Good Day,
I'd like to try Microwaving for the first time. The blank I have is a St. Croix 3S63MXF. It's 6'3" long 6-10lb. How do I space the guides? I thought I would split the difference in spacing of the 6'0" and 6'6" models from the chart but, the 6' uses 8 guides and the 6'6" uses all 9. Any ideas?
Thanks,
Jon

I built teh old SC5 6'3 MXF - I put the first 3 guides where teh chart said to put them, and the rest of the guides spaced about the same distance apart. It's not that difficult to figure out - use 8, use 9 - it's really not going ot make all that much of a difference when all is said and done, obviously the 8 guides will be 1 guide _ thread + epoxy less in weight near the tip.

I'm sure I'll get corrected if I'm wrong, but the length of the rod has nothing to do with the placement of the first two guides on a microwave system. Put them where the Amtak chart says, then adjust a bit depending on the reel being used. Everything after the first two will be determined by placing them where they belong according to your judgment on flexing the rod and balancing the stresses. Use the minimum number of guides that will give you the stress balance you desire.

That's right - the reel nor the guides care how long the rod is. It's the spacing from the reel to the butt guide and butt guide to subsequent guide that's important.

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Ok, Thank you. I think I was reading the chart wrong. DUH! Now I understand.