For a 6’ ultralight or light powered rod using a small 1000 size spinning reel with light braid or light mono I would certainly use Fuji KR guides, or KR-like guides. I would use a KL16H, KL8H, and KL5.5M for the reduction train. These would be followed by one KB running guide in the choke position, with the remaining runners being KT guides. The runners are all the same size in a size of your choice, I like a size 4.5. A matching LG tip top is then used. The KL16H is sufficiently high to use with reels up to a size 3000, so it will work perfectly on your rod. This butt guide (KL16H) will be placed about 19” in front of the reel spool, and the choke guide (KB runner) will be placed about 20 to 21” in front of the butt guide. The other two reduction guides will be placed progressively between the butt guide and the choke guide, and the remaining running guides will be progressively placed between the choke guide and the tip top. I like to place the runner closest to the tip about 9 or 10 cm from the tip top. For a 6’ UL or L rod I will normally use 8 guides total, not counting the tip top. This number will give good progressive spacing and a very good two line static test, which should be done to fine tune your spacing. Don’t be afraid to move the butt and/or choke guide in or out somewhat to get the spacing and static test you like. There is a lot of flexibility in setting up a well functioning guide train. I have made about eight to ten 6’ UL and L spinning rods so far this year, and they all performed great. If you need help with the spacing let me know.
Norm

Norman Miller Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> For a 6’ ultralight or light powered rod using a
> small 1000 size spinning reel with light braid or
> light mono I would certainly use Fuji KR guides,
> or KR-like guides. I would use a KL16H, KL8H, and
> KL5.5M for the reduction train. These would be
> followed by one KB running guide in the choke
> position, with the remaining runners being KT
> guides. The runners are all the same size in a
> size of your choice, I like a size 4.5. A matching
> LG tip top is then used. The KL16H is
> sufficiently high to use with reels up to a size
> 3000, so it will work perfectly on your rod. This
> butt guide (KL16H) will be placed about 19” in
> front of the reel spool, and the choke guide (KB
> runner) will be placed about 20 to 21” in front
> of the butt guide. The other two reduction guides
> will be placed progressively between the butt
> guide and the choke guide, and the remaining
> running guides will be progressively placed
> between the choke guide and the tip top. I like to
> place the runner closest to the tip about 9 or 10
> cm from the tip top. For a 6’ UL or L rod I will
> normally use 8 guides total, not counting the tip
> top. This number will give good progressive
> spacing and a very good two line static test,
> which should be done to fine tune your spacing.
> Don’t be afraid to move the butt and/or choke
> guide in or out somewhat to get the spacing and
> static test you like. There is a lot of
> flexibility in setting up a well functioning guide
> train. I have made about eight to ten 6’ UL and
> L spinning rods so far this year, and they all
> performed great. If you need help with the spacing
> let me know.
> Norm

Norm,

Thank you for your response and insight. I’ll definitely reach out if need be. What’s the best way to reach you?

Email, just click on my name to get it.
Norm



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/28/2023 05:32PM by Norman Miller.

Agree, as usual, with Norman. I will only add that one can see a difference in True Natural Frequency between SS and titanium tiptops, so if you want the fastest recovery speed, and you have about $10 to spare, go with the Arowana. It's not "world peace," but it can be measured. While I have no data on ultra light power, I think the difference would be the most significant as the power goes down, meaning, most significant on an ultra light.

The specs I’ve shared are for Fujj Torzite rings, if you use fazlite I’d use size 5 running guides.

A 16 butt guide would work too

"The length of the rod has nothing to do with the placement of the first guide."

Sez you

& Fuji guide concept? Each to their own

Michael Tarr Wrote:
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> The specs I’ve shared are for Fujj Torzite
> rings, if you use fazlite I’d use size 5 running
> guides.


What about using SiC rings?

Norman has your back here, Al.

SiC rings would work great, IMO!

Today's ceramic ring materials are more than a match for today's mono, fluoro, or braided lines. Even some of the PVD coated stainless steel rings these days can hang in there pretty well. Sometimes price or availability are a factor in choosing a ring material. I use Fuji Alconite most of the time, but have also used SiC. No problems!

The Torzite ring material is thinner than Alconite or SIC. I would (without measuring) think that inner diameter of a size 4 Torzite Is about the same as a size 5 Alconite or SIC. I typically use Fuji Alconite rings and haven’t had any issues. The Fuji info I shared accounts for the use of their Torzite rings so the sizing would differ for Alconite, Fazlite, or Sic rings.

4 mm runners have been used as running guides since WW II, 4 mm won't be a problem here no matter what ring material, have used them for decades on steelhead rods, etc.

Norman,

I was going to use a shimano 2500 reel on this rod. Would that be overkill?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/08/2023 10:26PM by Al purvis.

No, a 2500 reel will work fine. Today’s reels are quite light and compact for their size. However, it is probably larger than you need unless you want more line capacity for some reason.
Norm

I don't see anywhere in this thread about the intended application, but I would add that if using braid with a flouro leader you may want to step up your runner size. I have 4.5 torzites on my go to rod and if I use 20lb yozuri leader I'm fine. If I try to use 30lb leader it's a pain in the rear.

Joe Henary Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I don't see anywhere in this thread about the
> intended application, but I would add that if
> using braid with a flouro leader you may want to
> step up your runner size. I have 4.5 torzites on
> my go to rod and if I use 20lb yozuri leader I'm
> fine. If I try to use 30lb leader it's a pain in
> the rear.

I’m building some finesse river bass rods so I’ll be running 15lb braid to no more than 8lb leaders. Those 4.5s will be plenty I think

4.5 will work perfect