Guide Layouts for Surf Rods

[chefchris401]

Dave I've used k frames and LC guides on a bunch of rods I built the last two years.

I built two rods, same blank one with k frames and the other with LC guides, I find myself fishibg the LC guide layout more.

Rod is more responsive and crisp.

It really depends on the action, line, application, for the guide layout.

Nice thing now is most companies have some basic guidelines available and some software on the internet takes a lot of the guess work out of it.

If you're looking for blanks I would contact saltheart on here and see if he has anything available if he doesn't it's worth the ride to CMS to talk to Eric and Charlie , plus they always have an epic sale in the winter
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[numbskull]

Your best option when figuring in cost/weight will be Alconite K guides probably starting with a 30L and dropping fast to size 8 or 10 runners.

For that size spool you can build something a bit lighter that will cast as well (but not necessarily better) using Titanium LC guides (20-12m-10 into 8 runners) but the expense is substantial (@ $180 for guides). Regular LCAG guides are heavier and I'm not sure they offer a big advantage over K guides but they are pretty cheap for the three sizes mentioned and you might consider buying three to try them against the K guides and see which you prefer.

If you decide to try the LC route pm me and I can give you some guidelines on where to position them as a starting point for test casting.

[massbassman]

Hey Chef, how you been bud!? Thanks for the info.

The build is going through CMS, as I just really like their work, and are great people. As far as guides go, I have been leaning toward the K frames, as weight is a big factor for me like the way the rod reacts under a load with them. I understand there are formulas for guide layouts and this is where my confusion is coming from. Sizes of guides, and spacing, adding more or less to affect flight or action, has just become a little confusing. I guess I will do as you suggested and stick within the guidelines laid out by the individual manufacturer and keep it simple.
Thanks for the help, I may call you as things get closer with a question. Hope you're doing good. Dave

[massbassman]

Thanks George , I appreciate the feedback. One of my points of confusion comes from the number of guides, say from 8 to 10 as you suggested. Most of my production rods have 7-8, what effect does the extra runner guides have? Is it strictly to increase casting distance, or is it to help load the rod more evenly due to the choice of blank, or both?

Sorry George I just re-read your post and saw that you were referring to the SIZE of the guides and not #, my apologies.

[SeaWolf]

massbass, to me the single most important reason to get a custom rod vs a production rod is that the rod you want isn't available the way you want it as a production rod, which isn't always true in recent years. COF designs have been replaced w/ NGC and LR designs, which lightened rods and made them more responsive. rod grips have come a long way since the old EVA or plain-jane cork tape designs. distances of where reel seats are located are more realistic today. i can see that as one of the major reasons to get a custom today as not everyone is built the same. the other item to consider, and it's a big one, is rod warranties. those are rarely considered when buying a rod until the day the rod breaks. guide frame and ring materials now are relatively inexpensive, light, and much better quality, but that is another thing to consider - what is the rod manufacturer using for rod materials? fuji? pacbay? other? quality comes with a price.
i'm not even adding in guide wrap colors, butt wraps, cork ring grip options, etc.
in your case, with a rainshadow, i don't even think they make production rods, so you would have to go custom.

[massbassman]

You make some great points SeaWolf, especially with regards to blank warranties on a build... something that should be at the top of your list, and wasn't on mine. I'll need to look at Batson's policies before I settle on that blank, or any blank, and begin a build. This will be only my second custom build, and first surf rod, as my other was a boat rod from Canal B&T. Your point about cost is well received also, as these rods come with a price tag. But I think as you eluded to, I can make this rod tailored to me. Age, injuries, and fishing styles have changed since my early days, and although I'm not old, I like the ability to make "changes" that can lengthen my time in the surf and make it more enjoyable and productive.