I am planning to build on an Anglers Roost 11' 6/7wt switch blank as a centerpin rod. The blank actually CCS tests out as a 7.8 wt, and I expect it to be able to handle lines in the 10-17 lb range.
Can anyone recommend guide size, number and a starting point for spacing? I build fly and spey rods, but this will be my first CP build. Also, do CP builders do static testing to determine final guide placement?
Any help will be appreciated.

I'd rate that blank as a 6 - 10 lb. line centerpin, maybe even a 4 - 8. The power is in the 1 power steelhead blank range. If you look in the search function I bet you'll find all the info you need as far as guide sizes. I static distribution test these rods to place the guides. 20 - 12 - 8 flys to the tip works well in all weather conditions, if your not in hard, cold weather during the winter you can go a bit smaller on the fly guides.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/16/2017 10:44AM by Spencer Phipps.

Yup. It looks light for a West Coast pin rod. For larger rivers you want to toss at least 20-25g floats, and this blank will max out around 15g.
For great lakes or east coast rivers it should be a great solution.
The XST1383F Rainshadow blank has ERN: 10.0, AA: 66 for reference and it's about as light as I would go for wst coast steelhead, for example.

Much appreciated. Will check out some of the XST blanks.

I built a spey conversion to pin rod using a (discontinued) Batson RX6 11'6" 6/7wt 4pc F1166.7 blank and it works great, flexing right into the butt.
ERN:10.16 AA: 68
I would look for something similar if you are looking for a 4pc.