Ok just finished my Rainshadow RCLB70ML with a slow spiral and going to fish it Thursday off San Diego. So this is not exactly a rod building question but a fishing style question that I would like to use Thursday. I recently read that some people run braid direct to flouro but instead of a 5 foot leader they run 20 yards. Does anyone here do this with success? -- Jay
Forum: rodboard

I have a full set of 'ATC Virtus Lite Guide - Black / Nanolite' 20 - 16 - 12 -12 -12 - 10 - 10 - 10 in my build box that I haven't used yet. I was going to run Alps XXNZ on it and that's what I used for testing. Are the ATC beefy enough to 40lb mono and braid?
Forum: rodboard

Thanks everyone for the input... Got the blank in the mail the other day and have since wrapped the cord and taped the guides on for testing... I ended up getting 20 - 16 - 12 - 12 - 12 - 12 - 12 - 12 but they just feel so big on the blank. I may end up ordering 3 x 10's to shrink it by the tip. I'll post a few pics soon.
Forum: rodboard

When wrapping deckhand style what is the suggestion for starting at the bottom of the blank? I've seen a few examples where a small hole is drilled, the cord passed in the center of the blank, and then a double knot tied. Does this weaken the blank? I've wrapped they like a guide in the past but running the cord over itself and cinching it down. -- J
Forum: rodboard

Ok, not to be too dense but if I'm understanding correct I can go from a 16 to 20 for the striper and then all 12's or 10's
Forum: rodboard

I've wrapped several rods in the past but never a spiral. With the two blanks below I intend to change that. What I am looking for is advice on the guides, guide sizes for each, and the spacing. Is 20 16 12 12 10 10 10 10 good or ?? Also does it matter if I make these deckhand style or will they perform better with a real-seat? Below is what I was going to try but open to advice.
Forum: rodboard