Thanks for the thread, Norm. I’ll give it a read!

Rory,
Norman answered your question of the 2-line static load test for me; thanks Norman.
I agree that the revolver spiral (0, 60, 120,180*) which Norman mentioned is about the best basic method. Again, the angles are merely generic ESTIMATES. The main thing to accomplish is positioning the middle two (60, 120*) so that the line just misses (~.060in) the blank while, of course, keeping the line as straight as possible. Guide height and ring size will influence the radial positions. I prefer to get the line to the bottom as soon as feasible and end-up with positions more like 30, 110, 160, 180* but that is just me. But the first spiral I wrapped was similar to the 0, 60, 120, 180* and it works very well.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Awesome thanks for all the info. I should have everything together on Wednesday and I’ll get to start this build!

I’ve built a few dozen of rods like that for so cal fishing live bait and jig fishing. Almost all of them used ALPS XN guides and have many fish from calico bass up to 150lb tuna with no issues. Normal guide train I used was 25 stripper scaling down to either 8 or 10 runners. If you are running an FG connection the 8s work, if using a larger knot the larger guides are better. I don’t have a lot of experience with Fuji guides and agree all the options are a bit confusing to me as well.