Guide numbers and so on.

[bish0p]

I'm currently working on a real gem right now. A rod blank composit that has not been made in years. I was able to get the company to reproduce it in order to closely match the makeup of one of their rods from more than 30 years ago. It got sent back in 2016 on a warranty mission only to find that they just couldn't make it anymore. Instead of warrantying that rod, they decided to produce a whole new blank for me. Slightly better than the original but still utilizing the same components. I'll show it off when it is complete. If you are not familiar with a SAGE rod, take a look. Feel free to choke when looking at the prices. Then you will realize the reason I called it a real GEM!

Sage discontinued their steelhead casting & spinning rods. They were some of the best rods I've ever fished, they rivaled the Loomis steelhead rods. I regret not buying a few blanks when they were still available. That's great Sage created a new blank from a discontinued line. I hope to see your rod when it's finished.

[skeetbum]

Wick, I noticed a sharp angle from the reel at the outside of its rotation to the stripper on the Wally rod. Makes me feel like the eye of the guide isn’t tall enough to get in line with the reel. I haven’t noticed any whipping sound when I cast so I’m not inclined to think I’m suffering line slap. I haven’t measured the guide placement so I can’t answer that yet.

Ray, I haven’t found a production rod that followed the spine yet, but I’m always interested in seeing something new. I’ve owned a couple that were way off. Come to think of it, I’m going to go and check to see just what I have.

Just checked and the spine on the 6’ Wally rod is off at least 90*. The stripper guide on the lightning rod is at 21” and the stripper if 3/4”. The Wally its at 18” and the guide is 1/2”, dime size. The action is stated as medium lite but really appeals to me. Thought went thru my mind to take everything off of it and start over.

[wicklundrh]

Skeet, I think that is your best bet. I got a call from a guy I am mentoring yesterday. I told him to take the eyes off his rod and do it the way he thinks it will work best. Your not out much in terms of price, you get to learn how to strip old rods, and you get to learn what possibly works and doesn't.

Sage has been the best company I have worked with hands down. I do wish they would come back with their 2 piece 10 and 12ft blanks but, I also understand that their market is fly rods these days and they do a heck of a job at it.

[skeetbum]

Wick, I’m leaning towards that idea. The handles aren’t even real cork, just a foam core with a cork veneer. That disappointed me too.

[Gbcorley]

Oh the tricks to cut corners and save some money I’ve seen this on a number of brands.

[z520tom]

Go to rodbuilding. Org. Click on history. Click on New Concept guides for spinning rods. This is the best technique going. I have built a couple 100 rods and this is the way to go. By the way spline on a blank is not always the way to set your guide orientation.

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[Gbcorley]

Ive built 1000s of rods so why do you say that its not always the best way? On some blanks I personally don't think it really matters but I still always build them on one side of the spline, based on what I want out of the blank. Just curious what your thoughts are, not calling you out or anything. Always love hearing another rod builders thoughts on the craft.

[z520tom]

I stopped building on the spline and went to using the straight axis long ago. I only build for myself and friends. My spline finder hasn't been out of its drawer in 15 years. I build freshwater spin and casting rods only. The following pics tells what I believe.

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[NUBSTER]

in building several hundred rods, most are 9' blanks, I am convinced the size of the reel arbor (where line is stored) and the distance between the reel and the first guide are major factors in casting distance. I prefer the older abu garcia 500 series reels and placement of the first guide at 19 inches from reel face. Average casting distance is 20/30 feet longer. Also weight of jig makes a difference. JUST SAYING!!!