Greetings. I am looking for help with choosing guides for a rebuild project.. The rod was built on a Calstar T 120 blank as a spinning rod. It is a 5 ½ ft. freshwater blank. The guy who built it mostly built saltwater rods, and that was how he put this rod together. It has all double foot guides (COF) and underwraps. I'm not criticizing (the guy's threadwork was amazing), but even with my very limited knowledge of rod building, there is way too much weight on this blank. The rod was given to me secondhand, so I have nothing invested in it. I would like to rebuild it, mostly just for the experience. I would be using it for lake and stream rainbows in Northern California. My original thought was to go with Pac Bay Minimas, but I am open to suggestions. I was also thinking KR Concept. I haven't built many rods, and none this short, but all have KR guide trains. Thank you in advance for any help or suggestions you can offer.

Mike

Have you considered the Microwave Guides by American Tackle? They are amazing, and if you don't want ceramic rings, they have the "Air Wave" guides, a Microwave set with the Stainless Steel inserts. I have used them on several rods and am very happy with them, and they cast like a dream!

In either one of the systems mentioned above rod length is irrelevant, I wouldn't concern myself with rod length, just build the rod.

Hi Richard. I'm aware of the Microwaves, but have not used them. After reading your comments, I looked at them again. The Air Waves look like they would work great for this build. I will definitely keep them in mind. Thanks for the idea!

Mike

Thanks, Spencer. You read my mind! I was going to ask about that. Good to know!

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Lynn, I actually read that thread last week and already forgot about it! Thanks for the reminder.

You're welcome, I found that thread to be very informative.

I've had good luck with the KR, microwave, and minima guides.