How do you choose guides?

[Patrick9915]

I'm looking to build a tri-flex lami or two for the kayak. It's a conventional spiral wrapped rod.

 

One thing I've never understood about rod building is how builders choose the guides for the rod. The number, the size, or the style.

 

Any general rules?

[Charlie2]

The guide makers/vendors publish guide specifications in their catalogs.

 

I go through the catalog, see one that fits the application, then order it. If it isn't exactly what I want. I put it into my stash and order the next size or whatever feature that I don't like.

 

The best method yet is to go to a well-stocked tackle dealer of rod supplies and look at the different ones.

 

Guides are't a real puzzle if you study them for awhile. Every digit in the number indicates something. JMHO C2

[Ralph78]

OK a quickie. Style is up to you, what you like and what you think you need. Size is determined by the reel to be used and the rods intended use. Number of guides is determined by the blank, you need to have enough guides to evenly distrbute the load and keep the line off the blank or keep the line in a smooth path under the rod.

[Patrick9915]

The guide makers/vendors publish guide specifications in their catalogs.

 

I go through the catalog, see one that fits the application, then order it. If it isn't exactly what I want. I put it into my stash and order the next size or whatever feature that I don't like.

 

The best method yet is to go to a well-stocked tackle dealer of rod supplies and look at the different ones.

 

Guides are't a real puzzle if you study them for awhile. Every digit in the number indicates something. JMHO C2

 

I'm going to see if I can get a catalog. I don't know of too many rod building shops in my area unfortunately. Maybe Fisherman's World or Stratford B+T. I believe they both repair rods but I'm not sure if they build.

 

OK a quickie. Style is up to you, what you like and what you think you need. Size is determined by the reel to be used and the rods intended use. Number of guides is determined by the blank, you need to have enough guides to evenly distrbute the load and keep the line off the blank or keep the line in a smooth path under the rod.

 

Makes sense. Thanks.

[Saltheart]

I like the triflex rods.

 

the more the rod bends all the way down its length , the more guides you will need. I don't know the length you are considering but usually , 6 or 7 guides will be enough for up to 9 feet on a conventional. My goal is to use as few guides as possible.

 

A test called a static deflecion test is performed on the rod with guides taped on. You then move them around to make the best of their position for that particular guide.

 

You should then test cast the rod and see if you want to move anything based on the casting performance.

 

If you tell us the blank and the reel , you can probably get some suggestions as to how many and where as a starting poing.

 

I am a firm believer in Fuji hardloy guides. All rods should have an SiC tip IMO.

[Al Goldberg]

The Lami Triflex Kayak blanks have a fast action with a softer tip due to the possibility of "high sticking" from a kayak. Therefore you will need more guides on the tip section. Most of the blanks in this series are 7ft. 6in. long.

I would go with Fuji hardaloy or alconite, either BNLGH or BMNAG in the following sizes: 20,16,12,12,10,10,8,8,8 plus an SIC PST tip.

 

JMHO

 

Al G.

[Capt Richie]

I'm looking to build a tri-flex lami or two for the kayak. It's a conventional spiral wrapped rod.

 

One thing I've never understood about rod building is how builders choose the guides for the rod. The number, the size, or the style.

 

Any general rules?

 

 

Spiral wrapped aka ACID wrapped...

 

First guide #20 all the rest #10..I use Fuji mnsg guides..

 

for a Kayak rod 7'3" to 7'6" see how nine guides work..

[RussSommers]

I just spiral wrapped a GUSA 80 MegaMag. I went 16m, 12mm, 7 x 10mm with two transition guides.

 

My advice would be for you to apply the static flexion test. Tape the guides on run the line through and tie the line to something that wont move and apply pressure, see if the line is touching the blank, see if the guide positioning looks right. Hey it works for me