I finished wrapping a Batson 6' 6" 2 weight, 2 piece blank using the manufactures recommended guide spacings:

4.0 light wire tip top
1st #2 (all light wire single foot guides) 4"
2nd #2 8.5"
3rd #2 13.5"
4th #3 19"
5th #3 25"
6th #4 32"
7th #4 40"
8th #12 XLXNZG ALPS stripper 50"

For simplicity & saving some time, I figured the recommended spacing should be decent (I know a few of you experienced folks are chuckling). Based on Batson's recommended guide placement scheme the 7th guide at 40" falls just above where the blanks joint at the base of the tip section and I had to move it up and wrap it about 1/2" above this point. It looks weird being located just above this critical joint, especially on a two piece rod.

Anyone who has built on this fairly common blank, did you find a better guide spacing scheme? Eugene Moore if you catch this, what would you recommend for the number of guides and spacing based on the progressive system you posted?

Thanks for all of your help and input. I'm gradually getting there. I have two, higher end blanks that I will take the time to figure out all of this custom spacing stuff. Otherwise, this rod looks good. I don't mind having to re-wrap it. I look forward to being able to apply the wrapping epoxy once this heat & humidity breaks!

Nothing wrong with incorporating a guide wrap with a ferrule wrap, I do it all the time

Ron Weber

Hi Peter, I haven't been building long, but I have a few pointers. I built this exact rod using REC recoil rsf guides. I performed a static test, measured AA, and found the blanks ERN. I believe it is of utmost importance to do these tests. I will look through that rod's file for the ERN and AA my blank had. Really important to me for the proper line weight for the rod. Also all those guide sizes aren't necessary. Find one that will pass your knots and stick with that size above the stripper. Hope this helped.

1st #1 4"
2nd #1 8.5"
3rd #1 13.5"
4th #1 18.25"
5th #1 23.75"
6th #1 29.75"
7th #1 38"
8th #8 amtac titan 50"

Peter,
7 guides
distance from tip 4.1 9.0 15.0 22.4 31.2 42.0 55.2
Top (3) guides #1 light wire Recoil titanium single foot
Next (2) guides #2 single foot (steel acceptable titanium better )
Next guide #3 snake
Stripper guide #10 ALOX

Probably fine using the manufacturers guide spacing
Guide sizes seem a little large for a 2 weight.
Light trout rods really don't require that extra guide
I prefer the rod quick and light.

Eugene Moore

How come so close to the reel seat with the stripper guide?