While I don't do many, I have had the same issue with all telescopic Rods I have made. The first guide from the reel seat is always too close to the butt of the rod so that, if not corrected, when the rod collapses it slides into the butt section and eventually damages the wrap/finish on the guide. I have used many things to prevent this (Eva foam has worked the best) and was wondering what others have used successfully. I thought about turning a foam core to fit but not sure if it is the best option.

Also moving the guide is not a real good option as it would need to be moved at least 6"... A little too far in my opinion.

Hal,
the best solution I have found for this issue is to glue a piece of rod blank or wooden dowel into the butt of the handle tube that will keep the blade (tip) from dropping all the way down. In this case I would suspect a 6" piece should be enough to solve your problem.

Todd

Regards,
Todd Vivian
Mud Hole Custom Tackle

todd@mudhole.com

How long is the butt section and also the tip or blade section. I have never had a problem by making the rod so the stripping guide sits about 1/2" above the butt.

Most flippin sticks have 26-30" tubes which sometimes puts that stripping guide out quite a ways.

Regards,
Todd Vivian
Mud Hole Custom Tackle

todd@mudhole.com

Todd,
Thanks for the suggestion. I will see which works best.

Why that Long? I have made a number of flipping sticks with telescoping butts and the longest butt was 22". These rods were 7 1/12' to 8 1/2' in length. How long is this rod? I am making a 10' 8" mooching rod right now and including forgrip, reel seat,and butt grip it iis only 24" overall. I have never seen a flippin' stick that had a 30" butt. The big question is why that long?

8'. MHX966T. The butt section is 22" long but unless the first guide is located at least 30" from the real seat then something has to be used.

Hal, if the butt section is only 22" long why on earth would you have to put the first guide 30" from the reel seat? Isn't the reel seat located on the butt with the foregrip in front of it? The but should be made of the rear grip, reel seat, and foregrip. Therefore the tip/blade will only collapse 22" into the butt. I don't know where you are coming up with your measurements?

From front of real seat to end of the front of butt section is about 10". If the rod collapses 22" then that is 32" (butt section and blade extended) that is "lost" when the rod collapses.

Hal, you only have to put the first guide 1 inch in front of where the butt section ends!!You don't have to have the guide slam into the butt when collapsed.

Randolph Ruwe Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Hal, you only have to put the first guide 1 inch
> in front of where the butt section ends!!You don't
> have to have the guide slam into the butt when
> collapsed.
If I put the guide 1 inch from where the butt section ends when collapsed, then when extended, the guide will be 32" from the front reel seat, which with my testing is too far.

I know how to set up guides on rods...been doing it for over 15 years. I was just looking for options for inserts to keep the guide contacting the butt section of the rod.

Cut off 6"'s of the butt then.

Hal,
I know exactly what you are dealing with and if you put the extension in that will solve your problem.
Todd

Regards,
Todd Vivian
Mud Hole Custom Tackle

todd@mudhole.com

Hal
If you put the 6" extension in the butt like Todd says it will make the collapsed rod 6" longer. Therefore, you can have your butt guide 6" closer to the reel. It will still fit in any rod locker when collapsed.

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY

I have done this before but with an Eva plug instead. I was just looking for other options and I did get them. Thanks.

I will try the scrap blank.