Recently purchased one of the Am. Tack. Guide Location Chart's for micros & concepts. Put my first rod on it (a 7 1/2' spinning rod) and came up w/ 11 concept guides needed. Seems like too many to me. But, it looks fine. It appears from the chart that really no matter what the action (arc) of your rod, it's going to show the need for more guides than the traditional length + 1 method. I was wondering if anyone else had tried this and may have seen similar results.
Thanks,
Todd

I don't use that many. You'll have to decide if you want to use more, or less. Try it both ways, test cast and see which feels and works best for you.

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Maybe just a ploy to sell more guides?

Maybe, maybe not. Perhaps just a different theory on what's needed for line control. Best bet - try both ways and see which one appeals to you. Either will provide more than enough guides for adequate stress distribution.

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Try a simple Static Test and see if you need them all You may want to send the chart back

Bill - willierods.com

I would certainly agree with the above advice. I load/static test my rods and as Tom said you ultimatly have to deal with your preferance. I have been building with micro guieds a little more lately and have found the commercial rods have a lot more guides then I find-or think you need, through my testing on a blank. I still use the length of rod +1 on most builds with standard guides. The charts are good for an initial idea of where to start and how many guides, But, than you adjust from there. To me it is always about how the rod handles the line and how is it casting.

I guess I'm just a bit lazy. I have a CCS board set up in the garage where I can do static test. But, most of the rods I build are in the winter and I don't want to spend time in the cold.
I saw a static deflection tool for sale that would allow me to bring the testing inside. Probably give that a try.
Thanks

get an elictric heater

Bill - willierods.com