I usually only under wrap guides on saltwater boat rods. I know I've seen this topic discussed in the past, but couldn't find it doing a search. I'm in the process of building a rail rod for a friend. Grips and reel seat are in place. I can set the guides as I customarily do with static tensioning, but until I move forward with under wrapping this rod, but my friend and I are both asking "Why under wrap? Is it necessary or beneficial?" The blank is a Phenix HAX-680 X3H 6' 8" which is a little bit short (but the blank was free so the price was right) rated for 60-130# line. I'm going to be using Fuji HB guides.

Provided your guide feet are properly prepared on the underside (flat and without burrs) an underwrap only serves to provide a bit of additional stability to the guides. This can be advantageous on heavy conventional saltwater rods. The slight bit of additional weight won't hurt on these heavier models. Assuming this is a heavier power rod (30-80lb) and built for a conventional reel, I would probably use under wraps.

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Thanks, Tom. It's a really heavy blank and it's going to be wearing a 50W reel, so under wrap it is.

I have been known to put two under wraps on my Halibut rods. Most are 50-80 blanks.

Sometimes two wraps on the guide feet.

Halibut rods receive a lot of abuse in the boat!!!

I've never double under wrapped, but when a blank is heavy and used hard, I can see the wisdom. I've only double over wrapped on roller guides. This blank is rated 80-130. I'm going to proceed with my usual under wrapping and it should be fine. It's good to get some additional recommendations. Thanks, guys.