Hey all,
I have mostly used rod building books and other rods as well as some trial and error for guide spacing.
Just wondering if there are any online set up resources I may be missing out on or what you all might be using.
My current build is a 7 foot super light spin-cast so its slightly lighter than previous rods, hence kind of proceeding with caution.

Just above your post on the right is the Library, great source for many things rod building. Look near the bottom for the article on "Static Guide Placement." Works on any rod.

Yes there are online resources. For instance you might preform a search on this forum. Type in the topic of your choice, set for all dates, and hit search. You could also study this page and find info that relates to your question. Look around a little.

Keep in mind that all the resources on line may not be from people who are all that expert. The instructions here and at places like Anglers Resource are obviously done by experts, and I'll stick with them.

Considering all the combinations of rod configurations, there is no true and fast formula for guide spacing.

The source of the information be it from amateurs or experts doesn't matter because it will be treated as a starting point for your build.

Search the online resources and select one of the spacing schemes which favors your components and temporally set up the guides, then test it with the reel and line you intend to use. Now make any adjustments if necessary.

You may go to the sporting good store and measure the guide spacing of a high end rod that is similar to your rod and start with that.

Good luck

John

Wes,

What works for me, (if guide spacing is not available from the blank manufacturer), is to resort to Mudhole Guide spacing for a similar rod blank. I temporarily wrap the guides on the blank in the positions suggested by the Mudhole guide spacing recommendations. I use elastic thread or the Micro Guide Bands for this purpose. I then static load the rod blank, (explanations available herein), with a reel in place and thread the line through the guides in their temporary positions. Then I adjust the guides up or down the blank to achieve a consistent parabolic curve of the line passing through the guides. I will add or remove guides, as necessary. Works great for me!

Don Campbell
don@sensorfishingrods.com

My guide spacing resource is a rod holder, some weights and a roll of tape. Works perfectly every time.

I use a software that is not from one of the sponsors on the left. Basically it gives me a graduated spacing on how many guides I will be using and the distance from the tip that will get me in the ball park and it is on an Excel spreadsheet format. It will always need to be tweaked in order to perform at its best and you will always need to do a static load test. There is other software that will do the same thing but you will need to look for it on the internet and then decide if it will help you. You need to take measurements on other rods that work and use that as your base for different actions and power. Find what works best for you because there is no one way to do it.

you can find some good spacing info On Batson's web site on spacing for their blanks which will work for good starting points for other similar blanks.

[batsonenterprises.com]