Would like to get some input/opinions on the benefits (or downside) to using the system on a 12 foot steelhead float rod (spinning NOT Center pin) A friend of mine is considering having the system used on a new rod I will be doing for him. My main concern is the 20 stripper guide on a rod that long. Also I use "Michigan" grip on steelhead rods. Short butt (about 5") and long foregrip (about 7")

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!!

Hi Mike,

I'll answer since not that many people have had a chance to use these on a wide array of builds yet.

I can’t see any down side to using this system on that rod at all. We didn't try any on 12’ rods in testing but longer would only mean adding running guides. If the reel size is vastly different then possibly a slight adjustment to the stripping/transition guides might be in order. You can still start at the suggested location measured from the spool. and then work out from there.

As for the 20mm stripper/grips etc. The rings are elevated beyond a standard single foot guide so there shouldn’t be any problem there either.

Hope this helps.

Darrin Heim
American Tackle Company

Rod type or length really doesn't matter. If you're using a spinning reel you should be able to gain some benefit from it.

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Thanks!! Just needed some reassurance!!!

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, I have a lot of experiance using 8' spinning rods with Fuji TATSG 12 and 16 spin guides. These are not as high, and not as small ring as the MW's. Since the rod lenght is longer than a typical FW rod, I ws able to push the small stripper pretty far out (28"). I know for a fact that this set up worked really well, and I'm sure the MW's will work well on this type of rod as well. The 12' rod you're building will be just fine. If you need MW's let me know, I just got more in because I sold out of the initial sets I got last week. I'm wrapping a rod or 2 for next months gatherings with the MW's, so if you wnted to wait to cast them yourself you'll have that opportunity.