Okay, I understand that the goal is to choose the smallest guides possible, but how do I know what that is without buying them and looking at them?

I plan on making ultralight spinning ice rods, and light action spinning and light action casting rods for open water.

Help?

Thanks.

Matt

I build mostly light stuff. I have not built an ice rod though. On my last spinning rod (a 6' 6") ultra light, my guide sizes were 25, 16, 12, 8, 6, 6, 6 and a size 4 tip top. I worked out nice and I use it as a personal rod. Also you can look at guide sets to get a good idea of the sizes you need for a particular length and application. I don't use guide sets any longer because I tend to use smaller guides especially toward the tip. Example, the rod I just mentioned would have a guide "set" of 25-20-16-10-8-7. As you can see, I went smaller toward the tip and added one guide due to static testing.

David Dosser
Coshocton, OH

Matt, get a few catalogs (like Mudhole's, etc.) and look at the pictures, descriptions and applications.
Or you can go the the manufacturers web site to get info. (i.e. batsonenterprises.com)
The other thing to do is search this site and/or ask questions, the people here are very
knowledgable and willing to give answers and opinions.
Lasrtly try youtube.com and search rod building, lots of good stuff.
When you've found what you want then order, it's easy to search stuff on the computer first.

It will take you a bit of time to get the nomenclature and sizing ideas under your belt. Relax and rely on folks here with more experience until you get to the point where you feel comfortable making such decisions. Keep in mind that your line and any possible connections play the major role in how small you can go. Then couple that with environmental concerns (very small rings are apt to freeze up more quickly in extremely cold conditions).

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Also use the Search Function on this site and you can find a lot of info and How To Chose Guide Sizes

Bill - willierods.com

I do not use the guide sets. It usually is not what I want and besides it is impossible toget them out of the package!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

I noticed that some of the manufacturers heat shrink around each guide making it near impossible to get it all off without breaking out a razor blade. Fly rod sets are a nightmare. You can get some ideas of the size ranges you will need by looking at the sizes associated with the kits though.

David Dosser
Coshocton, OH

IMO The problem with guide sets/charts is that you get way to many guide sizes which generally are detrimental to performance. I rarely use more than 3 sizes of guides on any rod. I also seldom use anything bigger on a spinning rod than a 20

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Mike, are you using concept guides, taller guides? Do you use the New Concept Guide system for sizing and placement? I could use a 20 but it would have to be a tall guide.

David Dosser
Coshocton, OH

David you can find a 20 from Pac Bay in their Match Series guides that is a tall frame guide. It is what I have been using to get a tall guide for the smaller ring sizes I use on spinning rods.

David,

I use the concept system (not Fuji's, though) but not written in stone.. I use numerous brands/styles of guides. With smaller rings, I move the butt guide out until I get the line path that I want.. Using the match guide is also good but most of my customers want the guides all the same style/color etc. It's explained to them but the one paying gets to decide LOL!

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Ok thanks guys for the info.

David Dosser
Coshocton, OH