So I test casted my PB731MXF rod I am building for small crankbaits, Norman provided me with the guidetrane and layout and after thought I decided to go with the spiral wrap, which from this point on all my bass baitcasters will be. I also went with Normans suggestion 0f 60 120 180, after static testing with 2 line method I went to test cast ( Note to self: do not test cast with just the dental bands, they all flew to the tip top and I had a mess). So after reinstalling all the guides and adding tape to hold them on, I went outside and holy moly, Cast a 3/8 test plug a country mile, Reeled all the line back in ( no build up to one side as I offset the stripper guide about 5-7 degrees and proceeded to make about 20 more casts. I have never owned a finer casting rod or reel, the Diawa Steez is worth every penny, didnt even have to thumb the spool. Cant wait to actually get to fish with it. waiting on some metalic thread to add trim bands to the wraps. My next rod after completeing this one will be another Point Blank for Pitching, preferably 7'6". Thanks to everyone for their input and help, I love this forum and RodMaker magazine.

Keith Langford

That's a great blank. I don;t make many spirals, but when I do I don't offset the first guide. And the line does not build up on one side. I think that the simple spiral doesn't have that problem like some of the other spirals do. Which way did you offset the stripper to?

Same way as spiral, to the left. The steez requires handle up when casting, or at least that is what is reccomended, so I figured the line already wants to go to the bottom on the left so why not do the spiral that way.

Many spiral to the same side as the handle so that when they lie the rod on the boat deck any transition guides are up, rather than down. It's all personal preference and isn't likely to make much difference under actual use.

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Happy you liked it. It’s not hard to make a great performing rod. Never tried a Diawa Steez, maybe one of these days.o

Norm

Sounds like a successful build. How many feet (or yards) longer did your new rod cast?

Phil Ewanicki Wrote:
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> Sounds like a successful build. How many feet (or
> yards) longer did your new rod cast?

A country mile. LOL

Phil , I didnt measure in feet, I just know I have never thrown a 3/8 weight anywhere near as far before with any other rod/reel combo.