Hello,
New to this group. New to rod buildings too. Looking for some guidance on building my 9' 7Wt 4Pc blank. Guide size and spacing. I have looked at charts online but not sure I have seen one for a 4pc. Any help/advice would be appreciated. Thanks.. Greg

NFC has their chart which gets you pretty close [northforkcomposites.com] which gets you pretty close before static test.

16-10-strippers to size 2 snakes or
12-8 strippers to size 1 snakes if you like smaller guides (my preference) I like the way Cerecoil double foot strippers look. Others prefer Fuji KW style.

Just a couple options to start the thought process



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/01/2023 08:18PM by Tim Scott.

I have built out a couple of these same blanks, and I find the NFC guide spacing to be "right on." I also find I do not need a size 16 stripper and instead went with 12 & 10, also used size 3 single foot runners for the balance of the rod. Both clients love the rods!

Thanks for the input! I did see the spacing but did not see sizes. This helps.. I can see there are options! Thanks again.

I just completed a 9' 5wt. LMX FAF rod, and I in the process of a 9' 8wt. LMX FAF

I think guide spacing is the same for 5-8 wts, but check their charts.

As to guide size for 7 wt: I would recommend a size 16 stripper to a size 12 (same type of guide as stripper), and from there you can either decide to taper your running guides or not. Single or double foot snake guides are your option.

If you want to taper go 16-12-5-3 and all the rest 2. Non taper would be 16-12-all the rest 2.

You smallest running guides need not be larger than a 2. Some would say use a 1 if using double foot snake guides. I would not go to a size 1 if using single foot running guides, but a 2 or 3 depending on the guide chosen.

I have found the PacBay PBTDCZ titanium guides with zirc ring to be quite nice and attractive in design, size and weight. I know that Anglers Workshop/Lure Parts on line carries them. The Cerecoil and Recoil double foot, double loop guides make for nice stripper guides and the first guide in from the stripper guides. Technically, there is only one stripper guide, even if the second guide up from the butt is the same type of guide.

Question on using the sticker provided for this blank.... Since this blank has the ribbed texture, ( for lack of better terms ), i cannot get the factory provided sticker to adhere properly.. anybody else having this issue or what am i doing wrong ?? Thanks in advance... G

Hello Greg.

Lay down a layer of epoxy where the sticker is going to go and once it's at least tacky dry put on your sticker.

If you are unsure you can get it down on a tacky surface without leaving prints just wait till it's dry, the second coat over the sticker will still adhere fine.

Tight Wraps & Tighter Lines.

Bob,

New Bern, NC.

I followed the nfc chart for the spacing as well. As for the guide I think I went 12-8- single foot 3’s out to the tip. I really like the action not too fast and not too slow, just right for me.

I just finished my NFC LMX FAF908-4. Great rod.

NFC spacing chart was spot on. I used 16 stripper, 12 (same type as stripper) and Recoil double foot running guides, most of them size 2. PacBay Channel Lock fly reel seat, full wells grip and 1.5 inch fighting butt. Grey thread. Gen 4 epoxy (great stuff!).

Lawn cast for the first time two days ago. Terrific rod. Exceeded expectations and I got on Black Friday for $75, along with a 5wt blank.

Yes, for the sticker put down a layer of epoxy first to create a smooth surface. I did about a 1/4 wide wrap in front of the winding check and another about 3 inches up the blank from the winding check. Put a layer of epoxy on that area, Then applied the sticker. And another layer or two of Epoxy. I have also on NFC blank done the same but rather than sticker used paint pen (Gelly Roll) to write on the rod information. Either way, use another coat or two of epoxy to cover..