Hello, guys!

I'm planning my next custom rod and this will be a carp float rod.

My plan is to use: Sportex Exclusive Floatblank 12ft 10-30g
Anyone tested this blank? What do you think about it?

Now I have some other questions:

- What do you think about American Tackle Vortex Air SS guides?
- How many and what sizes of guides do I need?
- Is there any good FUJI alternative?

- cork vs. duplon grip?
- i'm a beginner so I'm not planning to do my own cork grips from cork rings

- American Tackle 1K Carbon Reel Seat
- is a good option or do you have any better recommendation?
- Is there any good FUJI alternative?

That's all for now! :)

Thank you so much for your help!

Fuji remains dedicated to ceramic guide rings. Thus there is no alternative in a Fuji project. But they remain the most copied guide manufacturer of all time.... and for good reason. The American Tackle Vortex Air guides are a lightweight guide that will do the job for you. Don't be fooled by their light appearance - they'll hold up to what you want to do.

Cork would be my choice over any EVA grip. There are many good pre-formed cork grips available, provided you can find the size and shape you want.

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Tom,

Thank you for your reply!

May I ask you what sizes of guides do you suggest?
What do you think about that combination:

Double Foot: 30/20/16/12/10/8
Single Foot: 7/6/6/6/6
Tip: 8

Regards!

You don't need all those different sizes. No rod would require more than 3 different sizes. A butt guide, intermediate guide and then all the same size running guides.

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Thank you, Tom!

So what would be your size recommendation? It's starting with 30 OK or this is too big?

That I can't tell you. The butt guide size is dependent on your reel size and line type and size.

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