I'm looking at the Forecast/Alps options for a few casting rods, and I'm a little curious....

I haven't used their guides before, but I'm more than willing to try them out. I was looking at the options, and it seems that if I choose to go down to size 5 guides, I'm required to use the "Mini's." That's not the issue. I'm curious about both aesthetics and function.

What frame color do the mini's match up to? I was going to go with the XPBFLG's and XBLXNLG's. I wasn't sure what finish the mini's have.

The second concern is how does the transition look between the 6 F guide and the 5 Mini. Does the change warrant the use of the 5.5 mini?

Thanks!

GR

I never use more than two guide sizes on a casting rod anymore. A little larger butt guide and then step right down to the smallest guides I can get by with. Works great!

No offense, but that doesn't really help me at all.....

Can you provide the sizes you use? What guides are you using?


I'm trying to avoid ordering guides I won't need, and not ordering guides I do. Also, that doesn't help me with the color issue either.

The guides you listed will match the black frame minis well, as will the non recessed ring design fly guide BFLG. Ordering a few extra guides and sizes won't break the bank on those models. The minis are under $1 each, and the smaller double foot LXNs are well under $2 each. Besides, keeping a few oddball sizes on hand won't hurt for those times you encounter a reel with a goofy geometry that requires the use of an odd size here or there.

Guide sizing depends on the requirements of the build. Do you need to pass any knots? Are they freshwater/inshore rods, etc.? It is hard to make a recommendation without knowing the purpose of the rod. Are you using a low profile narrow spool casting reel, spincasting reel, or a taller round reel with a wide spool? These things will all affect the sizing of the guide train.

On many setups, I use LXN6, mini 5, mini 4, mini3s to the tip, either all on top or spiraled. A buddy wanted a more traditional look, and I used a double foot 8, double foot 6, and fly 5s to tip.

Joe

EXAMPLE:

blank: SB 843
low profile (curado?)
needs to pass knots

Is there a reason to start with a size 12 LXN or even 10 LXN? Is an 8 LXN more than big enough??


I would like to end up with 5's - but I don't see any 5 F's listed?? Would that just be the Mini's then?

Greg,

The 8mm LXN is plenty big enough for that reel. I normally use a 6mm LXN as a butt guide with similar sized reels. After that, you can go straight to the 5mm fly guides. The 5mm would be the minis. Give the 8mm LXN to fives a try, and possibly pick up a 6mm LXN to try and a 6mm XBFLG or BFLG in case you want try stepping down more slowly.

Joe

Greg,

Skip the 8 and start with a 6 dbl foot or you can even use a single foot 5 and then smaller from there (If you like the double foot check with the Swampland boys and they can take care of you).

listen to Joe or Thamas