I mainly build casting rods for bass fishing. Does anyone reccomend using single foot guides for such rods? I know that this will make the rod lighter and more sensitive. How else will this affect the rod and is it worth doing?

I had some of the same concerns. This issue is addressed in the latest RodMaker (vol 4 issue 6) by Rich Forhan. He describes his technique for a security wrap on single foot guides - "Forhan Locking Wrap". Testing showed that the guides will begin flattening out against the blank before they pull out. And finally he advocates that this new security wrap in conjunction with the newer & stronger style of sf guides makes them suitable for all but heavy saltwater use.

Also, I would point out that most high end factory bass rods that I see in the stores use sf guides as well. I doubt they would be using them if they were failing on a regular basis.

I definitely think the benefits of sf guides far outweigh the disadvantages, especially if you use the Forhan Locking Wrap.

Lee...

Thank you for your help.

Mike,
Don't know especially that single foot guides will make the rod 'more' sensitive. The idea of using smaller guides, maybe more of them toward the tip, and being single foot low profile (thus lighter), is a good idea to increase performance and better line control (less slap as the guides are closer). Also, I would say the butt guide at least, might stay as a double foot and usually the next one or few.

If you care to go with the notion of bringing more stability to the rod (especially toward the tip), please investigate the use of a sprial wrap on bass casting rods. These are well suited to haveing single foot guides past the spiral at 180 degrees to the reel and plenty strong for the purpose. Again, you don't want to skimp on the number of guides but use the smaller ring size and frame profile that you feel is best suited for the blank.

Rich
www.rodreel.com

Go to the Fuji site and read about the New Guide Concept at the following url: [www.fujitackle.com]

The majority of guides that I replace are single foot that have been bent out of shape or broken at the foot. Rod boxes are single foot guide eaters.