Hi all

Following on from my recent first post regarding my first ever rod build.

I am hoping to get some constructive feedback on my planned guide layout for my new surf rod. I have researched deeply on this site, and think I have a reasonably well thought layout planned, but would really like to see what others think.


Blank: 10ft surf rod based on a MHX SU120 [2 piece] rated 12-25lb, recommended casting weight 1-4oz. Fast action.
Line: 14lb powerpro, leader up to 20lb mono/FC, secured via FG knot. I would like the guides to pass and cast the leader if the situation demands.

Key measurements:
Butt to spool tip: 600mm (24”)
Spool tip height centre: 85mm (3.4”)
Spool width: 55mm (Daiwa BG 4000)
My planned build
Choke point: 1485mm (59.4”) using the 27 x method

Guided by the GPS tool I was planning on going on the following guide setup.
Stripper guide: KW 30L @ 621mm (24.45”)
1st reduction: KW20 @983mm (38.7”)
2nd reduction: KW10 @1227mm (48.31”)
Choke/running guides: KT 7 starting around 1485mm (59.4”) – per 27x method as stated above.
Probably 8 choke + running guides all up, spaced every 5-5.5” (or there abouts).

Does this setup look like a reasonable place to start? I am aware static load testing/test casting and adjusting are still a key components of the process. I'd just like to start from a good place, as Fugi K guides are hard to source in Australia and need to be mailed in!

Many thanks in advance, this site is an incredible source of information for us rookie, aspiring builders.

Ben

30L, 20, 10 is spot on IMO. Distance to stripper looks good, Reduction train overall length looks good.

Tape and Test.

I used that same layout on the first rod I built. It was a 10'6" blank. It worked well but I was using a smallish reel for the rod. When I upgraded to a larger reel I had some significant line slap. Of course I had done my testing with the smaller reel so it's not necessarily because of the guides. That being said the 30L can be to low for a lot of reels. Ultimately you'll see how it performs with test casting.

brian rossi Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I used that same layout on the first rod I built.
> It was a 10'6" blank. It worked well but I was
> using a smallish reel for the rod. When I upgraded
> to a larger reel I had some significant line slap.
> Of course I had done my testing with the smaller
> reel so it's not necessarily because of the
> guides. That being said the 30L can be to low for
> a lot of reels. Ultimately you'll see how it
> performs with test casting.


I have found the 30L to be too low for my surf reel which has a large spool diameter of 76 mm but a 4000 size reel is a lot smaller than my reel so a 30 L should be plenty large . If using 14 pound braid it's too large imo.

If you do not cast very hard you may be able to get by with 20# shock leader. However, if you desire to cast 4 Oz with vigor you should be casting at least 40# shock leader.

Large diameter shock leader may take a set if left on the reel overnight or possibly a couple of days. It may be a good idea to test your shock leader before settling on the size and height of your butt guide. If the set does generate coils and you want to stay with your guide sizes, the solutions are to either put on a new shock leader at the start of the day or stretch the old shock leader to release the coils.

Don Becker

Thanks Jim, will do. I'm not surprised the layout made sense to you, I've learned much from your input over many threads on this site. Cheers

Herb and Brian, your points go somewhat hand in hand and are noted, I'll keep it in mind. I had the same thoughts and will keep an eye out when I test. I do plan on keeping the reel light so hopefully that mitigates the risk of bunching of line slap from the lower profile 30L.

Donald, You are not wrong. Thankfully with this stick I'm unlikely to push it to 4oz, and will probably max out at about 2.5-3 max. I will keep it in mind however. Good tip on how to stretch out coils... simple as it is I've actually never thought to do that... go figure. Thanks!

Gents, thank you all for your input, it is greatly appreciated. I have placed the order and look forward to the challenge to come. I'll post some pics to show how i go down the line.