and then go to #5 (x6) single foot fly.
Just wanted to know if this set-up sounds correct. I will tape and test cast tomorrow.

First tme I'm going as small as #5 guides, usually stick with #6.
I'm hoping to get a little better casting distance with the 5's..

I don't know if you even need to use a #10. Myself I would start with a #8. Don't think you would see anything different in casting distance though by going with #5's instead of #6's for the running guides.

A single 6 double foot then 5’s the rest of the way, I have built a bunch of rods that way for customers I can’t get to use microguides and they work fantastic. There is no reason to use anything bigger and certainly no reason to use that many different guide sizes.

The first MHX I built was an MB843 for the exact same application and line you described, except I use 20lb floro if I use a leader. I used American Tackle Titan ringlocks in a simple spiral with a 6 double foot and the rest were size 5 singles to the tip. I think you'll find that 5's will pass the uni knot no problem. I've only used it for topwater so far but it will cast a Top Dog Jr. farther than I would ever need using a Citica 200E, Sorry I don't remember test distances. Hope this helps.

Steve

I just built one of those, I went with Schneiders black ring, gold zirconia double foot 6, then to their single foot 5's for the rest of the rod spiral wrapped. I intend on ruinning the same leader and braid line as described above and could not pass the leader knot through fuji BLAG4j's very easily in a test setup.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

+1 on the sz 6 double foot to 5s like mike said. Probably a good idea to stick with 5s if he is using 15lb test in a uni-uni knot.

Regards,
-Justin

1-DF 6mm, 2-SF4mm, and the rest SF 3mm's slow spiral wrapped.

DR

I also just built this same rod with 1 df 6 1 sf 5 1 sf 4 and 3's out to the tip. He is using 20 and 30 lb power pro. I took the client fishing earlier this week and I can tell you i was VERY impressed with the rod in every way. I had multiple St. Croix's, Batson's (RX7's) and even some of my old All Stars and I will tell you, the MHX spent the LEAST time on the deck. Yes they are all built in a similar fashion with the exception of micro's. Your customer will be very happy! I can honestly say that I am going to try and outfit myself with an entire lineup for this season for my nonboaters to use and to have on hand as demo's.


Tom Kaufmann

Follow-up - I built it with #8, #7 double foot and then #5 sf fly guides, but I had to use (8) of the #5s
to keep the line from dipping below the blank during static testing. My spacing was:
3.5", 3.5, 3.5, 3.5, 4, 4,5, 5, 6, 7, 9
Does this sound OK? (10) guides on a 7' rod?

I did test cast the set-up and in fact it did outcast a similar rod I had built a couple years ago
using a #12, 10, 10, 8's set-up. Not by a lot but 10 - 15 ft. on average further, using a 3/8 oz. spinnerbait.

I used a uni-uni knot to connect 30 lb. braid and 14 lb. mono. Initially I had a tag end on the mono about 1/16" long that
did catch a bit on the #5's when reeling in. I trimmed the tag end down and then the knot passed without notice.

Thanks for everyone's help.
I can't imagine trying to handle smaller guides #4 or less.

It takes a rod or two to get accustomed to the 3s and 4s. But once you've gotten used to them, a 7 or 8 seems gigantic and unsightly.