i searched back through the posts on here and got some good info. i thought the idea of wrapping the first 2 tip guides, then putting the intended reel on, running line through the guides to get your "best" line path sounded like a good idea, so that's where i started. my question is, the line didn't revolve around the blank until about the midway point ( loomis cbr845). all the spiral wraps i've seen start the twist much farther toward the butt, usually the second guide goes about 1/4th of the way, then the 3rd goes the another 1/4th of the way, and so on until the guides are 180*. it seems like commen sense to me to let the line tell you where to do the "twist", but thought i'd ask here first. is it ok to wait until farther up the blank to let the line turn?

Yes, that's okay. Ralph O'Quinn's method will normally have the line pass by the blank at some point farther up the rod than the older systems where you get it all done within the first 2 feet from the reel.

All these various spiral wrap methods work pretty well. Some are better suited to certain things. I'd keep going just as you are and go outside and do some test casting and see how everything works. Then try loading the line and seeing how the rod reacts. If you've got the time, try making the transition from the top to bottom much sooner and trying that style as well. You'll end up liking one better than the other and that is the one you should go with.

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i've definately got the time, and that sounds like a good thing to try.

thanks!

Just to add. Don't pay so much attention to "how far" the guide is up the blank. Test cast and ensure you don't get line slap against the blank (too far) or as Tom said, put a load on the rod and make sure the line doesn't touch the blank there either (too far). The other problem that can occur is "piling". The line is coming off the reel and the oscilation is hitting the guide in such a manner that you get excessive slack, which in turn drastically impedes distance. (again, here typically the guide is too far away). Finally, look at the angle of the line coming into the first guide. If the angle is too acute (sharp) this will increase friction and probably end up requiring additional guides on up the blank. I hope this helps. One additional thought. When letting the line determine the path of guides, make sure you have centered the "line guide" (don't know the name of it) on the reel.

Matt,
You've done the right first step in searching the archinves of robuilding.org for good information about the spiral wrap. Not much to add already to good advice given, and you seem to be on the right path with determining angles and guide placements. The goal is for the smoothest line transition, but also pay attention to using good materials and sound basic rodbuilding technique, as well as matching up rod/reel and line ratings. All these add to an optimum performing rod.

There really is not such a great mystique about wrapping guides to make a spiral rod, but the tweaking is what will make it perform best.
What works best for you and your particular method of fishing is what is important.

Just to add, the spiral idea works with levelwind or non level wind reel situations. I have used this recently on red snapper/grouper rods and with no line piling (no line guide on the non levelwind large penn reels), and also with musky trolling and crankbait rods.
For the best bass casting rods, a well designed and built spiral rod will exceed your expectations. There are tweaking factors in adjusting the guides 'just right' for increasing casting distance and overall performance.

Rich G.
Solyrich Custom Rods

thanks for th ehelp, as always.

matt

i placed my guides by placing the 2 tip guides, then running my line through them (making sure to center the line guide on my reel), then put tape with a line at the correct angle on the blank for each guide.

then i placed the guides on in the right places. went outside to test cast, and everything worked great. no line pile, casted effortlessly with no line slap. flexed the blank, and the line didn't touch anything but the guides.

snuck home today at lunch for a couple of hours and wrapped it up. went outside to test cast again, and everything was still perfect. it's drying right now, and i can't wait to use it.

thanks again,

matt