which way would the guides spiral to wich side if i use a left-hand retrieve baitcast reel ????

For my left handed reel clients I build to the right and visa versa

is that to offset the minimal twist as the line is going to the bottom ??

What ever gave you the idea that there was any twist as the line goes to the bottom?

Rotating them towards the same side of the reels handle helps to protect the transition guides because of the way most people tend to lay their rods on the deck with the handles angled upwards.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/28/2010 12:59AM by Steve Gardner.

so it is just preference ??

Spiral side depends which side of the equator you're on...

Kidding. I do what Steve said most of the time. The transition or bumper's on the same side as the reel crank for the reason he mentioned, plus dropping the rod on the deck, the crank will usually prevent the guide from taking a hit,.

Mark Griffin
[]
C&M Custom Tackle
San Dimas, California

It really doesn't matter. Most guys, as Mark and Steve suggest, run the line around the same side of the blank the reel handle is on.

But there are situations where doing the opposite, and running the line around the blank on the opposite side of the reel handle, has merit. I'll give you one: many guys plug the surf with conventional, non-level wind reels like the Penn 525 Mag. When doing this, one must level the lind with one's left thumb while retrieving the line with one's right hand. Running the line around the left side of the blank (opposite the reel handle) can make leveling the line easier: the spiral will naturally "pull" the line toward the left, so to level the line, all one has to do is push the line to the right with your left thumb, and then let the guide setup pull it back. I've experimented with this a bit, and it does make leveling the line manually slightly but significantly easier.

So there are reasons to go on both sides. But there's really no right or wrong answer: do whatever works best for you.

Next for ICAST Release!

Fresh Water Bass Rods

I build them so the are correct when in hand at at work - while they are snoozing on the deck I guess SG should invent a release/cam/dogear/swivel/lock snap free rotate reel seat and release it in Rodmaker Magazine.

Until that new day -

Spiral to the direction of the hand pull or line strip while flipping or pitching

Which ever way you do it, check on the retrieve to make sure the line does not load on one side.

Bill - willierods.com

What Chris said.

I like spiraling opposite the reel handle because I like the ease of looking at the line while it's coming in, or preferably, going out with the drag screaming. Not a logical scientific reason by far, but it's mine anyway :-)

DR

I normally go to the side of the handle. No real reason why other than that's just the way it went.

Not to hijack this thread and all but I thought I would mention that the recent Batson News Letter Tips and Tricks feature a bit of info on Spiral wrap here is the link [clients.criticalimpact.com]#

Make sure you sign and join in at www.batsonenterprises.com for up coming articles Batson is having a blast sharing our tips and tricks with our subscribers not to mention if you submit a fish story using a Batson blank and we run it in our News Letter you will receive a free rod rack:)

BTW thank you too everyone that has had a hand in the spiral wrap concept you know who you are :)

Karry Batson
Batson Enterprises Inc.
Ph: (877) 875-2381
Fax: (360) 683-3579
karry@batsonenterprises.com
www.batsonenterprises.com

Bill;
That is a good point!
So far, most if not all of the people I've built for strip line with the same hand they crank with. Having the line spiral in the same direction of the handle has been the same as setting it up for when they are at work.

But I will make sure to pay attention so that when I have a customer who uses the other hand I have it built to their particular needs.

Chris;
I don’t do salt water stuff so that is not a concern in my builds but is a very valid point for those in that situation.

I just finished a set of 6 9'6" RDR leadcore rods with spiral wraps. I did three right, three left per customers request. These rods are placed in stationary holders while being trolled, the rod is normally turned slightly to give the straightest line/guide path to the bait. The rodholders are staggered at different angles to give maximum seperation. Facing rearward, the rods on the right, turn towards the 3 o'clock position in progressive degrees. So on the left side of the boat, spirals to left. It is more just an asthetic deal than anything else. Performance is no different either way on either side. It is also one way to keep multiple rods side specific when things get silly. Long story short, no worries either way, just decide which way makes the most sense for the application.

You guys are ruining my spiel......spiral to the left, left side of the boat, spiral to the right, right side of the boat. I love watching the face as they think about it. Also funny to see them make sure they have the right rod in the right holder the next time!!! I actually had someone ask if the rod in the middle had to have the guides "on straight".

I do a revolver style spiral so the line is basically centered on top to the first guide. I spiral to the right, but strip line with my left hand when I flip.....doesnt really matter for my use which side I spiral to...I do it to the right to protect the transition guides like Steve had mentioned.

Scott Sheets
www.smsrods.com