People talk about how much weight is saved over epoxy, but how much are we talking about, and does it matter?

That depends on how much epoxy you're talking about using. It is possible to apply epoxy very thinly, in which case you're saving a practical amount. But a high build type epoxy may indeed be enough to tell the difference between a couple or three coats of PG. Then, you have to consider the type of rod - light spinning rod or offshore trolling rod?

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I'm new to this game and plan to do some L to ML micro guide spinning rods. The ones for me, I want to build super light and spartan, but I would like to do a fancier ML one as a present for my fathers 75th birthday. I was wondering how much difference things like hi builds and such would make.

On very light rods the difference could be enough to actually feel and notice in practical use.

Do keep in mind, however, that an ounce of PG weighs the same as an ounce of epoxy. So if you use 7 or 8 coats of PG versus a regular coat of epoxy, you may not be able to tell any difference.

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Tony,
Like Tom says re amount of epoxy applied.

My opinion more weight can be saved by proper guide choice.
I only build fly rods and I am very sensitive to weight - especially in the tip area. I have used PG on many rods in the past . But no longer. I ended up refinishing with thread epoxy for various reasons.
Regards,
Herb

I you want to save weight think of the thread size too (thinner thread mean less epoxy to saturate them).

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Eric
[www.emfishing.fr]

Eric,
Very good point, I forgot to mention it. I try to use "00" thread on my running guides - especially in the tip area. But "00" no longer available except in silk. But I would go to "A" for any wrap over "D". BTW - you are not compromising strength. More wraps of a thinner thread is just as strong .
Herb

I really don't think you can tell the differance between 1 coat or 3 coats in weight once you at that thing called a reel.....

I think it's like talking the difference in weight between 1 feather and 2. I think you'd have to put a ton of finish on to notice a difference.
Just my opinion.

It's a matter of where you put that little bit of extra weight. Most people can easily discern the difference between a naked rod blank and the same blank with nothing more than a tiptop glued on. But that little bit of weight is out on the very tip end. The further from your hand that the weight is added, the less it takes practically affect rod speed and response.

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On very Lightweight rods (UL Rods and Light Line fly rods) of course you feel the difference between Light and heavy guide coating.
Especially in term of recovery speed.

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Eric
[www.emfishing.fr]

did'nt somebody just permagloss guides on without any thread at all. where can i get some 00 thread?