Building a couple of 7' SJ842 Spinning rods using Alconites & the NCG 27X method. My reduction guides consist of a #25, #16 & #10, and my runners are 5ea #6 including the choker. My choker is going to be located 24" from the tip.

If I read the 27X method correctly, I should be spacing the runners out equally (ie: 4ea at 4.8", or 5 ea at 4"). But here is where my dilemma begins. I have read that there should never be any more than 4" between the tip & the first guide. I have also read that you can use a progressive spacing for the purpose of reducing the number of runner guides. If this is true, my spacing would look something like......tip-3.6"-4.2"-4.8"-5.4"-6"(choker). I'm leaning towards the progressive method......any thoughts to the contrary?

I would not totally get stuck on any spacing. Get them spaced to what you think looks good then do a static load test to see if any adjustments are needed. Most guide spacing given is a good starting point but not necessarily the final location the guides should be in. You may find for your blank you need to adjust the spacing and possibly add or remove a guide. I saw one demo once that convinced me even if you have used a certain spacing for a aprticular blank in the past, that spacing is not always going to be correct for that blank. A person had 10 of the same model of blanks. By holding onto the tips and just letting the weight of the blanks flex them, the ends of each blank were in different positions. To me that says that for the same blank, each one will flex a bit different and in turn need slightly different guide positions.

The static load test is near the bottom of the Library page.

Bill - willierods.com

The 27X method does not dictate that you must space the running guides equally. That's just a simple way to space things out. There is nothing wrong with using progressive spacing if you're already up to speed on how to do that.

If you spaced 4 running guides equally at 4.8 inches each, you'll be okay. If you use 5 at 4 inches each you'll also be okay, maybe better. I would lean towards the latter if I was using very small and lightweight running guides. And if you prefer to space 5 progressively, that's fine too.

If you want, it would be a simple matter to tape up the guides with all 3 set-ups for your running guides. Then test cast. My educated guess is that you won't see any practical difference between them on that length and power rod. Go with the set up that you feel balances and feels better to you. I don't expect there would be a foot or two of casting distance difference between the whole group, if even that.

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Thanks for the sound advice Tom!