First, I truly want to thank the members of this forum for patiently answering questions for guys like me that are new to rod building. I read a lot of the board questions and answers and have shortened my learning curve significantly by doing so. What I would like to know is when you are considering building a rod for a friend or relative as a gift and you know that they have several reels of different manufacturers and sizes. This would eliminate using the 27X or the guide concept system. Of course I want to make the best rod that I can, as inexperienced as I am, so this is why I am asking again for your experience. Common sense would dictate that a well constructed rod would cast and retrieve if "average" spacing were used. Just curious as to whether or not anyone has experienced this and how it was solved.

Thanks

Tim Runnion

I have built spinning rods without knowing the size of the reel before. I used a measurement from a reel I use that fits the rods power range. If it is an ultralight, then use a smaller type reel spool size to make your measurements, med. light - mid range reel, etc. I think I ended up using 38mm for one rod and 42mm for the med. light rod. I had no complaints from any of the rods built like this. It will still cast fine, it just won't be exact for the reel used.

David Dosser
Coshocton, OH

Tim, i would use a microwave setup using the measurements for a 2500 shimano.
The differences from a 1000 thru 4000 series reel are minimal if you set it up per AmTack instructions.
Line switching by your friends from mono to braid is also not as dramatic.
Plus it looks cool.

Thanks David, that's pretty much along the lines I was thinking, but having said that, I have found a wealth of information from members such as yourself and sometimes changed my line of thinking. I appreciate your advice.

Tim Runnion

Thanks Lou. I just happen to have a Shimano 2500 here at home. I haven't tried the microwaves just yet, but I have read quite a bit on here and elsewhere about them and will more than likely try them in the near future.

Tim Runnion

I just put a set of the new Am Tak Microwave guides on my mother's rod. She claims that she can cast more accurately with the new setup and really likes it.

David Dosser
Coshocton, OH