Guys I was wondering other than experience how do you determine what size/style guides do you chose for your build?
I know its seems like a general ?? but the more I read from my searches the more confused I get.........
How would I choose the guides I need for a rod without inventorying a complete assortment guides to tape on and try?
What do the numbers represent, the size of the hole in the insert?
For the most part do all mfg use the same sizing?
Thanks
Paul

I build mostly spinning rods in my area so I use single foot fly guides as the running guides of size 6 or 8 for lightness and to prevent ice build up that we experience here when fishing during the colder months. The size refers to the outside diameter of the ring insert in the frame of the guide. This is fairly standard for the various manufacturers as far as I know. There are articles in the library on how to choose the right guides for your specific rod building task .

You ask a great question. On casting builds you should be able to predict what you'll need OK without having to try a lot of guides. On spinning, many builders buy a lot of guides of different styles, in the cheaper ring grades to keep costs down, so they will have them on hand to try when designing their rods.

My first question is whether I want the spinning rod to be compact, to fit into rod travel tubes or boat storage tubes or not. If yes, then you're talking V guides, or maybe Y guides. If tubes are not an issue then you have a number of ways to go. The simplest is Microwave, which is a system that works and has no options. Just buy it and install it. Next is the Fuji K system approach which has more options, but is still pretty simple. Check it out on the Fuji site Anglers Resource on the left. Next go to the library and check out the New Guide Concept system. After that search this forum for the 27X system.

There is no simple answer to your question; you have to do a lot of research and probably gain some experience by making some rods and seeing how they work. Only then will you be able to purchase just what you need with confidence.

You ask a great question. On casting builds you should be able to predict what you'll need OK without having to try a lot of guides. On spinning, many builders buy a lot of guides of different styles, in the cheaper ring grades to keep costs down, so they will have them on hand to try when designing their rods.

My first question is whether I want the spinning rod to be compact, to fit into rod travel tubes or boat storage tubes or not. If yes, then you're talking V guides, or maybe Y guides. If tubes are not an issue then you have a number of ways to go. The simplest is Microwave, which is a system that works and has no options. Just buy it and install it. Next is the Fuji K system approach which has more options, but is still pretty simple. Check it out on the Fuji site Anglers Resource on the left. Next go to the library and check out the New Guide Concept system. After that search this forum for the 27X system.

There is no simple answer to your question; you have to do a lot of research and probably gain some experience by making some rods and seeing how they work. Only then will you be able to purchase just what you need with confidence.

Thanks for your responses guys, I didnt know about the library, thats a great tool.
Never thought about fuji site will check it out.