Mike,
The single foot stripper guide will be fine.
The double foot stripper just allows me an additional trim band.
Have you decided how many guides you are using ?
If so let me know and I'll give some numbers on placement. You can then tape them up and see if it looks OK

Gene

Right now I have the rod tip section taped with the guides in the st croix sugested spots I'm going to start with that for now and maybe look at how it will fall with an extra guide. I don't rreally want a guid right oon the furrel wrap.

A static test will tell you where they should be

Weather it looks right or not

Bill - willierods.com

Yes I will static test and see how they look thanks.

After the static test tape them on and go out and cast the rod to see how it FEELS and CASTS Then adjust as needed

Bill - willierods.com

Sounds like a plan I'm going to glue up the but and grip in a day or so and then start messing with the guidesI have most taped on now.

Hey Gene what would you suggest for guide spacing with a 9 guide set up? I have 8 taped on in the st croix suggested places but I would like to see how it looks and feels with 9. I tried to wrap my mind around it and got a head ache lol It looks and feels good now but what would be the advantages of 9?

Mike,
Didn't know if I lost you.

9-guide set-up ( Very Conservative)
Distance from tip
3.7 ; 7.9 ; 12.8 ; 18.2 ; 24.5 ; 31.6 ; 39.7 ; 48.9 ; 59.4

8-guide set-up (Conservative)
3.7 ; 8.2 ; 13.5 ; 19.8 ; 27.3 ; 36.2 ; 46.8 ; 59.4

7-guide set-up (Moderate)
3.7 ; 8.4 ; 14.4 ; 22.0 ; 31.6 ; 43.9 ; 59.4

6 guide set-up (Agressive)
4.1 ; 9.6 ; 17.0 ; 27.2 ; 40.9 ; 59.4


As more guides are added the blank stress is better distributed. The trade-of is the blank requires more effort to cast and mend due to additional weight. The blank responds slower and requires more movement to set the hook.
I normally build a 7 guide set-up for that rod but warn fisherman the stress placed on the blank is under their control. To reduce stress lower the rod, if he runs keep the slack out but don't attempt to hammer him into submission. If the fish is worth $1000 you can replace the rod. Most people enjoy fishing more if the fish has some chance of winning.

A copy of my spreadsheet for guide positioning is at this website

[www.rodbuildingtutorials.com]

Gene



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/18/2012 06:45PM by Eugene Moore.

Thanks for the info Gene, I may just stick with 8 I don't want to slow the rod down I tested it wit 8 guides and 5 wt line and it threw it pretty good considering the weight of the line. I'm going to try your placement. since it is a little different from where I have them now. I'm not in love with the way they look currently under load. thanks a lot.

Mike,
That rod should quicken up quite a bit when properly lined. 2 line weights is a lot. About 40% overloaded.
Your speed and range should almost double.
Overlining isn't bad for short range or learning the "feel" of the rod.
St Croix warranties the blank with 8 guides and that is being conservative as most reputable companys should be.
Going with more guides reduces the action of the blank where going with less increases the stress.

Good luck and good fishing

Gene