I recently acquired a Sage 0-wt blank. The blank came with alignment dots which did not line up with the Spline. One section was bang on, one was 90 degrees clockwise off and the other 90 degrees counter clockwise off.

I checked the Sage website, and they say the dots are aligned so that the straightest rod results, and in this case that is true - a very straight blank. When I align the sections relative to the spline, the sections are not as straight, particularly the tip section, but overall not too bad.

The question is will I be better off building the rod with the sections aligned for the straightest rod, or should I disregard the manufacturers alignment dots and align the rod relative to the spline?

Check the FAQs page on what you can expect from different orientations of the spine.

Most manufacturers build on the straightest axis because when a customer walks into a shop and picks up a rod and sights down it, he'll do so with the guides either straight up or straight down. He will not buy a "crooked" rod blank, so the straight axis is presented to him in this manner.

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Alastair,
When I get a Sage blank, usually the butt section is OK but your right, Sage alligns for straightness not for spline. Suggust you tape your guides onto the blank as alligned by Sage and throw a line or two. Then spline the blank, allign the guides again and try it that way. This way, you can make your decision on how to place the guides and where based on actual performance of the blank.

Have fun.

Rickytic
RodsByRick

You will see a similar problem with Gatti, only it is the placement of their Label, in reference to the spine.

The Sage I built for My brother also had the dots misaligned with the spine. I ignored the alignment dots and built the rod on the correct spine. Casts, fishes, and catches great