Greetings builders,

A quick thanks and a question about a new build. I joined you all about a year ago as I was starting my first couple rods. I built a pair of concept rods for myself and my son for last summer's Canadian fly-in trip. They're such great performers they've become (as you all may expect) hands down our favorite rods ever. Thanks to you all for the advice that helped make that happen!

This year, we're filling two cabins and three of us are bringing our sons. I suggested in passing that I could build us all some ML spinning rods and next thing I knew I'm building rods for 8 guys! Me and my big mouth!

Ok, here's the question: I'd like to use concept guide trains but ... can I do that if I don't know what kind of reel will be used?
Appreciate your collective wisdom here.
-MH

What type and size line will everyone most likely be using and how long will the rods be? I am assuming with ML spin rods the reel size may vary from 1000 to 3000, and will be filled with either light braid or light mono. For braid up to 15# or mono up to 8# with all of these reel sizes, on a 7' rod you could certainly use a reduction train of KL16H, KL8H, and KL5.5M with KB/KT runners of your choice. With the stripper 19" to 20" (with19.5" being a good compromise) in front of the spool, and the choke pt about 21" in front of the stripper. If using heavier line then go with the KL20H, KL10H, and KL5.5M reduction train. If you have no idea as to reels or line build for the maximum and use the KL20H reduction train, it will not affect performance of a small reel with light line, but will help with heavier line and a larger reel. You will still be about 19" - 20" from the spool to the stripper and about 21" from stripper to the Choke guide. If you look at the KR GPS you will find that the guide train layout really does not vary a lot within these reel sizes. The stripper tends to be pushed a littler further out with larger reels and heavier line, but still very clise. The only problem will be that you won't be able to test cast with the reels and line that will used for fine tuning.
Norm

Thanks Norm,
You're spot on about the line sizes and although I don't know for sure on the reels, I'd say those are accurate guesses as well. I'll be able to test cast with about half of the rods but it sounds from your input that I could split the difference on the rest. I was most worried about the placement of the stripper but as I've only built 2 spinning rods didn't realize they were all so similarly placed. Huge help, thanks!
-MH

I would go with the train starting with 20. I see no significant disadvantage and it will be more versatile re line pound test and reel characteristics. Like Norm mentions. Keep in mind that these guides are tall and your rod cases need to big enough to handle them.

10-4 on the comment by Michael on starting with a size 20. I also like to make the size 20 - of the tall variety so that there is a straight shot off of the reel to the guide. Then, I would go down to a size 12 and then down to a size 5 for runners.

For this type rods, I always place my stripper or first guide at 19 inches from the face of the reel.

By the way, I use the same setup, whether it is a 5 foot, 6- foot, 7 foot, or 8 foot rod blank. The only difference in the guide train is the number of runners.

Good luck