Go with the 18/8 for a musky rod. Depending on the blank you may need to add a runner. Always best to order one or two extra. Use the static load test to determine how many strippers needed. Bushidos are pretty stout so you should end up with 9 or 10 guides total. The spacing recommended on the microwave packaging has been spot on for me.
Forum: rodboard

In my experience Microwave guides are head and shoulders above anything else on the market for most applications. I've experience no "choke point" issues with these guides. I've actually experienced the exact opposite. All line whipping downstream of the stripper guide is eliminated, making for a much smoother and longer overall cast. I've built with all the best from Fuji and while
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I really like the Microwave Finesse sets from AT for anything up to and including a medium power rod. Amazing casting distance and sensitivity. The A-Frame Microwaves for anything bigger. I've been building a lot with the TiForged guides lately as well and have been very impressed with performance. Best snagless design on the market. Good luck!
Forum: rodboard

SJ68 is one of my go-tos. Very versatile blank. Great for finesse bass fishing, larger trout, walleye etc. Strong, priced right and light in-hand. Pair it with a Aero Comfortgrip or G2 Wave spinning seat and 20/6 Microwave finesse guide set for the perfect setup. They offer that same blank in a two piece version as well, which is popular with the backcountry brook trout crowd. Good luck!
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I've built on both now and am extremely impressed. I was worried while ordering that compressed carbon wouldn't be as comfortable in-hand as graphite. These seats are not only more comfortable and smooth to the touch, they are actually lighter. Can't beat the look as well. Five stars from me. AT's R&D department continues to think outside the box with gems like CCT seats. Buy it!
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Hands down, Microwave guides. The original are amazing and AT continues to come out with new applications for the system. I use these almost exclusively on my spinning and casting rod builds, and the 18/8 is becoming a major feature on my fly rods. Check them out if you haven't already.
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Hey guys, On the last two posts, which weight fly lines do the two recommended rods cast best? Do they end up with a more traditional fly action or a modern faster action? Thanks! Both great ideas. Reed
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Hey guys! Thanks for the info! I'm going to check for the cc data you mentioned. I looked before and didn't find any. Herb, I will definitely purchase CTS blanks at some point after all the praise I've seen. I've only built a few rods so far though and don't want to shell out that kind of cash until my skills are honed a bit more. Was that a joke about dropping the top section?? Re
Forum: rodboard

Hello, I'm new here and did look for this topic but could not find where it's been covered already, if it has. I'm looking to build a saltwater fly rod some between 7'6 and 8'. I can't seem to find many blanks in a reasonable price range. Sage makes the Bass II in that range but they are pricey. From what I understand they also have a very fast action and do best with an aggressive taper li
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